by Sarah Fonseca

Created on: April 21, 2009

Shoes are to a runner what tires are to a sports car. It does not matter what type of engine you have under the hood, or fuel in the tank - if you are unable to propel yourself forward, everything is in vain. Unfortunately, amateur and professional runners alike often forget the three month (or 300 mile) rule when it comes to purchasing new kicks, thereby setting themselves at risk for a slew of injuries, ranging from twisted ankles to skin splints. When purchasing good running shoes, comfort and safety are synonymous.

In addition to the 90 day rule, it is important to remember that all feet are not created equally. Just like car tires come in different sizes and strengths, our feet also vary. One person might need additional arch support, while another might need the exact opposite of that.

While we might have officially entered into the era of Internet shopping and bargain hunting, there is nothing - I repeat, nothing - compares to sitting down with a skilled professional at a shoe store and have your feet measured properly. While it might be a bit more costly, the benefits far outweigh the money spent. A great-fitting shoe is worth its weight in gold, and it is entirely too risky to attempt such a purchase online. Often, shoes sold on eBay.com, Amazon.com, Overstock.com and other popular online retailers (while seemingly brand new) contain small manufacturer's defects, whether they be purely aesthetic or bearing an incorrect sizing. A proper fitting, in person, cannot be overemphasized.

While being fitted, make sure to point out any areas that tend to become sore to the clerk. He/she will me more than happy to help you chose not only the proper shoes, but linings and socks as well - that is right, even something as trivial as a pair of socks can make a difference in how comfortable your feet remain during that morning jog. In addition, ask the salesperson if you could run around the store (or even the parking lot) for a moment to test out your new shoes. This is imperative in order to find out if a shoe suits you or not. Often, salesclerks will insist upon this in order to make certain that he/she has fitted you properly. While most athletic stores have exchange policies, figuring these things out ahead of time definitely beats the hassle of another trip to your neighborhood athletic store.

Follow these suggestions, and you will be setting your best foot forward in no time.

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