| Running shoes are continually evolving and there are | | | | unless you understand running shoes and know your |
| plenty of folks willing to share their expertise! There | | | | foot type. If you consider the amount of pressure |
| is no "perfect" or "best" shoe on the market. | | | | created with each foot strike, how could you not |
| Everyone's feet are different in shape and function | | | | have your feet fitted by a specialist who knows the |
| differently. All I can hope to offer you are shoe | | | | running shoes available on the market? Remember, |
| basics to help you step in the right direction. | | | | you only have two feet - for your life! |
| Remember, my favorite shoe may not work at all | | | | During your visit to the running store, take some |
| for you, so it's important to do the shopping research | | | | time to get to know the staff and get to know the |
| before you make a purchase blunder. | | | | sales associate. Ask the following questions: |
| First, you need to know your foot biomechanics. | | | | - How long have they worked at the store? |
| That's how your feet work. Knowing the | | | | - What is their running background? |
| biomechanics of your feet will help you better | | | | - What is the best shoe? Now this is the question of |
| understand what type of running shoe is right for | | | | the day! If the associate states a particular brand is |
| you. Running shoe styles are more than just fancy | | | | the best, buyer beware! The best shoe is one that is |
| esthetics, each model of shoe within each brand is | | | | the correct category of shoe and the pair that feels |
| built for specific foot types. A visit to your local | | | | the best on your feet. |
| podiatrist is a great start for a complete foot | | | | - Was the sales associate answering your questions? |
| evaluation. If time doesn't permit a full biomechanical | | | | - Did they check the measurement of your feet both |
| exam, call your local running store and make sure | | | | width and length? (Did you receive the same sizing as |
| their best "shoe guy" is working when you are | | | | from your foot evaluation?) |
| planning to go shopping. There is always one | | | | - What is the store return policy for running shoes? |
| salesman who has been fitting shoes for years and | | | | This is very important. Most running stores offer a 30 |
| can help you. It's a bonus if you find a store who has | | | | day return policy on shoes so know your running |
| a pedorthist on staff. | | | | stores return policy. Keep your receipt and the shoe |
| More information is helpful when finding the right shoe | | | | box. This will help in exchanging or returning your |
| for you. Tell the podiatrist or salesman of your | | | | shoes. |
| running plans. Are you looking to complete a | | | | Try on all of the brands in the store in the model |
| marathon or maintain a weekly running base? Offer | | | | that is appropriate for your foot type. Walk around |
| as much information as you can about your running. | | | | the store, run on the store treadmill, heck, go ahead |
| This will truly help you obtain the right pair of shoes | | | | and take the shoes for a test run outside of the |
| to meet your goal! | | | | store! The main thing is you need to -Take Your |
| When you have your feet evaluated, your goal is to | | | | Time - . A good running store will let you take as |
| leave with the following knowledge: | | | | much time as you like in making your decision. If at |
| 1. Is the arch for each foot flat, normal or high? | | | | any point you feel rushed, shop elsewhere. Finding |
| 2. Are there additional biomechanical concerns based | | | | the right shoes are paramount to your running |
| on my foot type? If so, what are they and the | | | | success. |
| effect toward running? | | | | Expect to spend around $90 to $150 on up based on |
| 3. Is there a need to wear orthotics with my shoes? | | | | the shoe. If your budget allows, consider purchasing |
| 4. What type of shoe will best suit your foot type - | | | | two pair of shoes to alternate. Running shoes |
| neutral, stability, motion control? | | | | typically last from 300 to 500 miles or approximately |
| 5. What is the correct size of my feet (this includes | | | | six months. If you are not sure how much life is left |
| length and width)? | | | | in your running shoes, have the shoes evaluated at |
| Write down all of the details of your foot type. | | | | the running store by an experienced shoe associate. |
| There is a lot to remember and it is helpful having | | | | If you begin to develop foot pain or pain in the shin |
| this information handy with you whenever you shop | | | | area, it could very well be a simple action of replacing |
| for running shoes. | | | | your shoes. Of course, if the pain continues more |
| So what are the types of running shoes? Below is a | | | | than five to seven days, it's time to see the |
| listing of shoe types and basic foot types: | | | | Podiatrist so listen to your feet! |
| 1. Neutral: Underpronator /biomechanically efficient | | | | Once you have purchased your shoes, to keep track |
| 2. Stability: Mild to moderate pronation | | | | of the life of the shoe, discreetly write the date on |
| 3. Motion Control: Moderate to severe overpronator | | | | the outside heel area. Do not write the date on the |
| heavier weight runners | | | | inside of the shoe as the marking will wear off as |
| 4. Light Weight Racer:Biomechanically efficient runner | | | | you run in the shoes. The date helps you keep track |
| or race day shoe | | | | of the length of time for the shoes. Remember 500 |
| Keep in mind, if you wear orthotics as prescribed by | | | | miles or 6 months; whichever comes first! |
| your Podiatrist, the above shoe selection may vary | | | | Now what do you do with your worn out running |
| based on the amount of biomechanical correction the | | | | shoes? Consider donating your shoes to charity or be |
| orthotic provides. Make sure you know the correct | | | | green and recycle your shoes! Donated running shoes |
| category of shoes that will work with your orthotic. | | | | are cleaned and if usable are allocated to charitable |
| With an understanding of your foot biomechanics, it's | | | | organizations for distribution. You can locate local |
| time to shop! I recommend you purchase your shoes | | | | donation locations online by searching under running |
| at a local running store where you are professionally | | | | shoe donation or you can check with your local |
| fitted for shoes. Shop later in the day when typically | | | | running store or running club. What a great way to |
| your foot is most swollen. Picking a shoe off the wall | | | | give back to the community or the environment! |
| in a large sporting good store is not recommended | | | | |