Top 10 Dos and Don'ts when buying new running shoes
Jun 21 '01
The Bottom Line A bad purchase could put an end to your running.
The best running shoe for you is not the one that looks the best or which your friend who runs marathons just bought, its the shoe which fits you best and which is built for your body type and running form.
Here are some pointers if you are new to running or are thinking about replacing your old running shoes.
1. Do go to a reputable running store...not Big 5 or Payless. At a good running store the sales person will make sure you are put in the right shoe for you...and if you don't like them after a few runs, most good stores will exchange them for you.
2. Bring your old shoes with you when you go shopping. The sales person may be able to tell if you pronate (foot rolls inwards) or supinate (foot stays neutral or rolls out a little) by the wear pattern on your old shoes.
3. If you wear orthotics like me, bring them too. You will need to see how the shoe fits with the orthotic inside.
4. Try and buy your socks at the same time. Running socks come in many thicknesses from ultra thin to wooly thorlos and you should see how your preferred sock fits with your new shoes.
5. Take the shoes for a test run around the block to see how they feel...that means go to the store in your sweats.
6. The most common mistake new runners make is to buy the fad shoe. i.e. the one on the latest TV commercial. Most notable examples of these are the new trail shoes out there, New Balance 801s and 802s jump to mind. Chances are this will not be the ideal shoe for you and you will be wasting your money.
7. Do tell the store why you are buying the shoe. Are you training for a marathon, or a 5K. Will you be running 70 miles a week or 10. These things are important. Be prepared to spend $70-$120 for a good pair of shoes. Remember a $50 pair of shoes that give you blisters or worse is not a bargain.
8. You may want to purchase a couple of pairs when you find your ideal shoe. Shoe companys have a very annoying habit of tinkering with shoes every year or so and quite often they can ruin a good shoe.
9. Don't wear your new running shoes to play soccer or to do Tae Bo, not unless you intend to replace them every month. You should however replace your running shoes after 400-500 miles depending on the shoe. The soles do breakdown and regardless of how clean and tidy the upper looks, the shoe is useless for running if the sole is shot. Old shoes cause injuries.
10. Once you find a good store that gives you good service, tell all your friends.
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