7 signs that indicate you are choosing the wrong sneakers

1. Injuries to nails

Running shoes that are too small will put constant pressure on your thumbnails. The result is pain or complete loss of the nail plate.

You can avoid this by choosing the right sports shoes. When trying on, make sure the shoe has a thumb-width from the tip of your longest toe to the tip of the toe. The second way to do this is to move your foot as far forward as possible and try to stick your thumb between the back and heel.

If you run long distances in the mountains or hilly terrain, feel free to take shoes half a size or even a size larger.

2. Corns

According to a study from the Cincinnati Institute., calluses are the most common problem for marathon runners. Chafing can appear due to bad socks or improperly fitted shoes.

Sneakers shouldn't chafe. The leg should feel comfortable. If you suffer from persistent blisters, this is a sure sign that you need to change your shoes.

3. Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

Another common reason people often see a podiatrist is pain in the heels or feet (plantar fasciitis). The reason is poorly fitted sports shoes that knock on the sole with every step.

If you feel pain in the heel or sole of the foot, be sure to contact an orthopedist who will help you choose sneakers with the correct foot support or prescribe insoles for you.

4. Burning in the legs

Sometimes, the wrong cycling shoe can cause a burning sensation in your feet. The reason may be constant pressure in the ankle joint and irritation of the nerve during prolonged pedaling. Try replacing the insoles with softer ones and do not tighten the laces as tightly.

5. Stress fracture

Small, inconspicuous bone fractures can happen to almost anyone. One of the reasons is athletic shoes with thin soles.

About half of the runners land on the heel, the other half on the toes. For those in the first group, sneakers with a thin sole are not suitable, as they do not provide the cushioning required for this style of running. This can lead to joint inflammation, stress fractures, and other injuries.

Thin-soled running shoes originated in the wake of natural running. We wanted to run almost barefoot, like our ancestors, but we forgot that they did it on soft sand, grass or forest soil, and not on asphalt or tiles.

6. Tendinitis

Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) can occur in several places, but most often it affects the inner side of the ankle or the outer edge of the foot. The first is caused by curling the foot inward, the second is caused by too high a rise in the shoe.

To get rid of these problems, it is advisable to consult an orthopedist before buying sneakers and order special insoles, if required. Or buy sneakers where you can test your pronation on a special treadmill with pressure sensors and video footage of your running. At the same time, you will see all your problems.

7. Uneven wear

Running shoes should be changed as soon as they begin to lose their shape and support the foot poorly. The mileage may vary depending on your size, as well as the track you usually run on. Cedric Bryant, Ph. D., Chief Scientist for the American Committee of Physical Education in San Diego, puts this range at 480 to 800 kilometers.

Take a close look at your sneakers after a few months of wearing. If there is obvious asymmetry, you should definitely insert the insoles.