Getting Started
I often get asked how to start running, and I know there’s an eagerness to just head out the door to buy the coolest pair of running shoes. Before doing so, please avoid my initial mistake of buying just any pair. I hurt myself after my first run with those shoes, and was off the pavement for a few weeks. I can laugh about it now, but I’m super thankful I have a brother who is knowledgeable when it comes to all things running, because he introduced me to the first and most crucial step - getting properly fitted for running shoes. It's essential to visit a running shoe store, like Fleet Feet, or a local shop rather than just buying any pair online. I personally went to a local place called Sole 2 Soul Sports, where I had my gait analyzed by walking on a treadmill, stepping on a foot pressure mapping system, and getting my feet properly measured. (My left foot turned out to be a size 6.5 and the right was a size 7 — OOP)
So, running gait refers to the mechanical process of a leg traveling during one step—essentially, your running form. Over time, you'll develop your own running style, but to minimize the risk of injury, finding the right shoe starts with assessing the natural rolling motion of your feet when you walk or run.
So, what should you expect when you get fitted?
It’s a completely free & personalized experience. An employee will use scanning technology to take measurements of your feet and a pressure mapping system to analyze your foot's path of motion. They may have you walk on a treadmill or a black pad and record your feet to get a closer look . This provides insight into where your body places the most pressure, if you need arch support and helps determine how you pronate.
I know this sounds like a lot of terminology, but this assessment is designed to find what works best for you, and the amount of mileage you intend to put in weekly. After your assessment, they'll bring out a variety of shoes for you to try based on their findings, and have you walk in each pair to see which feels most comfortable. As you start to increase your mileage, your feet tend to swell, so don't be surprised if they suggest a shoe that is half a size or even a full size larger than your regular shoe size. This helped me decide which shoe to go with and what type of shoe to look for in the future. I still continue to get my feet assessed every now and then and found that I still need stability shoes because I tend to overpronate. I’m a visual learner, so I found the whole process to be fun, and the best part is that you leave with a certain confidence in that you selected a shoe tailored to your needs.
While you’re there, check out my ultimate favorite socks that have made all the difference. If you have any lingering thoughts or questions, please feel free to message me.
