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Choosing The
Perfect Running Shoes for Your Feet
Choosing your running shoes is the single most important
decision you make as a runner.
Read this section for must-know information about
running shoes.
I will explain how to pick the running shoe that is right for you.
Injuries caused by your shoes
People have different foot types. Your shoes don't match with your foot
type ? Then you are likely to get an injury sooner or later !
Common injuries caused by the wrong running shoes are:
Plantar
Fasciitis
Achilles
Inflammation
Posterior Tibialis Syndrome
Knee
Pains
Stress
Fractures
Black
toenails
Etc., etc.
Not a pretty list ! Therefore I hope
that you follow my advice outlined in this section. So that you know
what to look for in a running shoe.
Check your foot type
Before you are off to your favourite running store, first take a moment
to test yourself and establish your foot type.
Which type of print does your foot leave (put wet feet on a brown paper
bag) :
Type 1. Normal arch
This is the most common type; you are a normal pronator. Running shoe
shopping for your feet should not be hard. Look for a good
stability shoe which offers moderate pronation.
Stability
Running Shoes for Men | Stability
Running Shoes for Women
Type 2. Flat foot
When a flat foot shows, you are overpronating. Your arch collapses
inward. Your foot moves too much and this can cause injuries. Therefore
you are best of with motion-control shoes.
Motion
Control Running Shoes for Men | Motion
Control Running Shoes for Women
Type 3. High arch
When there is almost no arch to be seen you are underpronating. Your
arch does not collapse enough, thereby causing the shock of your foot
landing on the ground to travel upwards to your legs. This can cause
injuries.
You need running shoes with softer midsoles. Don't
go for stability or motion-controlled shoes. They try to reduce
pronation which is what you want to stimulate.
Neutral
Running Shoes for Men | Neutral
Running Shoes for Women
Also check out this video that explains another
way to find your foot type by the makers of Newton Running Shoes.
Want to learn more about Newton running shoes?
Then check out my pages about Newton
Running Shoes for Men and Newton
Running Shoes for Women
Stability, motion control and cushioning
So, depending on your foot type you will need shoes which offer
stability, motion control or cushioning :
If you have a normal arch, you're likely a normal pronator,
meaning you'll do best in a normal shoe. A little extra stability is
always good, so look for a stability shoe that
offers moderate pronation control.
Runners with flat feet normally overpronate, so
they do well in a motion-control shoe that controls
pronation.
High-arched runners typically underpronate, so they
do best in a neutral-cushioned shoe that encourages
a more natural foot motion.
Uncertain ?
If you don't know your foot type or if you are uncertain about it,
always visit a specialty running store where they have a podobaroscope,
a glass surface with a mirror underneath, or where they do footscans
which will be able to tell you right away what type of foot you have
and what type of running shoe you need.
Expert running store
For the purchase of your shoes always visit a specialty running store
where they have the equipment and the personnel to help you. You will
recognize a good store by some of the following characteristics :
They will ask you to bring your old
pair of shoes to the store. Only by looking at your running
shoes (especially the wear and tear and where exactly this is
happening) an expert will already be able to tell quite a lot about
your degree of pronation. By the way, always bring your running
socks as well and, if you use them, your orthotics.
So visit the store with the footwear you always wear when running !
They will ask detailed questions about your
training and running history (time you have been running,
mileage per week, longest runs, what are you training for at the
moment, which kind of surface do you run on, have you had foot
problems, injuries in the past).
There is footscan equipment or a treadmill with
video equipment. While you are running on the treadmill trying out
different types of shoes, the camera is registering what your
feet do. The salesman will be able to tell if your feet are
stable and straight.
You are allowed to do a test run;
if not on the treadmill, then at least in front of the store. You can't
test your running shoes properly if you are not allowed to run on them
before buying them.
They will tell you how long the shoes
will last for. Good running shoes go normally for 600 to 900
miles. But there are exceptions. A good running store knows which shoes
go longer and which don't.
Running Shoe Reviews - The
Big Brands
To make it easier for you to make your running shoe choice I have put
together a number of shoe reviews. Click on the links below to see some
of those reviews.
Nike
Nike has been known for years by their swoosh logo and infamous "just
do it" tagline.
They have always been at the forefront of new technology, and many
brands find themselves scrambling to catch up.
Prices tend to be on the high-end, but most people will say that they
are well worth it.
