Should you Stick With the Same Brand of Running Shoes?

When people first start running, they will often spend a lot of time searching for the ‘perfect’ pair of running shoes. It’s true when people say that the right shoe can make a world of difference when you’re running. What you wear on your feet can make you more comfortable and help you to avoid injuries, making running much more enjoyable.

However, once you’ve found a pair of running shoes you get on with, you shouldn’t close yourself off from wearing other brands. It’s common for runners to have several pairs of running shoes, especially if they run four or five times a week, and it can be beneficial to rotate your shoes. You will very rarely come across a running enthusiast that only wears one brand of running shoes and it’s not something we recommend at The Run Hub either.

It’s actually a good thing to have a mix of footwear brands in your locker and below we have explored some of the main reasons why you should own a selection of running shoes.

Why you Should Mix and Match Running Footwear Brands

There are several reasons why you should rotate your running shoes and this is something all runners should do. Three of the main reasons why we always suggest that people wear different footwear brands are;

1. Owning Different Shoes can Help to Prevent Injury

By wearing different running shoe brands, you can reduce your risk of injury by not placing the same muscles under stress every time you run. Different shoes will support your body in different ways and rotating your shoes can help you to avoid some of the problems caused by the repetitive nature of running. Of course, you will need different shoes for different terrains as well and running in the wrong shoes can increase the chance of you hurting yourself.

2. Variety in Running Shoes can Optimise Performance

Different running shoe brands offer different technologies and features that can provide different levels of cushioning, traction and stability. Mixing and matching different brands will enable you to find the best features to help you run more efficiently and comfortably, regardless of your needs. You may find that one type of shoe is best for shorter distances when you’re running faster and another is more comfortable for longer runs, for example.

3.Mixing and Matching Gives you the Freedom to Choose

Not all running shoes look the same. Different brands offer different styles and colours, as well as different technologies. Whilst this might not be the best reason to buy a selection of running shoes, running is meant to be fun and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t mix and match your shoes depending on your mood or which outfit you’re wearing. Having a selection of shoes to
choose from means you’re always ready for whatever your next run may entail.

Popular Footwear Brands for Runners

When you’re new to running and you first walk into a running store, the number of shoes you have to choose from can be overwhelming. There are so many brands out there and you might not know where to start when narrowing down the options. We will talk about finding the right running shoes for you in more detail below, but some popular footwear brands that are worth looking into when buying running shoes include;

• Adidas
• Asics
• Brooks
• Hoka
• Mizuno
• New Balance
• On Running
• Saucony

Take a look at our range of women’s running shoes and men’s running shoes to explore some of the popular brands we supply at The Run Hub.

How to Choose the Right Running Shoes

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to running shoes and this is one of the main reasons why there is such a huge variety of shoes to choose from. Every runner is different and it’s important to ensure you’re choosing the right shoe for you. So, whilst you can ask other runners for their opinions of different footwear brands and shoe models, make sure you speak to an expert for some tailored advice too.

A key step in buying new running shoes is booking a gait analysis. This is something we offer at The Run Hub and we can take all of the guesswork out of choosing the right shoes for you and your running style. The shoe fitting process is quite complicated and we will consider several variables when recommending a footwear brand. We use the latest technologies to help you find running shoes that are suitable for you, whether you have a neutral stride or you’re a
pronator or supinator/under pronator. Don’t worry if you don’t know what this means, we will explain everything to you during your gait analysis.

We advise that runners get their gait analysed every 12-18 months. Even if you think your shoes are still comfortable, changes in your fitness levels, weight, injury history and running form can all impact which type of shoe is best for you.

Speak to an Expert About Running Shoes in Ireland

Ultimately, you shouldn’t always wear the same pair of running shoes and it’s beneficial to have a selection of different footwear brands to choose from when you’re running. With both physical stores and an online running store in Ireland, we have the widest range of running shoes to choose from at The Run Hub. If you already know what you’re looking for, feel free to order online via our website and we will get your new shoes delivered in no time.

If you need some help narrowing down the vast market, pop into one of our running stores in Dublin. We know everything there is to know about choosing the right running shoes and our expert team will be happy to help you.