What should I look for in running shoes?
By teenwitch14
@teenwitch14 (54)
Philippines
February 8, 2007 9:10am CST
I'm thinking of buying new running shoes, as my old shoes already got worn out. However, I don't really know what to look for. I don't know which features are essential and which ones I will truly benefit from. Please help!
4 responses
@tomfade (134)
• Norway
8 Feb 07
I would definately visit a sporting goods store. To tell them what surface you mostly will be running on, gravel, grass, concrete...etc...And to see where you put most of your weight, on the outside or inside of youe foot, so you can buy shoes that fit accordingly. This is to give you support where you need it, so that you will minimize damage and stiffness.
And it is better to pay a little bit more for some really good ones, instead of buying cheap shoes that doesn,t do anything for you. This is essential for thriving in your new running shoes. good luck
2 people like this
@ster1234 (80)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Definitely try to find a running specialty store. They may have a treadmill on which you can run so that they can help you determine what kind of shoe is best for you depending on how you run and how your foot strikes the running surface. This is important to minimize any injuries you could get from running. I think spending the extra time and money to find the right shoe for you will be worth it.
1 person likes this
@ctinabina (386)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Yes, ster1234 is right. Many running stores will be able to determine whether you "pronate" which is a fancy way of saying where and how your foot strikes the ground. If you pronate a lot, then you will likely need a high stability shoe. If you don't, you may need a medium or low stability shoe. Once you've narrowed it down to type of stability you need, you will still have quite a few to choose from. Try them on, and see how comfortable they are on your foot. You should try to get shoes that are a little looser on you than regular street shoes as your feet tend to swell when you run.
@Rittings (673)
•
9 Feb 07
Naturally comfort is the most essential thing you could look for. I would personally choose something with cushioning (like air or something similar) because running on hard surfaces such as roads or pavements is really bad for our joints (cartilege and shins in particular take a beating during the process). It causes them to clash on every impact.
You could try speaking to a chiropodist or podiatrist first. :)
@bowtieguy (5915)
• United States
25 Jul 07
Not owning a pair myself, I would have to say that i would not be of much help to you. I guess you might want someting that will hold up over time and will be comfortable to run in.
