Four Signs You're Wearing The Wrong Running Shoes

One of the most common mistakes new runners make is running in shoes that are not well-suited to their foot type and stride. This mistake lands many new runners in the podiatrist's office with complaints of injuries such as plantar fasciitis and metatarsal stress fractures. As a runner, your goal is to reach the finish line -- not your doctor's waiting room. Keep an eye out for these four signs that the shoes you're wearing are working against you.

Your toenails are cracking or turning black.

This is a sign that the shoes you're wearing are putting too much pressure on the tops of your toes. If you don't make a change now, you may lose a toenail completely or end up suffering from ingrown toenails, which are pretty painful. You might need a larger shoe size, or perhaps a model with a wider toe box.

Your arches are sore after running.

If you're returning from hard runs with sore arches, your shoes may not offer as much arch support as you need -- or they may offer too much. You can strengthen your arches by rolling a tennis ball back and forth under your bare foot, but in order to avoid tendonitis, you should also explore different shoe options.

Blisters are an everyday struggle.

Many runners suffer from blisters when they suddenly start completing longer runs, when their feet become wet during a run, or when they don't wear proper socks. If you only suffer from blisters in these situations, there's probably no reason to worry. However, if blisters are becoming an everyday problem, your shoes may not be fitting properly.

You keep getting injured.

One day your knees are sore. After taking a few days off, you start running again, only to come down with Achilles tendon pain. A few weeks later, you develop a raging case of shin splints. There are many potential causes of injury in runners, such as increasing your mileage too quickly or failing to get enough rest.

However, if you're getting injured again and again, your shoes should be one of the first potential culprits you consider. Shoes that cause your foot to land incorrectly put excess strain on the ligaments and tendons throughout your feet and legs, leading to soreness and injuries.

If you're suffering from any of the signs or symptoms described above, it's time to make a visit to your local running store for some new shoes. Ask to be evaluated by a running specialist, who can analyze your foot shape and stride to recommend shoes that are better suited to you. Doing so will help you avoid injuries, so you arrive at the starting line well-trained and in perfect shape to run a great race.

To learn more, contact a company like Foot & Ankle Care Center PA with any questions you have.

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