How to Choose the Right Women’s Brooks Running Shoes
Brooks running shoes are one of the most trusted and respected names in the running shoe industry. From lightweight racers to rugged trail runners, Brooks has been providing athletes with shoes that meet their individual needs for over a century. Whether you’re a competitive runner or just enjoy a morning jog, Brooks has the perfect shoe for you.
Brooks running shoes feature a vast array of technologies to improve fit, comfort, and performance. Their shoes are designed with a 'heel-to-toe transition', which helps runners maintain their form and technique with fluid movements. Additionally, their advanced cushioning systems help to reduce shock on your joints, providing superior comfort and their unique stability systems support every step, helping to keep you more stable and prevent injury.
With proper research and understanding of running shoe features, you can find the right fit that will help enhance your running performance and keep your feet healthy. In this article from the shoe experts at Brown’s Shoe Fit of Fort Collins, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when shopping for women’s Brooks running shoes and offer some tips and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
Know Your Foot Size
When was the last time you had your feet measured? For most people, it’s been quite a while – maybe even a decade or more. It may sound like common sense, but finding the right running shoe starts with knowing what size you need. It’s best if you can go to a shoe store to have a professional fitting. Unfortunately, many large retailers no longer offer this service.
A quality, full-service shoe store will not only provide you with an accurate fitting and assessment of your footwear needs, but they will also be knowledgeable about different brands of shoes. For instance, many shoe brands have different models and fits so just because one particular brand or style of running shoe doesn’t work for you, that doesn’t mean a different model within the same line won’t be a perfect fit.
What Kind of Runner Are You?
Next, it’s important to consider the type of running you plan to do. Different running shoes are designed for different types of activity, such as trail running, road running, or track and field racing. Running shoes made for trail running, for example, are designed with better traction, more stability, and extra cushioning to help protect against harsh terrain, while track and field running shoes are lightweight to maximize your speed. Be sure to choose a shoe designed for the type of running you plan to do.
Neutral vs. Support Running Shoes
It’s also important to find the right shoe for your running style, as some shoes work better for certain runners than others. For instance, if you’re a neutral runner, meaning that you distribute your weight consistently with each step and your feet and knees align as you run, then you’re considered a neutral runner. If, however, you have lateral movement in your stride and your feet and knees don’t track perfectly straight as you run, then you’re a support runner.
So, what does this mean with regard to finding the right running shoe? It means you should seek out running shoes specifically designed to match your running style. Neutral shoes will provide cushioning support while allowing the foot and ankle to flex and move freely. Support running shoes, on the other hand, will allow your joints to move naturally while preventing overuse injuries, strains, and sprains.
Choose Your Experience
Brooks running shoes are designed to fit the individual athlete's unique needs, from neutral shoes to stability models. Their extensive product line is divided into three categories that offer three different experiences. They include “cushion” which is characterized by soft, protective cushioning in every step, “energize” which is designed to provide extra spring and lift, and “speed” created for those looking for a streamlined running shoe that will propel them through their run.
Within each of these three categories, Brooks provides additional options for further personalization. Choose from neutral or support models, as well as those that provide additional cushioning and responsiveness. When it comes to finding your perfect shoe, Brooks truly has something for everyone.
Find Your Ideal Women’s Brooks Running Shoes
Just because everyone you know is wearing a particular brand or style of running shoe, that doesn’t mean that it’s the right running shoe for you. To find the ideal Brooks running shoe that will fit you best, you can start by checking out the Shoe Finder tool on the Brooks website.
Although a computer might be able to tell you what will, in theory, work for you, if you want to ensure a proper fit and actually experience first-hand how different shoes feel, stop by Brown’s Shoe Fit in Fort Collins.