Mens Shoes: Buying the Best Option Available
When shopping for mens running shoes, be like Goldilocks and choose a pair that is “just right”. The shoe should fit snugly in the heel and midfoot but allow a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Try the shoes on and walk (or even run) around the store to make sure they are comfortable. Most running stores have generous return policies, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
Size
The most important factor in buying shoes is determining the proper shoe size. Your feet are likely to change in size based on factors like pregnancy, age, and weight gain. For this reason, it is a good idea to visit a Running Expert specialist running store and have your foot professionally measured by one of our trained staff. When shopping, be sure to wear the same socks and workout gear that you normally run in, as these will give you a more accurate measure of your foot. The foot measurements are then used to match you with the correct shoe in a size that will provide maximum comfort and support.
A shoe that fits properly should feel snug in the heel and midfoot area as if lightly hugging your foot, but the toes should be given some wiggle room. The extra room in the toe area is necessary for the natural foot splay that occurs during walking, running, and racing.
Many runners find that running shoes are more comfortable if they are a little big than if they are tight. It allows the foot to move and stretch in the shoe and gives you the best chance of avoiding injury. If you try on a shoe that feels comfortable but is too tight in the arch, we recommend choosing a narrower width.
Width
Foot width is just as important to a comfortable shoe fit as length. If a shoe fits properly in terms of length but is too tight across the arch, it could cause a variety of foot conditions, including blisters/calluses and possibly even bunions. Foot width can also be a factor when selecting mens running shoes with high arches. A standard shoe is usually too narrow for these feet and can lead to painful bruising, causing the shoes to grip/squeeze the foot, which can then restrict the normal splaying function of the forefoot, leading to an increased risk of forefoot pain and injury.
When testing a shoe for proper width, press your thumb against the front of the toe area and around the toes. There should be a half to a thumb’s width of space in this area to ensure the foot has room to flex/move.
When trying on shoes, always wear the socks you will typically run in, as these can change your foot size slightly. For example, running in thin Merino wool socks may result in needing a size bigger than running with light cotton socks. Getting a measurement from the store and finding out your size in cm/foot is an excellent starting point to reduce the selection of possible runners and make an informed decision.
Toe Box
The toe box is the depth and width of a shoe’s front end. The shape can vary, but for runners, it should be spacious enough to accommodate your toes without feeling tight or cramped. The best way to determine if a shoe has the right toe box size is to try on the shoes while standing up and make sure that there is about a thumbnail’s length between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. It is particularly important if you have a foot condition like bunions or a tailor’s bunion, as the wrong toe box size can cause rubbing and painful blisters.
Heel
A snug heel fit is key to preventing slippage and blisters. The best way to determine whether a shoe’s heel fits properly is to wiggle the shoe and see how the heel moves. It should move a little bit, but not too much.
Heel slippage is a sign that the shoe is too small and is pushing against your foot, which can cause blisters. If you find that the shoe has too much slippage, try lacing it tighter and using a lace lock. These tips should help you prevent slipping around the heel of your shoe while running.
When trying on mens running shoes, wear the socks that you typically run in. Sock thickness can play a big role in how your feet fit into the shoe. If you need to, go a half or full size larger than your normal shoe size.
During the fitting process, remember that the fit of your shoes should change after you run in them for a few miles. The cushioning in the shoes will compress over time, and you should always adjust your shoe fit based on how well they feel during a run. If you are unsure about how to adjust your shoe fit, visit a Fleet Feet store for a free one-on-one fitting experience. The experienced staff can help you find the perfect fit for your feet and your runs.