Nike
Shoes for Men | Nike
Shoes for Women
New Balance
New Balance running shoes are crafted by New Balance Athletic Shoe,
Inc., a United States based manufacturer.
New Balance has been a front runner in the shoe industry since its
founding in 1906.
New Balance running shoes are known for being available in a much wider
range of widths and sizes than most competing brands.
New
Balance Shoes for Men | New
Balance Shoes for Women
Brooks
In 1914 a man named Morris Goldenberg started his dream company, Brooks
Sports, Inc..
Brooks is a privately held company that manufactures high performance
shoes and apparel, specifically for runners.
In the beginning Brooks manufactured bathing shoes. After that they
began producing cleats for baseball (1920) and then cleats for football
in the 1930s.
Nowadays Brooks has its' headquarters in Bothell in Washington. It is
one of the few large scale athletic apparel and shoe companies still
operating predominantly from the USA, rather than overseas.
Brooks
Shoes for Men | Brooks
Shoes for Women
Saucony
Saucony running shoes are very popular. Saucony is a USA based brand,
founded in 1898 in Pennsylvania.
It originally specialized in children's shoes, and was producing over
800 pairs a day in the early 1900s.
With over 100 years of experience, the brand now specializes in shoes
for runners.
Saucony
Shoes for Men | Saucony
Shoes for Women
Asics
ASICS is a Japanese company which has been in business since 1949.
ASICS is an acronym that stands for Anima in Sana in Corpora
Sano which means "healthy mind in a healthy body".
ASICS not only produces running shoes, but also many other shoes, e.g.
for tennis, football, cricket, martial arts, track and field, lacrosse,
cheerleading etc.
Asics
Shoes for Men | Asics
Shoes for Women
Mizuno
Mizuno running shoes are a popular choice for many male and female
runners.
Mizuno offers a great selection of running shoes.
Have a look at some of the top Mizuno running shoes available today to
help you find the best running shoes for you.
Mizuno
Shoes for Men | Mizuno
Shoes for Women
Running Shoe Reviews - The
Specialist Brands
Newton
Newton running shoes create a dramatic change in the way you'll run.
These shoes come from a company that has spent years studying the way
people run. Their design corrects your gait and also augments the
kinetic energy that takes place during a run by stimulating a special
type of running known as toe-striking.
Newton
Shoes for Men | Newton
Shoes for Women
Spira
Spira running shoes are a little less known than the shoes of the
traditional big brands.
Spira is known for durability and performance. They sell shoes in the
category "problem-solving footwear".
As a niche brand you normally do not find them in the big sports
stores. But an internet store like Footsmart, known for its injury
solutions, does offer them.
Spira
Shoes for Men | Spira
Shoes for Women
Ryka
Ryka athletic shoes are intended for women. They are narrower in the
heel and also offer a wider forefoot for the best in comfort. Whether
you are walking, running or just wearing them around town, Ryka shoes
are stylish and sporty. Kelly Ripa who co-hosts Live With Regis is the
new face and image for Ryka shoes. Depending on your fitness level
there are Ryka shoes for everyday exercising and staying fit.
Ryka
Shoes for Women
Running Shoe Reviews -
Special Terrain
Cross Country
A good pair of cross-country running shoes should be able to stand up
to all kinds of rugged terrain.
They should be able to deal with smooth and rough surfaces, and extreme
weather conditions. The shoes should fit snug and be comfortable while
providing you with stability and support, both in the front and heel
region.
Cross-Country
Shoes for Men | Cross-Country
Shoes for Women
Trail
Good trail running shoes are hard to find. They need to be that perfect
mix between a running shoe and a hiking shoe.
You as a trail runner, understand why. Your shoe needs to be sturdy and
needs to be able to deal with the impacts of running on trails. On the
other hand you want your shoes to be not too heavy.
Trail
Shoes for Men | Trail
Shoes for Women
Track
A pair of great track spikes is absolutely essential when you want to
be a fast track runner. Track running requires explosiveness from the
blocks and a fast turn over. Good traction is essential for the first
few strides to keep you accelerating. Once you reach top speed, your
form should hold the speed up for a strong finish. A good pair of track
spikes can provide you the needed traction for an explosive start and
hold the sprinter in proper form by keeping them up on their toes.
Track
Spikes for Men | Track
Spikes for Women
Running Shoe Reviews -
Cheap Running Shoes
Have a limited budget? But you do not want to compromise with quality
and brand? Then this section is for you.
Want quality-brand clearance running shoes, then find them via the
links below.
