A Podiatrist’s guide to choosing the right running shoes 

A Podiatrist’s guide to choosing the right running shoes 

30, 11, 23

Choosing the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance and injury prevention. There are many things to consider including your running surface (for example cross-country versus pavement or trail running) and distance can also play a factor too.

With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. 

We’ve put together these handy tips to consider when you’re buying your next pair of running trainers.

1. Understand your foot type

Your first step is to book a running assessment with us. We will determine if you have a neutral, overpronation, or underpronation (supination) foot type and advise on the best type of running shoe and cushioning for you. 

We do this by observing your gait and form n the clinic with 3D technology to track your movements on our treadmill.

Book your gait analysis here.

2. Lean into expert advice 

Be fussy and take your time when choosing running shoes. The experts in running shoes at your local store can guide you to the right pair based on your needs and running style.

3. Try on shoes later in the day

This will ensure the fit is right and accounts for any foot swelling. 

Different socks can affect how the shoes feel so stick to your usual pair for an accurate assessment.

4. Use the ‘thumb-width’ rule

Aim for a finger’s width between your longest toe and the shoe end. This prevents cramping, nail damage and allows natural foot movement.

5. Don’t skip local retails for online deals

Supporting local keeps expertise alive and you’ll often get a much better service. Cheap, online deals may seem tempting but local shops provide invaluable knowledge for your foot health. 

Shopping local also supports the community, creates jobs and often has a smaller environmental impact. 

There are plenty of great local retailers near Active Life Poditry’s clinic in Fulham and Putney. Or, if you’re venturing a little further out – give our friends at Up and Running in Richmond a visit. Active Life Podiatry customers will get 10% off in-store by quoting ALP10

Book your gait analysis as a standalone assessment or an add-on to your routine appointment by calling our team on 020 7381 6682

 

View our services or head over to the booking page to book your appointment today.

Book now

We are here to help you to #TakeSteps

  • To an active recovery following injury
  • To active, healthy feet for your family
  • To a personal best
  • To an Active Life
Book now

Activate your personal best

Activate your personal best

22, 01, 23

Activate your personal best

We have two clinics, our flagship in Parsons Green and our second clinic in Fulham. Lots of our patients are keen runners and many enjoy the challenge of local running clubs and races.

We’ve helped thousands of patients overcome injury and get back on their feet, as well as supporting many on their performance journey; with biomechanical assessments, gait analysis and more.

Will this be the year your activate your personal best?

We’ve shared a few of our favourite races and running clubs, but there a lots more available. If you’d like to add your favourite to the recommendations, please email us at info@alpodiatry.co.uk

 

Join a running club

Whether you’re looking for a serious sweat, scenic river runs or a light jog to a different coffee shop, we’re spoilt for choice in the Fulham, Putney and surrounding areas.

Clubs have members of all speeds and abilities, so you’ll always be able to find someone at a similar ability or just a little bit faster to work towards. Even if you don’t want to enter races, simply improving your fitness and being a part of something is a great way to stay active.

Spending time with people that share your goals can be hugely motivating and help foster great new friendships.

Our top picks:

 

Running in a race

There’s nothing like a hard deadline to get you motivated! Whether you’re a first time runner or an esteemed athlete – there’s a race for you.

If you’re in a running club already, you’ll more than likely be taking part in races with people you already know so you’ll have you’re you’ll own personal squad of cheerleaders.

Here are our top picks for upcoming local races:

February

March

April

May

June

September

 

Whether it’s a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis or a pain management plan, our experts are on hand to help. You don’t have to go fast, you just have to go. Let us help you get there.

Book now

#TakeSteps to look after your feet

Active Life have invested in high-tech specialist equipment and combined with their expert knowledge and technology can provide useful advice on your personal running style and how to improve.
Performance treatments
Small steps, big strides

Small steps, big strides

21, 01, 23

Small steps, big strides 

We don’t believe in ‘resolutions’ at Active Life Podiatry. Setting a goal to be more active and healthy doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

It can be as simple as introducing a few small changes, such as adding more steps to your day, an exercise class or increasing your NEAT activity.

