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What is the Best Running Shoe for Me? This is one of the most common questions asked by runners, beginners and experts alike. Naturally, there is no easy answer. You have to sort through a lot of factors, such as body weight, training intensity, racing, terrain, running style, foot arch, the shape and size of your foot, your budget, and of course your personal preferences. That's a lot to think about. The Best Advice The best bit of advice is: "Do your homework first." (Which is why you are reading this article - right?) It pays to learn a little bit about things like pronation, foot motion, and cushioning -- before you start shopping. That way, you will have a much better idea what you are looking at, and which features are most relevant to your individual needs. The Next Best Advice Which is: "Go See the Experts." Yes, do your homework, but don't worry about becoming an expert, at least not right away! Experts are out there already, ready to help you. I'm talking about a good store whose specialty is selling running shoes. This is where you are likely to find a very knowledgeable staff that can provide good recommendations about which shoes will work for you. Some stores even have video cameras set up on treadmills, so that they can take video of your feet as you run. This service provides great feedback about your individual running style, which helps to determine which features you need. It's Your Decision You will get a lot of good advice from the staff about different types of shoes which could work for you, but in the end, the decision is up to you. That's where the "homework" part comes in! The more you understand about their recommendations (and the more of a clue you have), the better decision you will be able to make. Take the Shoes For a Run Before you decide, take the shoes for a run! That's why you should always go shopping dressed to run. You need to really test out those shoes before deciding. Some stores will let you take the shoes out for a run around the block, while others might have a treadmill you can use. But just trying on the shoes and walking a few steps around the store won't be nearly enough. Don't Forget The Exchange Policy Some stores have good exchange policies which allow you to return them, even if you have used them for awhile. Always check their return policy, and shop at stores that are smart enough to have flexible policies that benefit you, the runner.
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