How To Pick The Right Running Shoes

Much like feet, all running shoes are not created equal. Running shoe companies have dozens of options because there are literally that many variations on foot shape, arch type, strike pattern, and stride.  When shopping for running shoes you will hear terms like stability, neutral, and motion control.

This is because different runners have different degrees of roll, or pronation, in their foot strike.  The more your foot rolls or pronates, the more of a stability shoe you will need.  Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you get the right shoe for your foot.

1. Determine your level of pronation.  The best way to do this is to talk to a trained expert at a high quality, specialty running shoe store.   You can also examine your shoes to determine where your wear is. Look at the middle and forefoot of the shoe, if the wear is on the inside  there is a good chance you over pronate and will need a stability shoe.
   
2. Determine your arch level.  Wet your feet and step on a paper towel.  The more arch you have showing the more flat footed you are and vice versa.  The degree of arch support you need is an important variable.
3. Try, try, try.  Most endurance runners, me included, run in the same brand of shoes for years.  This is because finding the perfect pair takes some trial and error.  Many retailers will have treadmills and others will even let you run in them for a day or two to make sure they are going to work.
4. Once you have found the perfect pair of top rated shoes, take care of them.  Don't wear you shoes to you kids PTA meeting.  Wear them to run and let them sleep peacefully in between training sessions.