When running, should your running shoes be loose or tight or just a matter of preference?

Question

When running, should your running shoes be loose or tight or just a matter of preference?

Answer 1

I like mine tight, just so that they don't slip out and get your time ruined. :|

Answer 2

I wear mine loose, but not too loose where my heels slide out or ankles roll.  Your feet should not be able to shift too much when you run, but do allow a bit of room due to feet swelling (mostly in long distances).  If you tie you shoes too tight, you could have pressure on your nerves on your feet to cause tingling, numbness or discomfort. Make sure you have proper shoes for your foot type, not all runners are equal.

here is a link to give you some tips of various lacing patterns to relieve pressure on troubled areas:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,71...

Keep running!

Answer 3

When you're sprinting you want your shoes tight, it can increase your speed. If you're running distance don't have your shoes too tight, but not loose.

Answer 4

Tight enough that your feet dont slip about in them. Consider gettting them a half size larger than normal - your feet grow longer over a long run

Answer 5

I like mine loose because my feet swell with the run and blood flow is restricted.

Most of my elite running buddies wear theirs very loose too.

I guess it really is personal and about how they feel.

Answer 6

tight, if your feet move around, you'll get blisters

Answer 7

You don't want the shoe to be slipping on your foot. It should be tight, but not hurt your foot.

If the shoe is loose and slips it can cause blisters.

The best thing is to be comfortable so get shoes that fit properly.

Answer 8

i guess it's personal preference, but i like mine tight, so they don't come untied, and it keeps my feet from swelling.

Answer 9

Just make sure that it is supporting your foot (and the rest of your body's frame) and not rubbing.

Answer 10

There are many many different ways that your shoes can be laced. The shoe should be tight enough to not rub on the back of the heel or you could run into problems with blisters. Some people find it difficult to find what is comfortable to them and they have to chose a different way of tieing their shoes. Some people like the shoe to be loser in the middle and some like the shoe to be loser on one side or the other. Check out the below website for different ways to tie your shoes to make them more comfortable.

Answer 11

Tying and lacing are two different things to consider.

Lacing from the front of your shoe to the back should be firm but not tight. Lacing is not just a prelude to tying. Lacing is an integral part of the lateral control mechanism of your shoe. When shoes are designed and tested they are laced firmly to mimic the way that consumers are apt to lace them.  

The only time I would recommend altering lacing would be in the case of heel slippage. To prevent heel slippage, lace the shoe up to the second to last eyelet as you normally would, then stay on the same side and put the lace through the top eyelet, creating a loop. Now run the two ends across into the loops and (with your foot in the shoe) pull on the ends of the laces. You should feel your heel seating into the shoe with a snug fit, without pressure on the sensitive top of your foot.

You should tie your shoes tightly but not so tight to affect the lacing. Once you have adjusted your lacing you should tie your shoes once and jog around a bit to be sure everything is right then tie a double knot so that things stay the way they are.