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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.
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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.
Quite a few different factors get involved in establishing your foot
type.
For all the know-how on how to do this go to my How
to Choose Running Shoes page.
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 page about Newton
Running Shoes
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?
Don't know your foot type or uncertain about it? Then
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
When you are really unsure about what type of shoes is best for your
feet, it is best to visit
a specialty running store. 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
Runners for Men | Nike
Running
Shoes for Women
Also check out some of the more popular types in the Nike range:
Nike
Free Running Shoes | Nike
Air Running Shoes
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.
Men's
New
Balance Shoes | Women's
New
Balance Shoes
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
Running 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.
Men's
Saucony Shoes | Women's
Saucony Shoes
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
Runners for Men | Buy
ASICS Running Shoes Online (Women)
ASICS has got a number of very popular types of shoes. I have dedicated
some separate pages to them as they are so well-known:
ASICS
Nimbus | ASICS
Kayano | ASICS
Cumulus
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.
Discount
Mizuno Running Shoes
Here's Some Awesome
Pages for You to See
|
Running Shoe Reviews
- The
Specialist Brands
Newton
Newton running shoes can help you create a change in the way you'll
run. Are you a traditional "heel-striker"
and you are having injury
problems? Then Newton can help change you into a "ball-of-foot striker".
Check them out, they are my shoe of choice for natural running: the
Newton
Running Shoes
Also make sure to check out the Barefoot
Running Shoes page that talks about the problems
and opportunities with barefoot / natural running.
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 did not used to find them in the big sports
stores, but they are slowly making inroads:
Spira
Shoes
Ryka
Ryka athletic shoes are intended for women only. 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.
Ryka
Shoes for Women
Pearl Izumi
I was wondering whether I should put Pearl Izumi up in the big brands.
section. I have left them "down here" for now, but may have to change
that soon. These guys are getting more popular by the minute!
Pearl
Izumi Running Shoes
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.
Also see the special page about Nike Trail Running Shoes
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
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!
Got a Question about Running Shoes? Or 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.
Also use this space to ask your questions about running 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 …
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 …
How to Fit Running Shoes? Not rated yet What and how is the best way to fit running shoes?
Answer by Dominique:
Hi there,
Thanks for your question about how to best fit running shoes. …
What are the Best Running Shoes for me? Not rated yet I want to get me a new pair of running shoes. Browsed most shoe company websites and tried a few at Adidas and Reebok outlets; but I'm still confused. … Click here to write your own.
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