Running shoes are really the only piece of equipment needed to enable someone to run. The importance of good runners that are specific to the individual’s foot style cannot be emphasized enough. If you do not get good sneakers, you could end up with blisters, losing toenails or worse. Not to mention the amount of discomfort that you will experience during your run.

Below you will find 8 tips to help you choose and buy a good pair of running shoes.

1. The morning or early afternoon is the best time to try on running shoes. Your feet can increase in size throughout the day. Trying on your runners early in the day means that you will get a more accurate size. Also make sure that you wear the same kind of socks that you will wear when you run. Bring a pair of your running socks when you go shopping for running shoes.

2. Always go with shoes that are at least half an inch longer in front. You don\’t want your toes to cramp during your run. You should be able to move your toes about. If they can move around easily you are good.

3. Although it\’s an extra expense, it\’s always good to have two pairs of running shoes. That way you can alternate them. This not only increases the life of the shoe, but also gives them extra time to air out, very important if you are a frequent long distance runner.

4. Buy your new runners in advance of any races that are coming up. You need time to wear them in and to make sure that they fit correctly and there are no hot spots. It\’s important to go for at least a couple of runs wearing them. By no means should you wear new runners or any other new apparel on race day.

5. You won\’t really know how your new runners feel until you run in them. Shop at a store that specializes in running shoes for runners. Many of them have treadmills where you can actually go for a run for at least a couple of minutes to find out if they are really comfortable. You want the runner to have toe space but you don\’t want your foot to slip around inside the runners. Running stores don\’t typically take runners back once they have been worn outside.

6. If a shoe fits poorly when trying them on, it will always fit poorly. Take your time, try on various models, and make sure that it fits well. Pay the price to get the best fitting shoe.

7. Various running shoes have various capabilities. Some are made to be worn on the track alone, while others can be worn on hard surfaces like the road. Still others are made to be worn on rough terrain for trail running. If you are going to be running off-road, get runners that are designed for that. Sometimes choosing the cheapest shoe will only make the run uncomfortable apart from wearing out the shoes too quickly.

8. Don\’t wear running shoes once they are worn out. Everything has a life including your shoes. Runners will usually last around 500 miles depending on their construction and purpose. Plus, if you are a mid foot runner, it is possible that you shoes will last longer than others.

Author Bio: Jacquie Cattanach has enjoyed running and triathlons for over a quarter of a century and loves to write about it. She welcomes you to visit her Running Blog where she provides advice to the running community on running topics and reviews such as folding treadmill reviews and P90X Review.

Category: Sports
Keywords: running shoes, runners, sneakers,