Discount
Running Shoes For Men |
Discount Running Shoes For Women
Running Shoe Reviews - Best Rated Running Shoes
For runners at every level, picking the right running shoe is essential
for performance, safety and health. Whether you run for fun or
competitively, the best rated running shoes will help you put your feet
to the pavement safely and effectively. Find out more about these shoes:
Best
Rated Running Shoes for Men |
Best Rated Running Shoes for Women
Getting your shoes via the Internet
If you are really certain about your foottype or if you exactly know
which shoes to get, then the Internet might be a good place for you to
find a great deal.
The authority on the net is RoadRunnerSports. Have
a look at their selection of Running
Shoes.
Shoes are the most important part of your running
apparel. Bad shoes inevitably lead to injuries.
Good shoes (along with common sense so you don't
overtrain) will prevent injuries.
You can always find bargains. But never go for
lower quality running shoes. Get the best shoes for YOUR feet
and you'll be a happy runner !
Wish to have more running advice?
Subscribe to the
Best Running Tips Newsletter
or to my
site blog.
Go
from Running Shoes Page to Best Running Tips Homepage
Like Your Running Shoes? Tell Me About It!
Do you really like your running shoes? Then take a few minutes to let us know about them. It may help your fellow-readers make their mind up about their next pair of running shoes!
Please tell us: Brand and Type of Shoes (incl Men/Women) What you like about your shoes.
What Other Visitors Have Told Us...
Click below to see running shoe reviews from other visitors to this page...
New Balance 993 for Men Review
Not rated yet
I was hesitant to purchase a new pair of running shoes. Except for the obvious wear and tear, my old ones were still good for running. I came across ...
Newton Running Shoes for Women - Distance U Review
Not rated yet
My old pair of Newton Running shoes just died on me. Since I loved my old running shoes, I decided to buy the same brand, but in a different model.
I ...
Nike Zoom Vomero+ Review
Not rated yet
Nike Zoom Vomero+ Review
I've been constantly searching for the perfect pair of running shoes over the past year since my favorite ones have decided ...
ASICS Gel Cumulus 10 - Running Shoes for Women
Not rated yet
Hi, my current pair of running shoes are ASICS GEL-Cumulus 10. I am really happy with them. The last few years all I have ever had are ASICS, I think mostly ...
Newton Sir Isaac Review - Running Shoes for Men
Not rated yet
I just wanted to let you know how happy I am about my Newton Sir Isaac running shoes. By the way, I just want to say thanks to the webmaster for putting ...
Running Shoes
Main Brands:
Nike Running Shoes for Men |
Nike Running Shoes for Women
New Balance Running Shoes for Men |
New Balance Running Shoes for Women
Saucony Running Shoes for Men |
Saucony Running Shoes for Women
ASICS Running Shoes for Men | ASICS Running Shoes for Women
Brooks Running Shoes for Men | Brooks Running Shoes for Women
Mizuno Running Shoes for Men | Mizuno Running Shoes for Women
Special Brands:
Newton Running Shoes for Men | Newton Running Shoes for Women
Spira Running Shoes for Men | Spira Running Shoes for Women|
Merrell Running Shoes for Men | Women's Merrell Running Shoes|
Ryka Running Shoes (Women Only)
Shoe Types:
Cross Country Running Shoes for Men | Cross Country Running Shoes for Women
Trail Running Shoes for Men | Trail Running Shoes for Women
Track Spikes for Men | Track Spikes for Women
Motion Control Running Shoes for Men | Motion Control Running Shoes for Women | Stability Running Shoes for Men | Stability Running Shoes for Women |
Neutral Running Shoes for Men | Neutral Running Shoes for Women
Hot Shoes:
Discount Running Shoes for Men |
Discount Running Shoes for Women |
Best Rated Running Shoes for Men |
Best Rated Running Shoes for Women
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CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING COURSE
Into cross country? Then make sure you check out the NEW cross country training course from Coach Christensen.
Click here for more information
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COACHING
Need help with your running?
Then check out my NEW Best Running Coach Coaching Service.
Offers in-depth analysis of your current situation, strengths and weaknesses and a custom-tailored running program that brings results.
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BEST RUNNING GEAR
When you are a runner, you are doing intervals. The Gymboss is a really clever and cheap piece of running gear that makes interval running a lot more comfortable. Check out the Gymboss review to find out why.
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WEIGHT LOSS
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How to Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Days
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