It’s easy to get overwhelmed when browsing the store aisles for running and cycling shoes. However, it often results in buying the wrong pair as you’re distracted by everything going on around. If you want to find the right pair of trainers, you need to distance yourself from the riff-raff and focus on the aspects of a shoe.

It’s a massive headache going shoe shopping, isn’t it? The stores are crowded, stuffy and there’s no personal space. The music is too loud, but you’re on a mission. You’ve come to buy a new pair of running (or) cycling shoes. But you probably aren’t keen on spending time here; at least not more than necessary. You try on three, four pairs, mumble to yourself: “That’ll do,” and walk out exhausted but victorious. “It’s done,” you say to yourself and go home happy. However, when the time comes to test your new shoes, the stress returns. The trainers feel decent at first, yet after a while they become a pain. And you can’t help but think: “Picking shoes was so easy twenty years ago.” But right now is not 1999 and the stores’ “shoe pool” is deep; so deep it’s hard to find the pair. To prevent a situation where your shoes start hindering your performance, here are three tips to follow when buying running or cycling shoes.

1. Money is (usually) king
Good quality never comes cheap, does it? This also holds true in the shoe industry. While it can be tempting to save your money and place it in the lower end of the market, do yourself a favour and don’t. You may not see the difference with your eyes but will feel it with your feet. Investing into mid- or up-market shoes is more beneficial in the long run: they don’t fall apart as fast, are more comfortable and not as harsh on your feet. Just be sure they fit your body and style of cycling or running.
2. Comfort is key
While obvious to many, comfort is sometimes forgotten in a shopping frenzy. However, compromising between the look and the feel of the shoe is a slippery slope. When you browse the shoe selection, you need to think what you value more: looking good or being able to push through difficult stretches without having to concentrate on your burning feet? While looking good can feel important, if value your overall health and also want to improve performance, go for the latter. Your feet and body will thank you.
3. Pick the shoes for your needs
Whether your running or cycling, get the shoes that best fit your style. Different styles require different kinds of footwear. For example, you cannot go mountain biking in rigid racing shoes unless falling is your ultimate goal. Racing in flexible mountain bike shoes also isn’t ideal as the power transfer between the feet and pedals is significantly weaker. Not good for racing purposes. The same concept applies to running shoes, too. However, your body dictates your needs here: flat feet need more support. Also, bulky shoes may not be the best for sprinting but they are effective in and long-distance running.

The next time you’re in the need for specific trainers, keep these three tips in mind. Following them means you’re on your way to feeling the best you can in your new shoes.

Text and image: Martin Pedaja