Finding the perfect running shoe depends on many factors. How often will you run? Do you have high, flat, or normal arches on your feet? Will you be on a budget? It is necessary to take all of these factors into account when purchasing a pair of running shoes. Keep in mind that there is no perfect running shoe out there; only the perfect pair for you.

Before you even try on your first pair of shoes, it is very important that you determine what sort of feet you have. You want to understand your foot and its unique type of arch. There are three different kinds of arches out there. Be sure to remember that, no matter what type of arch, they make shoes that will suit you.

A simple test to use at home, if your running store does not offer any professional alternatives, is very easy to do. Just place your feet in some water, and then take a few steps on your dry floor. Looking at your footprints, what do you see? If your footprint looks like the entire sole of a shoe, then you probably have flat feet. If your footprint has a flare, but there is a wide band connecting the forefoot and heel, you have normal feet. Should your footprint show your forefoot and heel connected by a very thin band, then you have high arches.

Everyone has some type of foot, and each one has specific needs from a running shoe. Feet with a normal arch can generally use a wider range of shoes. Such feet tend to strike the ground and then roll in slightly. This is called pronation, and is your body’s way of absorbing impact shock. Shoes that offer moderate control features, a two-density midsole, for example, will suffice.

Flat feet leave your stride tending to roll inward excessively, which is called overpronation. The best shoes for this type of foot offer a lot of stability in the midsole and help prevent overpronation. These shoes are rigid and mostly do not involve a lot of cushioning. Stay away from shoes that do not offer motion control and stability.

The high-arched foot has the opposite problem: an underpronated or supinated foot, which rolls outwards after impact. This type of foot does not absorb shock well, so find a cushioned shoe with plenty of flexibility. Avoid a shoe if it has too much motion control and prevents pronation, the natural inward rolling motion.

Your running regimen is also important. Be honest with yourself, how often will you be running every week? If you are going to be running more than three times a week, it might be worthwhile to spend more for a shoe to help prevent injuries and wear and tear from overuse. Also, as a rule of thumb, be sure to replace your shoes every 300-500 miles.

No matter your type of foot or your expected running routine, there is a shoe out there that is perfect for you!

Author Bio: Find a wide range of Running Shoes and other equipment online

Category: Sports
Keywords: running, shoes, trainers, sports, fitness