What To Look For
The proper running shoe offers cushion to the foot while keeping the skin dry and comfortable. Padding is important, since the foot can land with between 1.5 and three times the body's weight in force, says Consumer Reports. A good shoe should also restrict pronation, or the natural inward roll of the foot during a stride. Quality materials are crucial, since they offer support and structure for a vigorous movement process.
Common Pitfalls
Often, people will attempt to use a general street fashion sneaker or walking shoe for running. This can lead to injury in the long term and foot pain in the short term, since these shoes lack the technology and structure necessary to ensure a comfortable, healthy run. People also purchase the wrong type of shoe for their particular level of running or buy a shoe meant for another type of foot or gait. A speed practice shoe isn't suitable for a beginning runner and won't be the best fit for a trail enthusiast.
Where To Buy
Running shoes are available in most shoe stores, including bargain outlets like Wal-Mart and Payless. However, it's best to stick to a sporting goods or running specialty store for the best assortment and fitting advice. Plus, shoes from a running store will probably be of higher quality than a bargain shoe. For online buying, Zappo's and Amazon offer a wide selection of brands, as do REI and major name websites like Nike, Adidas and New Balance.
Cost
A good pair of running shoes can cost upward of $100, but a sale event can lower the price significantly. High-performance shoes for racing can cost significantly more; specialty shoes like the Vibram Five Fingers barefoot line start around $75 and range up to about $100. To find the cheapest price, try shoes on in a store, then perform a search online for sales and offers from sports clothing vendors. A coupon can at least save the shipping cost, if not more.
Insider Tips
It's important to buy running shoes with pronation in mind. An overpronator needs a shoe with movement control, especially if the feet are flat. A normal foot, meanwhile, can use a regular-cushioned or stability shoe. According to Runner's World Magazine, there is a way to find out if you overpronate: "Take off your shoes ... and put them on a table with the heels facing out toward you. Now study the heels. If they are fairly straight and tall, you do not have an overpronation problem. If the heels tilt inward--toward the arches, on the other hand, you are probably an overpronator, and should try motion-control shoes."
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