( 
)
Running Shoes - Fit & Buying Tips
- Running shoes don't need to be broken in. They are made of synthetic materials that DON'T stretch, and the cushioning is ready to go, so they fit "right out of the box". The way they fit the first time is the way they are always going to fit.
- Running shoes are used for running, so they need to be more roomy than a regular shoe. Why? Remember the force of heel strike… each foot does this 500 TIMES EACH MILE, so your feet tend to spread out.
3 Keys to the Right Fit:
- You should have about a thumb's width of room at the toe. If you can't wiggle your toes, then move up to the next size.
- The shoe should hold your foot securely around the midfoot (arch and instep) and at the heel, with little or no slipping.
- The shape of the shoe should match the shape of the foot (more on this later).
What's Your Size?
RRS fit testers are real, live runners with all different types of feet. They try on every shoe we sell in order to determine the fit. The shoe manufacturers do not supply this information.
If a fit tester's foot measures a true size 9, but size 9 ½ is the best fit (according to the 3 keys above) then this shoe would be listed "1/2 size short." . There is ½ size difference between their true size and the size that fits best.
Because sizing varies from shoe model to model, you might find shoes differing by up to 1 ½ sizes in a runner's closet, yet they all fit! The shoes all look the same size… only the number on the shoe box is different.
Bigger is Better!!
If you aren't sure of which size to buy, it's nearly always better to choose the larger size because much more can be done to fine-tune the fit:
- change to a thicker sock like Thorlo
- add a replacement insole; these are thicker and more durable than standard insoles
- adjust the lacing to snug up the fit (lace lock, for example)
If a shoe is too small, there's not much you can do. Since running shoes don't stretch, the only option is to try a thinner sock.