Running Shoes

Here are some tips:

Know Your Feet

It sounds like a complete no-brainer. Of course you know your feet! They're right there on the ends of your legs, and have been for many years. But, how well do you really know them? Do you have high arches or low ones, for example? Do you know how close to "average" your foot shape is? No? Then it's time to find out.

Grab a piece of paper and place it on the floor. Remove your shoes, wet your feet, and stand on the paper. When you move away, your feet should have left an imprint. If that imprint shows the entire sole of your foot, with no gaps where the foot didn't touch the paper, your feet may be a little on the flat side. If, on the other hand, there's more white paper than there is footmarks, you probably have high arches.

Don't worry, neither of these will hurt if you're wearing the right shoes. High arches need more cushioning from your running shoes as they won't absorb impact very well. Flatter feet require less cushioning, but they also need plenty of support to keep the foot stable when you run. You'll need to know what kind of feet you have to decide what kind of running shoes you'll need.

Decide What Kind of Running You'll Be Doing

running shoes

Will you be running inside on the treadmill or outside in the open? On roads or through woods? Are you training for a marathon or just taking some gentle exercise? It may sound irrelevant, but trust us, all running shoes are not created equal. The best shoe for the job will depend on what the job is.

Come Prepared

Don't turn up to buy your running shoes unless you're prepared to try them on properly. Here are some tips:

• Wear the socks you use for running.

You should always wear socks with your running shoes. Never be tempted to go without: you'll be much more likely to get blisters. And your shoes won't smell too sweet either.

Before you head out to the store, pop your socks in your purse or pocket so that you can slip them on when it's time to try your new shoes. Since sports socks tend to be fairly thick, they will make a difference to the way your shoes fit. It's important to try them on with your new shoes.

• Walk in your new shoes, then run in them.

You'll be wearing these shoes for running, so there's little point in trying them out while you're sitting down. Shoes feel different when you run and walk in them, so make sure you take yours for a test-drive around the store.

• Take your time.

Don't buy your running shoes in a rush. Take your time to try on a few different pairs. It's an important purchase, so you want to make sure you pick the right shoes.

Caring for Your Shoes

As with any kind of sports shoes, it's important to take good care of your shoes you wear for running. Make sure you dry them out properly after use and check them regularly for signs of wear.

Buying Running Shoes

You'll find a wide selection of running shoes in specialty shoe stores such as Footlocker. You can also buy running shoes online from leading brands such as Nike, Puma, and New Balance.