What Running Shoes Do I Need?

What Running Shoes Do I Need?
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Whether you're running a marathon, sprinting a 400, or going for your daily jog, the shoe you wear is very important to your posture, foot health and performance. Define your foot type and specific running style and you will be running in comfort with the right shoe.

Determine Your Foot Type

Determining the type of foot you have is important in choosing a running shoe that will give you the proper support. According to TheRunningAdvisor.com, you can determine your foot type by checking your arch height. If your arch is very high, you will do best with a cushioned running shoe. If you have flat feet, you need a motion control shoe. If your arch is average height, a stability shoe will work well.

Distance Running

When shopping for your running shoes for running long distances, do so in the later part of the day, after your feet have swelled to their maximum size, recommends MarathonTraining.com. Buy a shoe with a half inch of space at the end and consider purchasing two pairs of running shoes that you can alternate. This will increase the life expectancy of each shoe. Purchase the shoes you will wear on race day four to six weeks before the event so that they will be broken in.

Daily Joggers

According to Jogging101.com, if you jogs a few miles daily, the brands Brooks, Asics and Adidas all get good reviews. If you run through your neighborhood on the street or sidewalk, choose a street running shoe. These will also work if you're running inside on your treadmill. If you're running on a dirt path, choose a trail running shoe.

Sprinting Shoes

When buying running shoes for top speed, it is crucial that they fit well. They should fit as comfortably as a pair of socks, according to SportsComet.com. Make sure you know the surface material for the event and choose the right spike plate for it. Wear your racing socks when trying on sprinting shoes and choose the pair that feels the fastest. Make sure you choose the right spike length and choose spikes specific to the distance you are running.

References

Article reviewed by MER Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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