What To Look For
Running in the "best" shoes is not important for beginning runners; running in a comfortable, affordable sneaker will give the same results as running in the best running shoe available because beginners do not need to consider the effects of heavy mileage. What you do need to look for is what type of foot the shoes is made for. There are virtually three kinds of shoes; neutral for normal-arched feet, stability for high-arched feet, and motion control for feet with very little arch. You can test which foot type you have by stepping in water and then observing your footprint on dry ground.
Common Pitfalls
A lot of marketing goes into selling the perfect running shoe aimed usually to try and trap beginners into buying the most high-tech and expensive shoe on the market. When buying your first pair of shoes, keep a budget in mind knowing that virtually anything you try on that is comfortable will work. Once you have experience running, you will know what you want in a shoe and can then shell out the bucks for the higher quality models.
Where To Buy
If you are uncertain about your foot type or have had sports injuries in the past, it is best to physically go into a shoe store such as a Nike factory store or retailer such as Foot Locker to ask for a shoe fitting. Most running shoe stores hire professionals who are trained to give advice based on your body and the way your foot hits the ground when you run. If you have no physical problems, buying online can ofter procure the best deals. Online factory shops such as the Nike, Adidas, Saucany or Brooks are good starts, as are retailer sites such as Road Runner Sports, which often have good deals and wide selection.
Cost
As a beginner, you should look for a shoe under the $60 range. The majority of top-of-the-line running shoes for long distance and pro runners usually range above $100. Once you become a heavy runner, you will need to replace your shoes every four to five months, therefore at the beginning, it is wise to start with a less expensive model. Asics is one of the top running shoe brands and their popular Gel-Maverick and Gel-Strike retail for $50. Saucany and Nike run quality models between $35 and $50 as well. Many New Balance and Adidas models can be found online for prices under $50.
Accessories
Purchasing expensive top quality name brand clothing is another thing to avoid at the beginning. You can run in virtually anything; comfortable shorts and a T-shirt are all that's needed. If you are a heavy sweater, consider purchasing lined shorts and a water-wicking top to avoid saturated cotton, which can irritate the skin. Quality socks without holes or tears are also important to prevent blisters.
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