How to Choose Running Shoes
What You Need to Know Before You Buy Running Shoes

Looking for advice on how to choose running shoes? You have come to the right place. Your running shoes are probably THE most important (and most expense) piece of running gear you will own. So before you invest, here are a few things you should know.



How To Choose Running Shoes: Shoe Size

Ever lost a toe running or had a painful feeling in your toes as if you had stubbed them after you finished a run?

This is most likely brought on by having a pair of running shoes that are too small for you. But not to worry, there is a simple solution.

Your feet expand when you run, so you need your running shoes to be bigger than your everyday shoes. So if your normal shoe size is a size 8, buy a size 9 pair of running shoes.

How to Choose Running Shoes: Gait Analysis

A good running shoe store will have someone working there who will analyze your gait to help you pick out a good pair of running shoes.

They will have a treadmill that you will run on for a few minutes, while they watch you and a video will probably be recording your gait as well. They will be able to see things like where you put your foot down, and whether your toes tend to point inwards or outwards.

This will help them decide whether you need a stability running or some other type of running shoe. For example if your foot tends to pronate (toes point outward) your shins might be doing more work to compensate for this. Over time the extra work on your shins can cause shin splints, so to avoid this, a stability running shoe will help you by taking some of the added work off your shins.



They should be able to show you the video and help you understand what type of running shoe is right for you. Once they help you make some shoe selections, you should try running in these shoes again to see if they feel comfortable for you.

Running shoes are usually more expensive in the shoe stores that offer this service, so once you know what shoe is right for you and you just need a replacement shoe, you might try shopping online for your next pair of running shoes.

How to Choose Running Shoes: Know the Store Return Policy

Running shoes are expensive and they might seem perfect in the store but start causing you problems the minute you try to run in them outside. Most running shoes stores will have a one week or two week return policy because of this.

You don't want to invest in a pair of running shoes and then feel forced to wear them even though they are uncomfortable. This can only lead to injury. So make sure you can return the shoes if need be.

How to Buy Running Shoes

If you are buying running shoes for the first time, or it's been a long time since you've bought running shoes and you feel like your running for might have changed, you want to buy running shoes in a store that caters to the runner and can offer gait analysis.

However these stores are usually the most expensive place to buy a pair of running shoes, so if you already know what type of running shoe you need, here are some online options you might consider.

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