Running Shoes

The process of finding the best running shoe can be intimidating and time consuming. However, with the right running shoe, your work out will be much more efficient and more rewarding. Often times, a runner is unaware that they have been wearing the wrong shoe until it is too late. A poor fitting shoe can result in injury, blisters and a dissatisfaction with running. When selecting a running shoe, several factors should be considered. Knowing how pronation, environment, and your running experience effect your work out will help you select the right shoe for you.

Feet Meets Ground
The way in which a foot strikes the ground is called pronation. An individual's pronation is affected by height, body type, and weight and is put into one of two categories- overpronation or underpronation. Overpronation is when the foot hits the ground and the weight is transferred on the outside of the foot, while underpronation is when the weight is transferred on the inside of the foot. If you are unsure which category your stride falls under, look at the soles of your running shoes for clues.

Your environment and what surfaces you typically run on will determine what kind of running shoe is best for your experience. Certain surfaces require more padding than others. Running shoes for those who like to run on trails protect your feet from hard and uneven surfaces by having a thicker sole and strong outsole. For those who like to run in all climates and weather conditions, there are running shoes that are waterproof and have Gore-Tex liners and inserts.

Finding the right running shoe that tailors to your running experience is also important. Novice runners need shoes with extra stability as they learn their form. Their feet are still being conditioned and they need the right running shoe to help reduce the stress on the foot. Experienced runners often prefer a lighter, less bulky shoe that helps their speed. A recent development is the barefoot style shoe. While not for every runner, this shoe with minimal cushioning because it is extremely lightweight.

When you have determined how pronation, environment, and your running experience affect your running needs, finding the best running shoe should be easy. Asking the experts the right questions when shopping will help make sure you find the right running shoe. When you have found the best running shoe, your work out will never be better.

provided by: Brooks Running Shoes