Choosing The Perfect Running Shoes for Your Feet




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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




    running-shoes-on-stone

    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) :


    Running Shoes for Men

    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

    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 ?




    Running Shoes for Women

    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 :

    my old running shoe
  • 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 !



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    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:
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    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.
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    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
    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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