Selecting Running Shoes

How To Pick A Pair Of Running Shoes

What is important when you select a pair of running shoes to wear for your workouts.

Running shoes are what separates your from the pavement - literally. Picking the shoes to wear when you are running is an important decision. A well fitted pair of shoes specifically for running will serve you will.

Whether you buy your running equipment online or do your shopping at your local sports page, some things to keep in mind are how often you run, how fast you run, what conditions you are in, and of course, your height and weight.

If you are a frequent runner, consider purchasing two pairs of shoes for running. That's right, two pairs of shoes. If you run in the rain often - and I use to live and run in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States - having a dry pair of jogging shoes is important.

Slow, prodding runners and joggers will want a solid shoe with a wide base for good support. For the fast runners, a light weight pair will serve you well - especially if you participate in road races or track races.

As I mentioned before, the conditions you run and train in will determine what type of shoes you purchase. One of the most recent pair of Nike shoes I bought actually had water repellant material used to help keep the shoes dry. And yes, it does work. Of course, if you are running through puddles, the shoes will get wet.

Heavier runners or those with very wide or very narrow shoes will benefit from the wide selection of shoes offered by different manufactures. New Balance has a reputation for providing these type of shoes.

Honestly, I haven't owned a pair of New Balance shoes so I can't report on how well they fit.

I know from personal experience that I need to wear a slightly larger sized running shoe than regular street shoes. What I have found is that my toes end up banging against the end of the shoe and causing me pain. Ouch!

You'll find out that different manufacturers shoes are sized slightly different. Make sure you have the option of returning shoes if they don't fit well - especially if you order online. If you make your purchase in a regular retail store, then wear the pair of socks you will normally wear for running. The reasons should be obvious.

Whatever your choice is for running shoes, make certain that you take the time to fit the shoes, wear them around and know how you are going to use your new shoes.