Running Shoe Guide

Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment you can have if you are a runner. Running shoes are a great gift idea that can help somebody that you care about to live a longer and healthier life. Your selection is really down to which shoes to buy and what you should be looking for. Making the right choice allows you to achieve your maximum potential.

All Athletic Shoes Are Not Equal

Aerobics shoes, cross-trainers, and basketball shoes may seem comfortable or not all that different from running shoes, but choosing a shoe not fit for your needs can have a big impact on your comfort level and running success.

If you are going to be using your shoes for running, it is absolutely vital that you buy a pair of shoes designed specifically for this purpose. Running shoes are made specifically for running and the unique needs of runners.

Runners should not make the mistake of using cross trainers, tennis shoes or other sports shoes. Cross trainers are more versatile, but also less suited for running or jogging then runners are. They also fit rather tightly. Running shoes on the other hand also fit tightly, but have a thinner base and more flexibility, especially when bending the foot forward.

The Proper Fitting Running Shoes

The fit will be the single most important factor in how effective the running shoes will be. The wrong type, and a bad fit can cause many problems, the worst being making you more prone to overuse injuries. The right running shoes protects feet from the stresses of running. All that energy has to be distributed somewhere. Good shoes absorb much of that energy. Poor shoes make your body absorb that energy.

Your efforts to improve your health could actually lead to a knee, hip or ankle injury due to a lower quality shoe purchase.

Running Shoe Types

Cushioned shoes are an excellent choice for the runner who needs minimum support on the sides of the arches, but plenty in the midsole. These are ideal for people who don’t suffer from over pronation (the tendency to roll the foot as you run) and people who strike the ground with the middle or front of their foot. People with high arches are likely to do well in cushioned running shoes.

Running shoes For motion control are best for someone who suffers from moderate to severe over pronation, since it gives you the most control of the back of your foot, as well as plenty of support on the sides. These are excellent for people who are heavier or larger, since they tend to need durable shoes that offer lots of support. Runners who do well in motion control shoes may have flat feet or a lower arch.

Shoes for racing are a type of shoe for people who don’t overpronate. They won’t work well for people with injuries, either new or old, but they’re very light and fast – perfect for racing. Some people choose to use performance training shoes, described below, in their racing, while others buy specific racing shoes and use them only for this purpose. The choice is one of personal preference, as both methods work well.

Performance training shoes are a well balanced, light shoe that works for daily training, as well as for racing and speed. To wear them, it’s best to be an efficient, fast runner with a fair amount of experience. Some people with moderate over pronation can race and train in these shoes, but they may have trouble if the problem is too severe.

Shoes for stability are cushioned shoes and motion control racing shoes, stability types offer both midsole cushioning and side arch support. If you need durability and support, or if you overpronate mildly to moderately, these may be the best choice for you.

As you can see, there are many types of running shoes and finding the right one for you is a matter of type of running you will be doing, budget, and comfort. Do your research ahead of time and you’ll be able to get a great running shoe that will make your running program more enjoyable.

Running Shoe Tips

Consult a podiatrist. More commonly known as a foot doctor, this kind of specialist is your best source for determining your foot type so you can be equipped the knowledge you need to shop for the perfect shoe. The truth is that while one pair of shoes many be excellent for one runner it could be completely wrong for you.

Go shopping in the afternoon. You might not think that the time of day you buy you new jogging shoes would have any kind of consequence, but your feet will have expanded in the afternoon after a full morning of walking.

A running shoe is designed primarily for the forward motion of the feet.

Be careful not to buy too small. At the tip of the shoe, your toes should be able to wiggle freely. At the same time, your heel should not slide around or this will cause painful abrasion.

Try on shoes with the same style of socks that you plan on running in. The thickness of your sock can make a big difference in the way a show fits, a point that must be emphasized in this running shoe buying guide for beginners.

Running Shoe Brands

If you are the type of person who collects running shoes, you are probably aware of the many different brands out there you can choose from. A number of your bigger name brand shoe companies like Nike and New Balance have a large collection of footwear for you to choose from.

When you are looking for the lowest priced running shoes, some of the brands that you might want to take a look at would include K-Swiss, Avia, Piro and Reebok. You don’t need to pay a fortune for your running shoes and these brand names will allow you to buy a decent pair of running shoes for under $50.

Cushion on the foot is a very important element that you must consider in choosing the best running shoes. Take your time and try on several pairs to get the ones that fit perfectly for length and width, without sliding around and causing blisters. The top brand names for cushioning and support include Brooks and Saucony.

If you are looking for motion control, some of the top brand names to choose from include New Balance, Aetrex and Brooks. New Balance tends to offer a very wide selection of running shoes, from the most expensive, to the least expensive, most cushioned and best motion control that you can find.