Recently, I decided to buy a new pair of running shoes as my old pair is wearing off. In order to find the best fit shoes for my training requirements and my foot profile, I have done extensive homework online by read up the various reviews and recommendations.
However, I seldom buy shoes online directly because I will not know if the shoes will be a good fit for my feet. I will still head down to the shop to try them on. I will lace them up, walk around with them, and observe if my feet can fit nicely and firmly into the shoes. If the shoes do not feel right walking around in them, they are not the ones for me. The right pair of running shoes should fit well from the moment I put them on.
Any pair of new running will usually take some time to break them in. Here are 4 simple things that I do to break them in.
Walk Around in them first
I will not start any intensive training in my new pair of shoes. Instead, I will walk around with them first. For instance, I will walk to the training ground with them or do warm-ups in them. Hopefully this can “loosen up” the shoes up a bit.
Do short runs, low intensity runs
Then, I will slowly use them for runs. I do not recommend starting long runs or intensive workout with them immediately. Instead, start with easy short runs first. During the short runs, try to observe how the shoe’s cushioning, fit and weight response to your running. Usually after such short runs, I may make some adjustments to the lacing, socks usage etc to adapt myself into the shoes better.
Gradually increase the usage
I will still be alternating between the old and the new pair of running shoes. By alternating the shoes, it can give my feet more time to adjust to the new pair. I will also slowly increase my running intensity in the new pair of shoes and make continual adjustments to fit the shoes to my feet.
Get constant feedback
A perfectly fitted shoe does not mean that the shoes is also perfectly fitted for your body. If your back starts to hurt when you are trying to break in the new shoes, then it might be the shoes that are causing you the problem (even if your feet feel fine). You may consider changing your shoes when this happens. Therefore, listen to your body as your gradually phase in the longer runs in this new pair of shoes.