The market for running trainers has never been as extensive and widespread as it is right now. Every trainer manufacturer has a collection of running silos in an array of colourways that would make a Dulux colour chart green with envy – sorry, Overtly Olive Green with envy.
Buying running trainers isn’t like buying your regular, everyday rotation footwear. Things have to fit a little differently because even though they may not be worn as much, or for longer periods than your other footwear, they’re going to be put through their paces much more often.
Even if you’re simply buying running silos as part of your everyday wear, the shape and construction of most are designed specifically for runners, which means you need to look out for a few things to make sure they fit perfectly.
So, what do you go for with running silos? Do you stay true to size or opt for a size smaller or bigger?
Wearing running silos that are too small
If you are packing your feet into a pair of Ultraboost 19 or your Nike Zooms then you’re going to notice immediately that your standard size doesn’t fit quite the same.
If you do run, you’re going to feel the pain of your toes constantly smacking into the toe box, leading to bruises and those dreaded Flintstone-esque feet that you get on ballerinas. If you don’t run, you’re going to be left with a serious aesthetic problem; with your toes butting up against the front of your trainers, they’re going to push up against whatever material they’re constructed from. Take adidas’ Primeknit for example. It is tough stuff, but it’s got a lot of give – it has to make them so comfortable and breathable – but having your toes pushing out the front makes them curl up giving you that clown shoe style that nobody really wants.
Sizing down is a definite no go area when it comes to running silos. So what about our normal fits?
Should you buy any running trainers true to size?
If you are going to wear running silos without taking them for a spin then you can get away with true size in a handful of trainers by changing your lace configuration to gain a little more snugness in the heel and let the front be a little looser.
We see the loose lace look all the time with the likes of high tops, which works so well because of the high construction giving a good foot hold without needing laces so much to hold everything together. Running silos are different. Without much in the way of ankle lockdown and support you’re relying on the material around the foot to hold everything together. Most running silos now utilise great knit tech that conforms to any foot shape, so laces have to do less work to keep the footwear on the actual foot.
Don’t commit to a pair of running silo trainers before trying them on. Some fit nicely when you stay true to size but some have little alterations that make them a tad uncomfortable. Opt for half size difference so you can get the most out of them.
Wearing running trainers a size up
Opting for a size bigger than your usual fit gives that loose-fitting aesthetic that some people prefer but having your foot shifting around inside your trainers can be uncomfortable the more the move around.
If you’re going to use your trainers for running, then a loose fit is a no go. Without your foot locked down the stress on your feet with every step is going to cause serious blisters, damage to your navicular bone, bruise your toes and even cause your toenails to fall off. Nasty!
Therefore we’d say; if you’re a runner, never choose a size up. But from an aesthetical viewpoint, if a loose fit is your style then by all means go for it. Just don’t try and run anywhere any time soon.
You can check out Laced’s online trainers platform right now for the very best prices on some of the best running trainers on the resale market.