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We Know: How to Buy Running Shoes
Does it matter what kind of running shoes you buy?
In the craze to get fit, a person is more likely to lose a considerable
amount of money without tangible results. Good running shoes are an exception
to this. Great technological and research breakthroughs have
been made in running shoes that make injury less likely and the ability to excel
that much easier.
What steps should you take before walking into the store?
- Shop in the afternoon. Feet actually grow during the day and during
running as well.
- Bring an old pair of shoes with you. The wear of your shoes will be an
important tip to the sales clerk on what type of shoes will best serve your
needs.
- Conduct Internet and print magazine research. There are dozens of great
running resources that have monthly columns devoted to rating and pricing
shoes.
What is the most important knowledge to have when shopping for running
shoes?
There is one element that will be the biggest part of the decision making
process when you buy a shoe and that is knowing whether your foot is pronated,
supinated or neutral.
- A pronated foot rolls inwards. Over-pronated feet tend towards a high
degree of movement that is helped by motion control features placed in the
shoe. In addition, a more prominent anti-pronation support in the mid sole is
a must for runners with this condition. Runners with pronated feet tend to wear
out their shoes on the inner front side first.
- A suppinated foot rolls outwards and has a higher than normal arch.
Supplanted feet are less flexible than pronated feet and thus less able to
absorb shock.
- Neutral feet are neither suppliant or pronated, and the shoe tends to wear
out more evenly.
What should you test for while you are in the store?
- Always make sure your shoe is not too tight. Keep one thumb's length
between from the tip of your big toe to the inside of the shoe. Also be sure
to keep space between the length of your foot and the inner shoe. The heal
should always fit snugly.
- Try on more than one pair and more than one brand. Different brands and
makes tend to stress different performance functions and design
characteristics.
- Orthotics (or external cushions supports bought afterwards) should never be
needed for a good running shoe. Sufficient cushioning should already be part
of the shoe design.
- Running shoes should be comfortable the first time you put them on. You
should never have to `break them in'.
- A good shoe source should let you take a test run.
How can you save money when buying running shoes?
As noted in this article, buying the right pair of running shoes is extremely
important from both a safety and performance angle. As in most consumer
endeavors, you tend to get what you pay for in the world of running. However,
there are tips for buying shoes that will help you keep some money in the bank.
Shoe companies tend to heavily market and stock their newest hottest brands.
Finding a slightly dated, high-end running shoe is fairly easy and may save you
a quite a bit as older stock is discounted in favor of newer models that replace
it. Similarly, deals may be found on shoes that have imperfections or shoes with
unfortunate color combinations that proved unpopular with the buying public.
Your feet may look a little garish as you run your 10K, but there is never a
need to sacrifice comfort and performance. And you can always save those extra
pesos for your next purchase.
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