August 2008
How to choose
How and where you shop should depend in large part on whether you're an experienced runner.
Analyze your gait. The shoes we tested are for runners who don't require corrective measures. But manufacturers also offer models for special needs.
If your feet pronate (roll inward) excessively, a stabilizing or motion-control shoe may minimize the problem. For runners who don't pronate enough, a cushioning shoe that emphasizes shock absorption may be best. Overpronators typically have a low arch, and underpronators a high arch; neutral runners fall somewhere in between.
If you have well-worn running shoes, take them with you when you shop. Their wear pattern may help a salesperson analyze your gait, which could lead you to a better-fitting shoe.
Get expert advice. That's important for most runners and especially for beginners. You'll probably pay more for a running shoe bought at an athletic footwear store that caters to serious runners than you would at a discount or department store, but you're more likely to find a seasoned salesperson who can help you get the best shoe for your needs.
Take a test run. Buying shoes without trying them out is like buying a car without test-driving it. Jog a little in the store, and ask if you can run around the block. Better yet, ask whether you can buy the shoes, jog briefly on a treadmill at home or at a gym, and return them if they don't feel right. They should be comfortable right away.
Most important, don't buy shoes that don't feel right just because they scored well in our Ratings (available to subscribers).
Analyze your gait. The shoes we tested are for runners who don't require corrective measures. But manufacturers also offer models for special needs.
If your feet pronate (roll inward) excessively, a stabilizing or motion-control shoe may minimize the problem. For runners who don't pronate enough, a cushioning shoe that emphasizes shock absorption may be best. Overpronators typically have a low arch, and underpronators a high arch; neutral runners fall somewhere in between.
If you have well-worn running shoes, take them with you when you shop. Their wear pattern may help a salesperson analyze your gait, which could lead you to a better-fitting shoe.
Get expert advice. That's important for most runners and especially for beginners. You'll probably pay more for a running shoe bought at an athletic footwear store that caters to serious runners than you would at a discount or department store, but you're more likely to find a seasoned salesperson who can help you get the best shoe for your needs.
Take a test run. Buying shoes without trying them out is like buying a car without test-driving it. Jog a little in the store, and ask if you can run around the block. Better yet, ask whether you can buy the shoes, jog briefly on a treadmill at home or at a gym, and return them if they don't feel right. They should be comfortable right away.
Most important, don't buy shoes that don't feel right just because they scored well in our Ratings (available to subscribers).
