Did you know that close to 50 million people in the United States of America take part in some form of jogging or running? One of the most important things that you need to do if you want to get the best experience from running is to find great lightweight running shoes. Speed and performance are important when it comes to finding the best running shoes.
Some people prefer more of a barefoot feel with their running shoes while others want a maximalist shoe with cushioning to absorb the shock of each stride. Trying on your different options is a great strategy to find good running shoes.
If you need some help getting pointed in the right direction then today is your lucky day. You’ve come to the right place to learn about finding the best lightweight running shoes for your running hobby. Keep reading this article to learn more today!
Get Plenty of Length for Your Toes
It’s no secret that feet swell when you’re running or hiking, so you need to make sure that you have plenty of space for your toes as they expand. The best approach is to find shoes that have a thumbnail length of space between your toes and the end of the shoe.
This is especially important if you plan on trail running. Your feet will grow from half-size to full-size as you run. Make sure that you get running shoes that will give your feet the room that they need.
Look for a Wide Toe Box
Getting shoes that are too narrow will cause a ton of blisters for your toes when you’re running. It is important when you start looking for lightweight running shoes that you find ones that have plenty of room for your toes. When you find some running shoes that you like you should see how well you can wiggle your toes.
Avoid Seams
Seams might seem like something that you can overlook but think again if you want to find the best running shoes for stabilizing support and performance. Look for running shoes that have no seams on the upper portion of the shoe. There is a tendency for shoes to cause blisters on your feet in the areas where seams are located.
For the best speed and performance, you should try to find running shoes that feature a seamless upper portion that hugs your foot. and keeps it stable.
Arch Level
No two people have the same feet, so it is important that you understand the arches of your feet. Some shoes are better for people with flat feet that want the barefoot feel that zero drop shoes provide. Flat shoes like those at KicksCrew are great for people that don’t need arch support and want to feel the ground beneath them with each step.
There are other people that need stabilizing support for their arches in order to keep their feet feeling great. The best shoes have arches that contour and match the arch of your foot. If you have rare arches then you might need custom inserts for your shoes.
Snug Heels
Another feature of the best lightweight running shoes is shoes that hug your heels when you walk or run. The best approach to test this is to visit your local running shoe store and try some of your options out. Shoes that don’t hold your heel in place will cause severe blistering on the back of your foot, especially if you’re covering long distances.
Try out some of your favorite options at the store and go for a quick jog around the store’s interior before making a purchase. The last thing you want to do is purchase expensive running shoes that hurt your feet. You need to find running shoes that allow you to enjoy running as much as you want.
Firm Feeling
Lightweight running shoes should also have a nice, firm feel to them. It makes sense from a logical standpoint that soft and pillowy running shoes would be best for shock absorption but you actually need to get firm running shoes. The firm running shoes will help you with shock absorption, which is a big deal if you plan on running on firm ground or concrete.
The firmer running shoes provide more spring-back with each stride that you take. It takes a massive amount of stress off of your muscles and joints when you’re out on a run. Avoid falling into the trap of getting running shoes that don’t provide the stabilizing support that your body needs.
Right Amount of Flex
The flex point of a shoe is something that often gets overlooked when you’re looking at buying lightweight running shoes for the first time. The flex point is the area where the shoe flexes or creases when you bend it or press your toe into the floor.
The best approach is to find shoes that bend in the same place as your foot does during your normal running stride. Shoes that flex in the wrong area will cause some significant issues with your feet. Getting the right flex point will take that stress off your foot and allow you to stay healthy and fit.
Getting the right running shoes will keep your feet, legs, and hips healthy for a long time. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a barefoot feel or a maximalist shoe with cushioning, the flex point will play a role in having the best running experience possible.
Find Your Perfect Lightweight Running Shoes
Running is a great hobby to pick up if you want to stay active and healthy, but you need to find the right lightweight running shoes to meet your health needs. Avoid getting running shoes that have seams on the upper portion as they will cause blisters on your feet. You also need to get the right level of arch support and give your toes the room that they need when your feet swell.
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