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating or sports-like exercise. It can help with health issues, weight loss and it ranges from the energy expended walking to work, housework, gardening, walking up stairs to playing with the kids.

Here are five ways to introduce exercise or NEAT activity into your daily routine.

Rise and shine stretch

Put a yoga mat next to your bed so as soon as you get out of bed, you’re on the mat. Then commit yourself to a few moments of gentle stretching and movement before you start the day. And if you’re feeling extra chirpy, try adding in some crunches, press ups or burpees *shudders*.

Try a walking meeting:

According to research, your best ideas often come in the shower or on a walk. In fact, walking can increase creativity by up to 60%. If your job allows, try your meetings on a walk either face to face or digitally, it will certainly change the pace of your meeting.

Running in a race

Why not join a running club or train for a race? There are some great local ones and you may even see one or two of the Active Life team! Here are a few local recommendations:

https://www.runuk.co.uk/e/putney-and-fulham-half-marathon-4046

https://runabc.co.uk/london

https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/battersea-park-half-marathon-march-189894

http://secondsunday5.com/the-race/

To get you kitted out with the best running shoes, our top recommendations:

https://www.runandbecome.com/london

https://upandrunning.co.uk/

Get fit with friends

On your next get together, try something active such as a dance class, tennis match or a leisurely stroll. It can be much more motivating doing it with a friend and it’s a great way to keep each other accountable. Having an accountability buddy drastically increases the chances of you achieving your goals, so pick wisely!

Park your car far away

…or better still, ditch the car and walk! But if that’s not practical or possible, park your car as far away as possible to get a few extra steps in. You can burn up to 16 calories for a five minute walk.

Small steps turn can turn into big strides.

And if you’re in pain, please don’t wait. We want to help you get back to your best self.

     

    Whether it’s a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis or a pain management plan, our experts are on hand to help. You don’t have to go fast, you just have to go. Let us help you get there.

    Book now

    #TakeSteps to look after your feet

    Active Life have invested in high-tech specialist equipment and combined with their expert knowledge and technology can provide useful advice on your personal running style and how to improve.

    Performance treatments

    A podiatrist’s tips for marathon training

    A podiatrist’s tips for marathon training

    20, 10, 22

    A podiatrist’s tips for marathon training and long-distance running

    Lots of the team at Active Life Podiatry are keen runners, with many of them taking part in marathons and distance running.

    With so much conflicting information available, we’ve asked the podiatrist’s to share their top tips on the best ways to safely train for marathon and long-distance running.

    Make sure you focus on strength training

    People under estimate this, but keeping your core strong can protect your body from injury. Aside from running, we’d recommend you incorporate some forms of strength training into your weekly exercise regime. This can include weight training or more gentle types of core focused training like Pilates and yoga will help too.

    Don’t run every day

    Four to five runs a week is enough and rest days are important. Running everyday doesn’t give your body a chance to recover and you increase the risk of injury.

    Do gradually increase your training

    Sudden increases in running distances and speed are one of the main causes of injury. Try to include two longer runs in your weekly running schedule and the shorter ones will set your pace for the longer ones.

    Don’t use moisturiser to soften your feet

    This might seem like a strange point, but this can lead to more blistering of your feet. Not only will this be painful and uncomfortable, but it will likely pause your training and progress which can be frustrating.

    See your podiatrist

    It’s important to understand your unique running style and get tailored tips with gait analysis. It’s often not something people think about, but understanding your personal styles and works can not only help you perform better, but can also help you avoid injuring yourself.

    Active Life have invested in high-tech specialist equipment and combined with their expert knowledge and technology can provide useful advice on your personal running style and how to improve.

    Active Life have invested in high-tech specialist equipment and combined with their expert knowledge and technology can provide useful advice on your personal running style and how to improve.

    Book now

    #TakeSteps to look after your feet

    Active Life have invested in high-tech specialist equipment and combined with their expert knowledge and technology can provide useful advice on your personal running style and how to improve.

    Performance treatments