By Cynthia - | Leave A Comment
If you are involved in any kind of running program, your shoes are very important. Now, I love shoes as much as the next girl, but you shouldn’t buy running shoes just because they are cute. I know, no fun, but just hear me out…It is so important to go to a running store and try them on. Have your feet/stride examined by a knowledgeable salesperson so they can put you in the right shoe. This can mean the difference between a great running season, and an injury.
There are basically three types of feet…
- Flat feet
- High Arches (which I have)
- Neutral feet
Each of these require a different type of shoe for a proper fit. I don’t want to lecture you on pronation, or stability, or motion control. I just want you to be aware of how your shoe feels when you run. A good running store will let you go out on the sidewalk and try out the shoe before you buy them. They will also come outside with you and examine your stride to make sure the shoe is performing to your specific needs. Usually, the specialty running stores are pricier than the big sporting good stores, but trust me when I tell you, the extra $20 you might spend is well worth it in avoiding an injury!
So, find your running store, and don’t be embarrassed if you aren’t sure what you need. I have found that running folks love to talk running. Just tell them what type of running you are doing and let them take it from there. Be aware of your fit and feel of the shoe. I just bought a new pair of shoes…it really makes a difference!
Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments, or at the BD forums!
When not writing for BD, Cynthia can be found at her personal blog The Chronicles of a SAHM
ABOUT Cynthia -
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Totally agree. I just started the Couch to 5k program for the second time. The first time I had normal Nikes. I was dying less than four hours after my first run. This time I used Runners World shoe finder and did the wet foot test to check my pronation. I ended up getting Asics Gel Foundation and the difference is UNREAL! The next day I had a tiny bit of stiffness in my front thighs, but that’s it! I couldn’t believe it. Like walking on clouds. Also got a heck of a deal on Ebay.
Awesome info, honey! I’d have never thought that they would actually come outside and make sure that things fit perfectly…
Deborah…Runners World has great info on shoe buying! Glad things worked out for you. I have never thought to check out Ebay, I might have to do that:)
Judith…Thanks!
I was once advised to purchase running shoes 1/2 size bigger than what I thought ‘fit’ . . . what an amazing difference on how my feet felt both during and after. And I second (or third) going to the running store over the big fitness store – well worth the little bit extra that it cost.
Perfect timing! I need new running shoes and since I ended up not liking my previous ones, this is helpful.
Not that I run. Unless someone is chasing me. Then I consider it.
This is so true. I need new shoes, but my current ones are cute. Is that so wrong?
It’s funny I was fit at the Boulder Running Company that’s been videotaping people on treadmills for decades, for their shoe fitting.
I was put into a Nike shoe, which I haven’t worn for years. I was convinced they wouldn’t be a good fit for me. Turns out they’ve been wonderful, I would have never picked up a Nike at a regular big box sports place.
I found a great pair of running shoes. I love the Asics 1130. They are a cute color too. Bonus! I also like Saucony brand as well. I developed Plantar Fascitias last year and it was horrible. I now wear an insert in my running shoes and I have no pain.
I went to a running store and had shoes professionally chosen for me after they videotaped my bare feet running on a treadmill. They gave me three choices, let me go outside and jog in each pair before decided. Ended up with Mizunos and love them and can’t even begin to tell you what a difference having the RIGHT shoe has made to my ability and desire to run!
Very glad to see this info as I am about to try the Couch to 5K myself. I’ve never loved running as much as doing gym classes, but I am now 30 minutes from the nearest gym and need to have something I can do on my own. I am going to start with the shoes I have, and see if there are problems, but I plan to look at the runners world shoe-buying information and see if I can’t do better. Thanks so much! If anyone has tips for a beginning runner I’d love to hear them!