Choosing running shoes
If you have followed our previous post on how to start running and managed to stick to it, a pair of running shoes is probably top of your shopping list now.
Make sure you go to a running shop or store – not a high street “fashion” megastore. The staff at these stores aren’t generally as knowledgeable as you need them to be.
A proper running shop will probably be staffed by serious runners. Ask at your local running club for recommendations.
The best time to buy running shoes is a weekday afternoon because
1. Your feet swell in the afternoon and
2. Everyone else goes at the weekend. The staff will have more time to help you in the week.
Take the shoes you have been running in with you to the shop. A good assistant will be able to tell a lot from the wear patterns.
Wear the socks you usually run in also.
You should be able to answer the following questions before you go;
1. How many times a week you run
2. How far and for how long
3. What surfaces you run on. Grass, road, trails, sand etc
4. What you want to get out of your running and the goals (if any) you have for the next 6-9 months.
5. If any of the above are likely to change in the next year.
You should answer then questions honestly – don’t try to impress the staff. They are probably elite runners or top athletes in related sports.
A good running shop will offer you a few pairs of shoes to try on. Different makers will have different fittings, sometimes on different colours of the same model, so try on as many as you want.
Don’t be afraid of taking more time than you think you should. The staff will want to help you.
Look out for a future post – “looking after your new running shoes”