How To Buy Running Shoes

Choosing the right running shoes can seem like a complicated task. To buy the right running shoe, you need to find a shoe that is both comfortable and will survive the repeated wear and tear of running. Some experts will tell you that you need to see a podiatrist first to find out your foot type. However with a little time and effort on your part, choosing the best running shoes can be simple to do.

Step 1: Visit a specialty running store instead of basic, all-purpose shoe stores. Stores that cater to athletes are more likely to have the right style of shoe and be better trained to assist people than a basic men’s footwear store. Those a salesperson is not as well trained as a podiatrist might be, these doctors are trained to cover medical and surgical issues. Plan to spend a considerable amount of time there in order to find the best running shoe.

Step 2: Have the salesperson look at the shape of your foot and your arch to help determine the right shoe for you. The exact size of your foot should also be measured, as a running shoe should be larger than a normal shoe.  When running your feet can swell, you need a shoe large enough to not create pressure when running.

Step 3: Try on the shoes and test how they feel both walking and running. The position of your foot while running is just as important in how a running shoe fits. When running, the foot either rolls inward or outward. Knowing this will help determine the right running shoe to wear. Have the salesperson observe your running technique to determine how your foot rolls as you run.

Step 4: Discuss with the sales person your running technique and style. You should share how often you run, on what surfaces you run on, and what type of running you typically do. Different running styles require different shoes. This is especially true on different surfaces. Running across paved surfaces calls for different running techniques and shoes than running across natural surfaces.

Step 5: Compare any pair of shoes you are considering purchases with your previous pair of running shoes, if possible. Look at the places where the bottom of your shoes are the most worn down to see where you need the most support.

Step 6: Try out your new pair of shoes for at least one week to get a good idea of how well they fit while running. If the running shoes cause blisters or foot pain, they should be taken back and a different pair chosen. Places where the shoes caused pain and tell you where you need to look for adjustments on an alternative pair.

A good running shoe should last up to 400 miles of running. At that point, you should consider replacing your running shoes for a new pair. These simple steps can help anyone to buy running shoes that will be comfortable and last. No matter what style or brand of running shoe you choose, as long as it has a good fit and support in the right places it will be the right running shoe for you.