Testing new shoes is fun

Choosing the right running shoe isn’t just about brand or looks — it’s about how the shoe feels on your foot.

I test new shoes all the time to understand how they feel and how they compare to similar models. This gives me the best sense of who the shoe is for.

But how can you apply this yourself when you’re in a store trying on shoes?

In a good retail shop, the employee should be able to make a small selection of running shoes based on your shoe history, running mechanics, and injury history.

From there on, it’s up to you.

Here are 3 practical tips to use when you are testing out shoes for yourself, and what you should focus on.

Tip 1: Focus on feel

No one can tell you how a shoe feels, only you can decide that. When trying on a shoe, pay attention to details like:

• Does your heel slip out?

• Do you feel any sharp edges?

• Do you feel any pressure points?

• Does your foot slide back and forth?

• Is the heel cap pressing into your achilles?

All questions you should answer yourself. If something feels off in the store already, it definitely will feel off after running for 30 minutes.

Tip 2: Always try different sizing

You are in the store already. You can’t go wrong with trying a different size. It helps clear up any doubt you might have.

• If the shoe feels too big, go down half a size.

• If it feels a bit tight, go up half a size.

Your longest toe (not always the big toe) should have a pinky width of size left (about 1.5 cm).

Better to find out in the store than at home after your first run.

Tip 3: Wear two pairs of shoes

Usually, a shoe fitting boils down to two pairs of running shoes that are good for the intended purpose, your running style and foot shape.

Without training and experience, it can be hard to tell the difference between two shoes based on running in both pairs.

That’s why I always recommend to try both shoes on, each foot one, just like the picture above.

Do a few jogs around the store and feel which one feels more natural to you. That is the one you should pick.

I hope these 3 practical tips will help you find the right shoe next time you are in a running retail store. If there is no running retail store near you with qualified staff, I can help you through one of my consultations.

I’ve already helped 16 runners find their perfect shoes through 1:1 consults — saving them time, money, and frustration.

Thank you for reading!

Tim 👟