The past two years have been the ideal opportunity to run away from it all, and it hasn’t stopped since. Thanks to quarantined gyms and work-from-home, many people were introduced to the world’s oldest sport. You’ll see more people running outside these days than ever before, whether old, young, fit, or not-so-fit. With coronavirus forcing people to find new ways to stay in shape, we were thrust into working out for our well-being.
Running is as natural as breathing, which it takes away. Our bodies are built for it, from the top of our heads to the bottom of our heels. And if the “runner’s high” is any indication, they’re designed to reward it, too. However, our bodies aren’t designed for the modern impact of the foot on asphalt.
Whether going for an early-morning social distance jog or running a marathon from your balcony, “pounding the pavement” goes both ways. Runners obsess over cheap running shoes because they’re the gear that matters. The best shoes don’t just soften the impact — they can make running a pleasure. Deciding to lace up is one thing, but how to choose the cheap running shoes with utmost usability? That’s a whole other question.
Finding the correct cheap running shoes that work best for you can be an involved — and intimidating — process. But the payoff is worth it.
What are the best running shoes?
The ideal cheap running shoes should fit your natural stride. That’s the main point. Some running shoes are lighter and stronger, designed for speed racing. These shoes’ Energy-Return System (ERS) will similarly return energy from impact into each new stride, as do ASICS’ Flytefoam and Nike’s Zoom Air. Others may be larger and cushiony and designed for extended distances. These shoes will use “cushioning” technology, like New Balance’s FreshFoam or Saucony’s PWRRUN+, to lessen felt impact and ease wear on joints.
Like Adidas BOOST and Nike’s ZoomX, some combine cushioning with energy return, which is a hybrid method that promises comfort and energy return. Depending on how much further north everything beyond the toe is equipped, these shoes might be used for various reasons.
How should running shoes fit?
Cushioning and stability are the two terms used to describe running shoes. These characteristics can be found in every running shoe to some extent, although they are dialled up and down depending on the role of the shoe.
Cushioning is intuitive. A running shoe with more cushion will feel plush and pillow-like on every stride. That’s generally nicer on joints over a long distance, but it does remove the ground feedback that leads to 1) quicker steps and 2) form corrections. The opposite is true of one with less cushion, or what the running world typically calls “responsive” cushioning.
So, what does all of this mean? Those with normal-size arches should look for shoes that don’t have heel counters, medial posts, or Torsion systems to load them up. They’ll “overcorrect” a good thing into something not so much. This is different to a shoe being built for durability or feeling “stable” in lateral movement because of features like heavier uppers. Stability shoes will be referred to as such throughout this guide and have their correcting features called out. These shoes are intended for those with flat feet or high arches.
Generally, the cheap running shoes you look for should fit bigger in the toe and tighter in the midfoot than casual shoes. Running as a motion slams your feet forward, so a tight toe box is a quick route to missing toenails. Further improving the cushioning of your running shoe can be facilitated by the best running socks you could find to attain comfort and avoid any mishap with your feet.
Finding the finest running socks on the internet is a significant issue. They may be costly, but they make a difference and improve your performance.
Thickness of the Socks?
Your running shoes should already provide you with enough comfort for your foot and heel ball. If your shoes are on the lighter side, pick up a pair of socks with more cushioning for the ball of your foot to help you avoid any potential tiredness during your walk.
Length of the Socks?
If you are prone to blisters, we would recommend that you think about purchasing either quarter-length socks or no show running socks.
Protection for your Arches
There are a few running socks on the market that include arch support. If you have high arches, we recommend consulting with a health professional to see if orthodontics can help you.
Keep Changing your Socks
If it’s a hot day and you’re running for more than an hour, change your socks halfway through the run. You’re likely to get blisters if you wear damp running socks due to a hot summer afternoon. As a result, it’s advisable to avoid cotton socks whenever possible. It’s best to have an extra pair of racing socks in your running belt. You may then replace them halfway through your walk. It is preferable to be safe rather than suffer from blisters, which will affect your training.
Climate is Everything
Some individuals may prefer wearing the same sort of racing socks for every activity, although we discourage it because the climate can impact your trip.
In the winter, woollen socks are ideal for keeping your feet dry and toasty. When the weather warms up and becomes more humid, we recommend buying thinner socks since they allow you to enjoy maximum comfort.
Conclusion
Just as with running shoes, there is no one “right” sock for all activities. Depending on the climate and your personal preferences, you will want to choose a different type of sock for running. In hot weather, it’s best to wear thin socks that allow your feet to breathe, while in cold weather, woollen socks are ideal. No matter what type of sock you choose, change them halfway through your run if they become wet or sweaty. This will help prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable.