Running Shoes

Running shoes are very important.  You might think that all shoes are alike, but o contrare.  Remember, you are an athlete, and shoes are your main equipment.  Compared to other sports, running is inexpensive.  A good running shoe will cost between $90-$150 and will last on the average six months.  Believe me, it is a lot cheaper than a gym membership, so go and invest in a good pair of shoes.  So, which shoe is the best?

There is not one best shoe.  The best shoe is the shoe that is best for you.  Running shoes are now broken down into four categories.  Neutral, stability, motion control, and light weight racing shoes or minimalist shoes.  We will only talk about the first three groups in this section and leave the minimalist, barefoot running shoe for another topic.

Neutral: For the under-pronator/biomechanically efficient foot.

Stability: Mild to moderate pronation

Motion Control: Moderate to severe overpronator/heavier weight runners.

Now, if you have a custom orthotic that is controlling pronation, you might only need a stability or neutral shoe, depending how much your orthotic controls you.  This then leads to a very important point.  You need to know your foot type.  Most people buy shoes based on aesthetics and/or comfort.  Comfort is very important, but it does provide a true guide if the shoe is the perfect shoe for you.  The shoe needs to both control your abnormal biomechanics as well as provide comfort.  Seeing a podiatrist or a certified pedorthist can be very helpful in guiding you to the right shoe type.

When seeing one of these professionals, you should make sure to find out what arch type do you have.  Are your arches, flat, normal or high?  Are they flexible, semi-flexible or rigid.  Do you abnormally pronate which can lead to foot, ankle or knee problems.  Do you need an orthotic to help control this pronation or can a motion control shoe do the job? What is your correct shoe size, both length and width?  Take good notes and then go to a running shoe store and have fun shopping.

Now at the store, make sure the person who is helping you is experienced with all the shoe brands and that he/she is also a runner.  Buy your shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are most swollen.  Make sure you get measured and that they measure both feet and measure the length and width of your feet.

Now, go to the section that has the shoes for your foot type and try on all the different brands.  Take your time picking out the right shoe.  Walk in the store, get on the store’s treadmill (if they have one) and even ask if you can run around the block with them.  Remember, a bad shoe can lead to injuries, which will now put you out of commission.

Your shoes will last between 300-400 miles, or approximately six months.  If your budget allows, get two pairs, as long as there is an exchange policy at the store.