What To Look For
The single most important factor for avoiding injury if you're a runner is a shoe that fits your foot and corresponds to the way you run. Running shoes are designed for neutral gaits or for those who pronate. Neutral running shoes are generally referred to as competition or racing shoes, and pronation shoes are classified as motion control or stability shoes. Nike Zoom Air Marathoner, used by both elite and amateur marathoners, is a great neutral shoe. Nike Air Span or Equalon are motion control shoes.
Common Pitfalls
Failure to have a professional diagnose your gait and choose the shoe that meets your needs is a common problem. Finding the Nike shoe that fits comfortably is also important. Running a marathon will cause discomfort, but much of it can be mitigated with a shoe that fits properly. Nike shoes tend to run a half size smaller than the average running shoe, but this again is different for every runner.
Where To Buy
You can find Nike shoes, have your gait analyzed and be properly fitted at most specialty running stores. Niketown stores also have professionals who can assess the right shoe for you. If you are unable to get the assistance you need in person, there are a number of online resources to help.
Cost
Nike running shoes generally run from $45 to $125 (August 2010). The price depends on what type of shoe you need. Lighter shoes with less cushioning, like the Nike Free series, will be less expensive than stability or motion control shoes like the Nike LunarGlide +2.
Comparison Shopping
Nike offers shoes made both for the lightweight, efficient runner and those that might require more cushioning and support. Nike LunarRacers blend both a lightweight shoe and levels of cushioning and are a great choice for a marathon.
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