How to Buy the Perfect Running Shoes

Running shoes are the most important piece of gear a runner owns.  With so many shoes available it can be difficult to find your perfect pair, especially if you are just starting out.  Learn how devoting a little time and effort into finding the right shoes can keep you pain and injury free.

1. Head straight to the experts at a specialty running store. Make sure you have time to dedicate to the process of finding the perfect pair of running shoes.  A qualified sales person should ask you a battery of questions and have a number of shoes for you to try.
2. Determine your foot type. Most sales people will be able to look at your feet and know if you have high, flat, or normal arches.  They should be able to determine if you pronate or supinate.  Some sales people will measure your foot to determine your perfect size.   Running shoes should, for the most part, be worn half a size bigger than your street shoes.
3. Ask for a running analysis. For this step, you will be asked to run or walk for the sales person, usually on the treadmill.  Hint: come dressed to run!  The analysis will confirm whether you pronate or supinate.  Your running style will also be noted.
4. Answer questions. The sales person should ask you how many miles you plan on running per week and on what types of terrain.  They may also ask you your weight to determine how much cushioning you need in a shoe.
5. Try the shoes out. Finally, you will be able to try on several pairs of shoes.  Run in them at the store, see how they feel and pick the pair you like the most.
6. If the shoes don’t work, return and repeat. Most specialty running stores have liberal return polices.  If necessary, take advantage of this perk.

Once you’ve found your perfect pair, start running!  It’s important to note that running shoes usually need to be replaced every 300-400 miles to prevent injuries.  You probably won’t have to return to the specialty running shop once you’ve been fitted, however, shoe manufactures can be tricky and change your model or discontinue it completely, so watch for this.  Good luck!

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/josiahmackenzie/3414064391/

June 12th, 2009 by Aspen Streetman | Posted in Gear, Tips | (0)