Running Shoes

If you’re looking for a high-quality pair of running shoes that support your feet and offer protection during your run, then you can find the perfect pair at Sportitude. We have selected the best shoes from a variety of brands including, Mizuno, Nike, Asics, Brooks, and many others. The shoes you wear should be a reflection of the sport you’re doing. In the past, you’d have had a single pair of shoes for all the sports you played. With modern technology, sports shoes are becoming more and more specific and designed to suit particular activities.

Shoes designed specifically for running will give good traction and support for running on flat and hard surfaces. You can choose shoes based on the type of running you do. There are trail running shoes for those that enjoy running in a natural environment, or cross training shoes if you’re into mixed training.

How do running shoes work?

Running shoes at the most basic level are designed to protect the wearer from injury during running exercise. Most shoes designed specifically for running will help with stability control and can reduce the amount of energy required to run. Any shoes that increase your running efficiency will help you run faster and for longer. A high-quality shoe will limit the effects of the impact caused by running on hard surfaces and will lower your rate of fatigue.

While all running shoes are different depending on the brand that developed them, they all follow a similar and well-developed process. Shoes designed for the runner are most often light-weighted, as this allows the user to swing their legs freely and expend less energy. The midsole of a shoe is important for the distribution of energy during a sprint and run. During running, the midsole of the shoe will compress and store energy, ideally, it should return some of this to the runner and allow them to run more efficiently. The science behind most running shoes is constantly being further developed and refined by manufacturers. One of the main reasons you’ll see a huge variety of shoes for running is that we all run slightly differently. So finding the best shoe for your running style is ideal.

How to pick running shoes?

If you're a beginner, choosing a shoe can be difficult, with so many brands and models to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? There are a few simple ways to find out how you step, walk, and run that can help in choosing a shoe that properly fits your gait.

Before doing anything else, you need to know your foot arch type. This can help in choosing a running shoe to fit your pronation (i.e. the way your foot rolls during running). Most feet will fit into three categories, low, normal, and high arch. Once you know your arch type, you have a good idea for your running gait. A low arch will usually cause overpronation, a high arch will cause under-pronation (also known as supination), with a normal arch being neutral pronation.

For a runner with an excessive overpronation (flat feet or a very low arch), you can choose from motion control shoes as these will provide that appropriate amount of support for your ankles. If you have mild overpronation (mid-low arch) buy a shoe marked as having stability control. For those with neutral or under-pronation (high arch) look for neutral cushioning shoes.

If you ever experience pain or discomfort with your shoes during running it could be that you are wearing the incorrect shoes for your gait. Having a podiatrist examine your running style and recommending suitable footwear may be beneficial to make sure that you’re getting the right shoes for your feet.

How to keep running shoes clean?

A good quality pair of running shoes is an investment and you should try your best to take care of them. Cleaning is a part of the general maintenance and will help keep the shoes functioning properly. The recommendation for the cleaning and care of your shoes will differ for different types of shoes and materials, but there are a few steps that are common to most.

If you have a few pairs of shoes, it is easier (and more efficient) to clean them all at the same time. As the shoes can take some time to dry, cleaning is best done the day before you take a break from training. Ideally, have a cleaning station all set up with the tools required to get the job done and follow this quick guide:

1. Use a small brush (a toothbrush is perfect) to clean away any dirt, grass, or anything that should not be there.
2. Take the laces out of the shoes, and using a laundry bag (or pillowcase) put them through the washing machine. This will help eliminate any odours, if the laces are worn you can replace them.
3. In a bowl of lukewarm water, mix in some laundry detergent (choose a mild eco-friendly brand). Using your soft brush gently scrub at any stains, then give the shoes an overall wash.
4. After cleaning, rinse the shoes with a soft cloth and clean water. Try to remove any of the cleaning residue and soaps.
5. Once the cleaning has finished, leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. It’s not recommended you place the shoes outside in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, as the sun can warp the outer sole and discolour the shoes.
6. After they’re dry, replace the laces, and then you’re ready to go!

Where to buy running shoes?

At Sportitude we sell a huge range of women’s running shoes and men’s running shoes, and shoes that can support you playing netball, tennis, or basketball. All the shoes we sell have been picked for their quality and ability to assist your performance.

The price of a particular shoe often relates directly to the quality and how long it will last under certain conditions. If you’re a casual runner then having the same shoes as an elite athlete may not be that beneficial as you simply will not need the same levels of support and longevity. Any brand of running shoe will have a range to suit all budgets and styles of runners. The most important factor for buying your running shoes should be the fit and then deciding if you need some of the extras you’ll often see in very high-end shoes.

At Sportitude we are interested in supporting all runners regardless of their running journey. If you’re just getting into the sport or if you're a seasoned runner, we can provide you with help and advice to choose your next pair of running shoes.

We sell many different brands, for kids, women, and men. You can find popular brands such as Asics, Adidas, Brooks, Nike, and Mizuno, and many others. If you need any sports clothing to complete your outfit, we have a full range for all sport and fitness activities. We can ship shoes all over Australia for free on purchases over $100, (shipping is $7.95 for orders under $100). All purchases made through our website are covered by our 30-day returns and exchanges policy. At Sportitude we have made finding and purchasing running shoes online through our shop a simple and easy process.