Walking or running on a treadmill is different from hitting the roads or trails, primarily due to the nature of the surface. Outdoors you deal with twists and turns, uneven terrain, slippery areas, and other unpredictable elements. Whereas treadmills eliminate all of this, giving you an even, flat, rubbered surface to train on.
Running shoe designs vary according to the intended surface. So, if you are using your outdoor running shoes on the treadmill, you are making a common mistake you must avoid for several reasons. Firstly, treadmill running shoes are typically engineered to be lighter and provide extra cushioning compared to road running shoes. It helps protect your feet, ankles, and knees from the repetitive impact of running on the same surface. Secondly, the hassle of cleaning outdoor shoes whenever you need to run indoors is not worth it.
But before you head to the stores to get yourself the best shoes for the treadmill, Brooks Running has some tips to keep away more typical buying mistakes.
Six common mistakes to avoid when buying treadmill shoes
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Only caring about aesthetics:
If you prioritize form over function when buying treadmill running shoes, you are signing up for pain and injuries. These setbacks can hinder your progress on your fitness journey. Sure, looks are important, but they should not be the sole factor guiding your buying decision. Comfort, protection, and safety are non-negotiable features of shoes for treadmill walking and running.
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Assuming expensive means good:
There is a common perception that the higher the treadmill shoes are priced, the better their quality. While purchasing from reputable brands offers the mental satisfaction of investing in a good product, assuming that every expensive product will fulfill your unique requirements is a misconception. Hence, it is prudent to prioritize quality over cost when deciding.
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Guessing your shoe size:
First assumption: Shoe size remains consistent across different types of footwear. Second assumption: All brands with the best running shoes for treadmill have a standard shoe size chart. In reality, neither of these assumptions holds truth. Ideally, you must measure your foot size every time you purchase a new pair of shoes and then use the brand conversion table to determine your precise shoe size. The shoes for treadmill walking should not be too tight or loose and fit you comfortably around the toe box, heel, ankle, midsole, outsole, and forefoot.
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Not considering your foot arch:
You can have a middle, low, or high arch that significantly influences your running pronation, which means how your foot naturally rolls to distribute the force of impact. -
Middle arches lead to neutral pronation, helping the foot adequately absorb shock and provide stability. Low arches cause overpronation, meaning your foot rolls excessively inward, and high arches cause underpronation, where the foot rolls excessively outward, both of which can cause injuries during running. Hence, it would help to choose treadmill running shoes with appropriate side-arch support based on your specific foot type.
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Skipping reviews and try-ons:
You do not buy the best shoes for the treadmill every now and then. Since it is a long-term investment, you must research them. If any shoes interest you, you can read or watch online reviews by customers and professional critics. Secondly, try them on in the evening with your socks to understand if they fit well.
Buy the best running shoes for treadmill running
Gone are the days when you had to jump from store to store in different city corners to find the perfect pair of treadmill shoes. Now, you can browse through several branded options available online. Brooks Running is one of the most reliable brands offering shoes tailored to your needs, whether you are into walking, marathoning, road running, or treadmill workouts. Many have joined our run happy tribe— you are welcome too!!
