What To Look For
Running is an excellent way to stay in shape, but finding the right shoes is essential. Looking at an old pair of shoes can help determine how you land on your feet and will establish what kind of support you will require from your new footwear. New Balance offers shoes for runners of all abilities; runnersworld.com awarded the neutral-cushioned NB1063s with a "Best Update" accolade, while runningshoeswizard.com recommends the WR1226 for stability and the NB1123 for motion control.
Common Pitfalls
There is no such thing as the "best pair" of shoes. The needs of a runner varies significantly from person to person, making it impossible to rank shoes accordingly. Sizes sometimes vary between brands, so have your foot measured to help figure out what size is best for you. As feet tend to swell during the day, you should buy shoes in the evening. Purchasing footwear based on its appearance is a common mistake -- only buy shoes that cater to your foot shape and running style.
Where To Buy
Products can be purchased directly from the New Balance website as well as other authorized online retailers such as Road Runner Sports and Zappos.com. However, if you would prefer to try before you buy, the website is equipped with a store locator to help you find the nearest seller.
Cost
Prices range anywhere from $50 to $250. The MR2002 top the men's range at $250 while the WR1906, valued at $200, are the most expensive in the women's category. Generally, the more you pay, the better the footwear. Shoes such as the MR2002 and WR1906 benefit from New Balance's most advanced technology.
Insider Tips
A pair of running shoes will not last forever. Depending upon the wear and tear they are subjected to, shoes tend to last between 300 to 500 miles. Most runners wait too late before replacing their shoes, but you will gain nothing other than an unwanted injury by wearing footwear that is past its peak.
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