Running Shoes: 4 Buying Mistakes to Avoid. Choosing running shoes based on fit, running style and terrain can make every workout more comfortable and help prevent common injuries. Sports medicine research suggests that up to 75 per cent of runners experience an injury each year, and poor shoe choice is often to blame.
A common mistake is buying shoes based on social media hype. Carbon-plated race shoes feel stiff during slower runs, so casual runners should opt for dependable daily trainers instead. Another frequent error is buying your regular shoe size. As you run, your feet naturally spread out, so leave a thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe.
Mismatching shoes to surfaces also causes problems. Road shoes perform poorly on muddy trails, while trail shoes wear out fast on pavements. If you run on mixed terrain, a hybrid shoe is better. Lastly, guessing your running style can lead to wrong support. Check the wear pattern on your old shoes: inner edge wear suggests overpronation, outer edge wear indicates supination, and even wear means you likely need neutral running shoes.
Before your next purchase, ignore marketing hype and pick shoes based on your weekly routine, proper fit, and the surface you run on. The best running shoe is the one that feels comfortable on your feet. Visit a specialist store in the evening when your feet are slightly larger, try several pairs, and trust your comfort above all else.