MamasHealth.com Home Fitness Apparel Pages Compression Shorts Running Jacket Running Pants Running Shirts Running Shoes Running Shorts Running Socks Running Sunglasses Sports Bra Links Email Mama Clothing Care Tips Cross Country Skiing Cross Training Hiking Pilates Playing Ball Running and Walking Rowing Skating Skiing Snowboarding Snowshoeing Surfing Swimming TaeKwon-Do Tennis tips Trail Running Yoga Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	What are Running Shoes? Running shoes are shoes specifically designed to provide support for runners. They are usually made of lightweight material. It is very important to buy a good pair of running shoes. A good pair of running shoes will make your runs more comfortable and enjoyable. If you run without a good pair of shoes, you will probably increase your risk of injury. What is a Good Pair of Running Shoes? A good pair of running shoes will fit your needs. The shoes need not be expensive to be a good pair. The first step in finding a good pair of running shoes is to determine your needs. Do you want to trail run? Do you have high or low arches? Will you be running at night? If you run at night, you may want to wear shoes with reflective colors. Will you be running in wet weather? If you run in wet weather, you may need waterproof shoes. Once you determine your needs, you can start looking for shoes that meet your needs. It is best to purchase running shoes at a specialty running store. Specialty running stores usually have staffs that are knowledgeable and helpful in finding shoes that fit your needs. General purpose sporting goods stores often don't train their staffs properly about the specific needs of runners. Make sure you try on different sizes, brands, and models. When trying on running shoes, try them on with the types of socks you wear when running. Picking Your Running Shoe It is best to shop for your shoes while your feet are at their largest. Your feet are at their largest in the evening and just after a run. The width of the shoe should be snug. If it is loose, the shoe will slide and cause blisters. If you wear orthotics, bring them also. You need to see how the shoe fits with the orthotic inside. Bring your old shoes with you. Your old shoes will help the salesperson in determine your degree of pronation. Wear the socks you'll wear when you run. Walk or run in the store to see how they feel when you run. Some specialty running stores have treadmills for you to practice on. Before You Start Running Before you start running in your new shoes, make sure you have the best fit. The guidelines below will help you have the best fit and a more comfortable run. Test your shoes on a clean, indoor carpeted surface for a minimum of 1 hour to be sure you have the right fit. If you shoe are thinking about taking your shoes back, try running on a treadmill to keep them as clean as possible. Test your shoes at the end of the day when your feet have swelled. When testing the shoes, wear the socks you usually run in. Try on both shoes because one foot is often bigger than the other. Relace your shoes using a different technique. The Right Fit Your shoe fits if: Your heel and instep are snug, but not tight. Your arch matches the shoe's arch pad. You have a thumbnail's width between the end of your toe and the tip of the shoe. When to Buy New Running Shoes? Depending on the design of the shoe, the surface on which you run, and your weight, running shoes will last between 300 and 500 miles before they lose their support. Winter Running? Cold temperatures can make running shoes less absorbent.	Featured Book
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