How To Choose Running Shoes

These ideas will help you in figuring out how to choose running shoes. The adventure of choosing the right running shoes is usually time consuming; you will definitely have to try on more than one pair and probably have to look in more than one store. When you do choose the right running shoe, buy more than one pair, because they will have been changed or updated by the time you need a new pair.

1. Go to a specialty running store. Most cities have at least one specialty running store. People who work at these stores are knowledgeable about running, are runners themselves, possibly coaches or trainers.
2. Know what kind of feet you have. Do you have flat feet? High arches? Your foot structure is going to be an important factor in determining how you will choose your running shoes.
3. Know what kind of gait you have. Your gait will be the most important  factor in choosing which running shoes to buy.
   If you go to a specialty running store, the employees will analyze your biomechanics- this means they will watch you run on a treadmill and tell you if you a.) overpronate (your foot rolls inward excessively), b.) underpronate (your foot rolls outward) or c.) are fortunate enough to be a neutral pronator (you foot turns in 15 percent or less and is able to support your body weight). Bonus: this is a free service...even if you decide not to buy the shoes.
4. Know what kind of surface you run on.  Where do you do most of your running; on the track, bark trails, or pavement? If you are a trail runner, you are going to want something more protective and durable than you would for just running on the road.
5. Know what you are using the running shoes for. If you are buying shoes for racing, you are going to want something more lightweight, but it is going to be less supportive and less durable; so generally speaking, you want to do your daily training in different shoes than your racing flats. If you are a recreational runner, you shouldn't need anything apart from a daily trainer.
6. Go for a run. Before you buy your new running shoes, take them out for a run. Most stores will let you take running shoes outside for a few minutes to get a feel for them. Some stores will even let you take the shoes home and try them out.