by Cassie Escriture

Created on: April 22, 2009

From Nike to New Balance, Saucony to Spaulding, there's a running shoe for everyone. But the key to buying the right running shoe is to know that everyone has different needs. Between body type, running style, mileage, and budget, runners are different. Luckily, a plethora of footwear exists from which you can choose the running shoe that best matches your need. To do this, give yourself plenty of time to find a shoe you like and talk to knowledgable sales people to make sure you find the just-right shoe.

BODY TYPE

Body type is a key differentiator between runners. Depending on your foot strike (if the outside of your foot hits the pavement harder than the inside, for instance), you'll want a shoe that helps give you a more balanced stride. Balancing your stride helps ease the wear and tear on your bones, muscles, and joints, and this can be corrected depending on the type of running shoe you get. While most runners can't determine this themselves, asking a salesperson at a running store will allow you to determine if you pronate (have one side of your foot strike harder) and need shoes to address that need.

In addition to foot strike, body type influences the shoes a runner needs in terms of how much weight your feet will be carrying. Larger runners, runners with more fragile ankles, knees, and hips, or people who simply want to feel like they're running on a cloud will want more cushioning in their shoe. This is when it is key to take time and try the shoes on. Jog around the store for a minute to see how they feel. If they feel good, you've probably found a good candidate.

RUNNING STYLE

Your running style will also influence which shoe you should buy. If you prefer to run on trails, trail shoes are necessary to protect your feet from additional bumps and bruises. If you're racing on the roads, lighter shoes will be preferable to take off a few extra ounces and help with your speed. However, if you're training in a gym on a treadmill or jogging around the neighborhood, your options are much wider.

MILEAGE

The number of miles you plan to run each week is also significant when choosing a shoe. More miles mean you need a sturdier shoe with better support in order to not breakdown. While you're not supposed to keep shoes for more than ~400 miles, sturdier shoes will last longer than those which are less stable. To test this, squeeze the back of the shoe together (where your heel would be). If the two sides come together easily, you probably want a more stable shoe. If they're hard to squeeze together, you're on the right track.

BUDGET

Lastly, it makes a difference how much you want to spend. Let's face it, running shoes are expensive. They range from $20 to $200, and the price is usually indicative of the quality of shoe you're buying. However, there are a couple options to find cheaper shoes that will still fulfill all your needs and keep you running happily and healthily. Ask for running shoe models from previous years for which they have leftover stock, or wait until shoes come on sale.

In order to buy the right running shoes, you need to take the above considerations into account. Body type, running style, mileage, and budget all make a difference in the type, brand, and cost of the shoes you buy. However, remember that running shoes are the most important investment a runner makes, and can save you years of medical problems and pain if you're conscientious about your purchases. If you're new to the process or are at all unsure about which shoes to buy, go to a running store and get their advice. They'll help you find what you need to make sure you keep running for as long as you like.

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