Health Tech Review: Finding The Perfect Running Shoes

This is not by any means your standard running shoe review. First off, it's not about any particular shoe at all, but rather about finding the right shoe. Second, I'm not an avid runner and have little experience with running more than a few miles. Third, I'm a big guy on a big frame that is concerned about the effect of running on my knees.

In other words, I'm alot of people out there that want to get healthier and run longer distances, but didn't know how to go about doing it. It's easy and fun to go out and buy running clothes. It's simple and free to download running apps like RunKeeper, MapMyFitness, Moves, or Nudge (all of which I've reviewed lately). It's cool to buy additional gadgets like heart rate monitors.

Then comes the hard part - how do you fit yourself with the best shoes to makes sure you're supported correctly and have proper padding to protect your knees and joints? I found the best way was to go to the experts, especially if you're inexperienced like me and if it's your first time to get into running.

Do As You See Fit

I went to a pro running shop called the Big Peach Running Company in Atlanta. The store is chock full of expertise and equipment to find the proper shoes for people of all shapes, size, and experience. They put me through a 4 step fit process in order to find me the right shoe:

1. Usage Intentions -  5k or marathon? Walking or Running? Trail, asphalt, or treadmill? All of these uses require shoes with different characteristics and need to be considered in your choice.

2. Understanding Biomechanics - By using Video Gait Analysis, a pro shop can measure your pronation tendencies for the right shoe. Footwear is tuned for the degree of stability and/or the drop  (differential between the height of the heel and the forefoot).  Whether a Structured Cushioning shoe (mild, moderate, or high stability), a Neutral Cushioning shoe (little to no stability), it is crucial to correctly match the degree of stability a shoe provides with the degree of stability that an individual needs. This sounds like an intimidating process but you really just get on a treadmill and jog for a minute so the camera can capture your gait.

3. Foot Characteristics - A quick scan of your feet on a small platform gives an exact measurement of your arch and your foot width. They also will talk to you about any injuries or inconsistencies with your feet that need to be accounted for, including custom orthotics and inserts.

4. Fit, Feel & Ride - If you're like me, this is the only step you've experienced at a shoe store, however if the other 3 steps have been done it is a much more pleasant task. Based on all the data gathered, you can try out recommended shoes and decide which one is just right.

Time To Lace Up

What was my perfect shoe? Everyone is different, but I chose a pair of Saucony Triumph 9 Powergrids. I'm a fan of retro Sauconys but had I not gone through this process I probably would have never chosen that brand for running. They've been the most comfortable shoes I've ever run in and I can honestly say that it was worth taking some extra time to go to a pro running shop and get a custom fit.

Nudge measures how healthy you're living with a single health score, the Nudge Factor. Now syncing with your favorite health apps, Nudge is your healthy lifestyle in one place, with one health score. If you'd like to learn more about how to engage your audience and get more brand advocates, contact Nudge.