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Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment you can have if you are a runner. Making the right choice allows you to achieve your maximum potential. Getting the most out of your purchase and picking the best shoes for your feet, fit, and function. Runners should not make the mistake of using cross trainers, tennis shoes or other sports shoes. The right running shoes protects feet from the stresses of running. A one-mile leisurely run can put 100 tons of pressure on a foot. All that energy has to be distributed somewhere. Good shoes absorb much of that energy. Poor shoes make your body absorb that energy. There is an overwhelming selection out there. Choosing the best can be a daunting task for both seasoned and beginning runners. A common mistake among seasoned runners is to confuse sole wear with shoe wear. And for the beginner keep in mind: the way the shoe looks has nothing to do with the fit, so whatever you do, do not pick a shoe simply because it looks good. The wrong type, and a bad fit can cause many problems, the worst being making you more prone to overuse injuries. So, what should you do to make sure you choose the right shoe, because be reassured there could be several shoes that will work for your feet and your running requirements. Choosing the best running shoes can be difficult, but following a couple simple steps can make the process easier. - Consider Your Needs! If you are going to be using your shoes for running , it is absolutely vital that you buy a pair of shoes designed specifically for this purpose. Running shoes are made specifically for running and the unique needs of runners. Aerobics shoes, cross-trainers, and basketball shoes may seem comfortable or not all that different from running shoes, but choosing a shoe not fit for your needs can have a big impact on your comfort level and running success. - Get to Know Your Feet! You should be know and be aware of what kind of feet you have. There are three basic categories: neutral runners, over-pronators, and supinators. The feet of neutral runners go through less extreme motions when they are running; while over-pronators actually have their ankles and the arches of their feet rolling in as they run; and finally, supinators actually have their ankles and arches of their feet rolling out as they run. The best way to find out what kind of feet you have is to talk to a running expert. This can be a knowledgeable store attendant or running enthusiast. The fact you are thinking about it, and making an educated choice puts you way ahead. However, if you do not have time for this, don't have a good store, or know someone, there is also a do-it-yourself method for figuring out what type of feet you have. You can wet your foot and step on a piece of paper. If the footprint looks like your entire foot touched the paper, it is most likely that you are an over-pronator. However, if your footprint is an S shape you most likely are a mild over-pronator. You fall into the neutral category. If your heel and the ball of your foot do not even touch on the paper than it is most likely that you belong to the supinator category. Once you know what type of feet you have you can continue on to the next step. There are three categories of shoes that correspond to foot types: 1) motion control shoes, 2) stability shoes, and 3) cushioning shoes. When you are buying a new running shoe it is important to realize that motion control shoes are made for those of us who are over-pronators as they firm and supportive and they help to stop your foot from rolling in as you run. Stability shoes are firm but also offer a wider range of support for those of us who have varying degrees of over-pronation. Finally, cushioning shoes are meant for those of us who are supinators or have neutral feet. They simply provide a lot of cushioning and do not provide any corrective support.
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