Finding shoes that feel great on your feet is vital in order to prevent running injuries. If a pair of new running shoes bothers your feet, this could indicate they require being broken in.

Start slowly by wearing them around the house, gradually increasing distance and intensity over time. Or consult a running store for assistance in selecting an ideal shoe to meet your individual requirements.

1. Size Misfit

Even for novice runners and veterans alike, it is crucial to remember that shoes that don’t fit properly can cause significant discomfort. Surprisingly many runners wear too-small footwear without realizing it – leaving themselves vulnerable to shin splints, blisters or ankle injuries down the line.

When shopping for running shoes, select a store with an extensive selection and knowledgeable footwear specialist on staff. A knowledgeable footwear specialist should assess both your foot size and gait to recommend a pair that best matches you. It may also help to try on multiple pairs in store before going for a run on a treadmill so you can get an understanding of how they perform without damaging tread (many running stores and online sellers offer returns if something doesn’t feel quite right – be sure to utilize these policies if something doesn’t feel quite right!). If something feels off, take advantage of return policies before investing in another pair!

2. Inadequate Cushioning

Running places an immense strain on your feet and ankles with every foot strike, which can increase pressure three or four times with every step. Without adequate cushioning in your shoes, this pressure could increase three or four times per step and cause injuries such as shin splints or Achilles tendonitis.

Cushioning needs depend on both your footwear and running gait; runners with flat feet may require extra stability to prevent overpronation, while those with higher arches need cushioning to soften each foot strike impact.

One way to determine if your shoes provide adequate cushioning is by measuring their stack height – which measures how far up off of the ground their insole and midsole are elevated from their base. Higher stack heights offer more cushioning while lower ones offer closer-to-ground feel.

3. Improper Arch Support

Foot arches play a vital role in keeping feet balanced, dispersing impact of each step and offering stability to prevent injury. Unfortunately, some shoes offer too much arch support which may actually cause your feet discomfort!

Overly supportive arch support can reduce the amount of work your feet perform, weakening their intrinsic muscles over time and making them more prone to injuries. Because of this, it’s advisable to speak to a physical therapist prior to purchasing new running shoes.

Your wet footprint should have mostly filled in areas with thinner middle sections indicating high arches; otherwise it indicates low arches or flat feet. With adequate arch support in shoes can help avoid painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia as well as injuries such as shin splints, heel pain and bunions; physical therapists are well qualified to evaluate and recommend suitable shoes to you.

4. Break-In Period

Though it may be tempting to immediately run in your brand-new running shoes, breaking them in gradually is key for injury-free runs and adapting your feet to them over time. Start off slowly running short distances before gradually increasing both duration and intensity over several weeks or so. This will prevent injuries while giving your feet time to adapt.

If your new shoes are breaking in improperly, this could cause blisters and other painful issues. To reduce this risk, select shoes with proper fitting and gradually increase how often you run in them.

As well, heat sources may help ease any discomfort from new shoes by applying it directly to problem areas. You could use thick socks with hair dryer to soften material of shoe and increase comfort levels.