What To Look For
The most important aspects to consider when buying a pair of running shoes are fit and comfort. It is absolutely essential that your shoes fit your foot type. When most people run, their feet roll inward to a certain degree. When the foot rolls inward a lot, the foot is overpronated. When it does not roll inward much, the foot is underpronated. About 60 percent of people have overpronated feet, while 10 percent have underpronated feet. The remaining 30 percent have what are called supinated feet, meaning that they do not move considerably. When buying shoes, be certain of what type of foot you have and what your shoe size is. Usually, salespeople can tell you what kind of foot you have.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is buying running shoes that aren't appropriate for the surface you'll be running on. Running shoes generally fall into two major categories: one for running on pavement and another for unpaved trails. Also, be sure to measure your feet every time you buy shoes. The shape of your feet can change over time.
Where To Buy
A running specialty store is the best place to buy running shoes. At a store like this, you are guaranteed to find the right shoe for your foot type. According to Runner's World, the best running shoe retail stores include Fleet Feet Sports in Baltimore, Maryland and Boulder, Colorado; Pacers in Arlington, Virginia; The Maine Running Co. in Portland, Maine; Run Tex in Austin, Texas; See Jane Run in San Francisco and Oakland, California; and Rogue Valley Runners in Ashland, Oregon, among many others.
Cost
Among the top brands of running shoes are Asics, New Balance, Nike and Brooks. Don't be afraid to pay a little extra for a name brand at a running shoe specialty store. The price will be $10 to $15 more than at other places, but you'll get a shoe that will give you the support you require.
Models considered among the best of 2009 and 2010 by Runner's World and RunningShoesWizard.com include the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9, which runs about $100; the Mizuno Alchemy 9, which costs about $70; the Mizuno Alchemy 10, which retails for about $110; and the New Balance 1225, which costs as much as $140. In general, most shoes rated at the top of their category in Runner's World's 2010 list topped $100. This is a reasonable minimum to expect to spend for a quality pair.
Comparison Shopping
Running shoes come in many types, varying in terms of stability, cushioning, motion control and trail performance. For stability, one of the best shoes is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9. For cushioning, the Adidad Response Cushion rates the highest. For motion control, the Mizuno Alchemy 9 is high-rated. For trail performance, look to the New Balance 1225.
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