I know, I know. You thought running would be free and nobody warned you about the expenses involved.
There’s no need to panic. You won’t need nearly half of the items that many people suggest purchasing, at least not until you’re fully addicted to the sport. However, you will need a good pair of running shoes – so, it’s probably best to start practicing that speech for your spouse before dipping into the joint savings.
Here’s why great footwear is the smartest investment you’ll ever make.
#1. Look Good To Feel Good
You know those unboxing videos where runners get properly excited about opening up their new running shoes? They’re not putting it on for the camera. At least not for the most part. There is nothing quite like laying eyes on the new babies that will take you through the next few months of training. Putting them on will instantly make you look and feel like a real runner.
Looking and feeling superior can alter your mindset for the better. Should you be getting excited about lacing up a pair of running shoes than you ever did when lacing up your dancing shoes? Maybe not. But you definitely will.
#2. Added Comfort
Let’s face it; we’re (sorry, if I’m having to admit my age, I’m bringing you with me) at an age where comfort is king. We love our slippers. We love our oodies. And we certainly love cushioned shoes. Top running shoes will make it feel like you’re running on clouds. You’ll notice the difference during runs while also avoiding the post-run pains that an inferior shoe could produce.
For the best results, you may need to find a shoe that suits your gait or invest in cushioned in-soles. That may mean getting a gait analysis or you may just get lucky with a purchase matched to your foot and strike. Either way, a comfortable shoe will elevate your enjoyment.
#3. Giving Your Feet A Chance
It might not be the most exciting incentive for buying better running shoes, but the potential benefits for injury prevention is arguably the most important source of motivation. The perfect shoe may be influenced by whether you’re a forefoot or heel striker. Cushioning the right parts of your feet may prevent a plethora of injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
As a new or returning runner, nothing will kill your motivation like spending weeks on the sidelines with ibuprofen. Proper protection for your feet has to be the priority.
#4. Running Becomes Enjoyable
Any 90s kid who was team Sonic over team Mario will have been fascinated by speed since childhood. The blue hedgehog’s iconic red and white shoes were the secret to his speed. And the right running trainers could be the key to knocking valuable seconds off of your average mile times too. Whether you want to openly admit it or not, seeing your times improve will give you a buzz. What’s more, the feeling of running faster makes the activity noticeably more enjoyable too.
You don’t need to invest in super shoes to see the difference. Just a good quality shoe with a decent level of energy return will see you travel down the track in style.
#5. Increased Motivation To Run
Finally, the fact that running can be one of the most affordable may actually become an Achilles heel for some newbies as they won’t feel guilty about giving up. Once you’ve spent a noticeable amount of money on your running trainers, though, you will be motivated to get your money’s worth out of them. You wouldn’t have started if you didn’t intend to make this a part of your life. So, you may as well give yourself the best chance of getting started in style.
And, trust me, by the time you’ve gained value for money from your footwear, you will already be on the path from complete newbie to regular runner.
