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Five Tips on Shopping for Running Shoes
Does your typical trip to the shoe store involve trying on a few pairs of shoes that look nice, walking around in them for 30 seconds, and then paying for one of them at the counter? If this is you, you are not alone. Most people shop for shoes this way. However, picking the right pair of running shoes should command more of your time and focus.
A standard shoe store will have multiple brands and as much as a dozen pairs of shoes for each brand. Knowing which pair of running shoes is ideal for you can be very difficult. We all have a tendency to want to figure it out for ourselves. The best thing to do is find a qualified sales associate to help, but most often we're in a store with a sales associate whose only training is where to locate the box in the back should you choose to buy. The following tips will help you find the right shoe for you should you find yourself in the shoe store with little to no educated help.
First, go only to stores that carry name brand running shoes and if possible ask for a trained salesperson. They may have someone on staff that has been properly trained but is elsewhere at the moment. If you can find someone who knows what they are doing, they can walk you through the process of buying the right pair of running shoes and you can be confident that the shoes in their store are good quality.
Second, know whether you are looking for shoes designed with "motion-control" in mind or designed with "comfort and support" in mind. A shoe that controls the motion of your foot is best for someone that has a very flexible foot or over-pronates as they run. Someone this flexible is also more likely to have a lower arch in their foot. However, if you have a fairly rigid foot and high arch then you more likely need greater support and would look for shoes that emphasize support.
Every brand of running shoes will have varying levels of motion control and support. Each shoe at the shoe store should identify the level of motion control and support. If it is not displayed next to the shoe, ask to see the manufacturer's catalog. Within the catalog, along with the size and width information, will be a short description of the shoe including what type of performance the shoe was designed for. This information can also be found readily on the Internet and in running magazines.
Third, GET THE RIGHT SHOE SIZE. The right shoe type is only going to help you if you are wearing the right size. It is amazing how many people don't wear the right size shoe. If you have not been measured in a while, be sure to take the opportunity at the store to measure your foot with a Brannock device. It is beyond the scope of this article, but you can search "Brannock device" on the Internet for instruction on how to use this device.
Fourth, give your shoes a try. Walking around with one foot in your new shoe and the other foot bare is not going to give you an adequate assessment of the shoe. A good shoe store should have a treadmill to afford you the opportunity to try out the shoes and see how they work. You may find that your feet are different while running and you shoes no longer fit. You may find that you are a size 8 Med while walking, but need an 81/2 to give your toes adequate space while running. The best way to know is to try them out. Don't be afraid to try on several pairs either. That is why there are 50 pairs of shoes on the wall.
Finally, once you have found a good pair of shoes, stick with it. This is where the Internet becomes truly wonderful. Fashion and style are always changing. So while you may have found a great pair of running shoes at your local store in the past, it may not be there anymore. Once you've found a great style of shoes in the right size, the Internet can be a great place to find that same brand and type forever.
About the Author
Dr. Hoopes is the owner of the Shoe Annex. Providing comfort for Living in your shoes. Go to http://www.shoeannex.com to learn more about
Womens Running Shoes
and
Mens Running Shoes
.