What Brands Do I Look At?
Don’t get overwhelmed by flashy ads or overwhelming popularity. Every person needs a different kind of shoe, some prefer arch support while others have flat feet and want no support. Don’t worry about what brand your shoe is, learn what your body needs and purchase shoes accordingly.
Wondering how to learn what your body needs? I highly suggest visiting a store that will do a run analysis and proper shoe fitting for you, this is the best way to know for sure you are getting the type of shoe you need.
What Should I Wear?
Wear what you wear running! If you show up to a running store in running spandex and a shirt, believe me no one will judge you, plus, if you are dressed the part it will be easier to legitimately test out your shoes. Many running stores provide some kind of track or treadmill for you to test out jogging in the shoes you’ve been fitted for.
Also, wear the socks you typically go running in…it may not seem all THAT important at first, but if you wear the wrong kind of socks when testing out the shoes you may not realize where something rubs, or pushes, or if you got the right size even.
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
Unfortunately, a good running shoe does cost a pretty penny, but I PROMISE it is worth it to get a good shoe! Shoes can make or break (literally) you and your runs.
I would plan on spending anywhere from $90 – $140 for a pair of running shoes. You might be able to get them a little bit cheaper if they are on sale or if there is an older model available in your size. If you don’t mind having an older model, I would always ask the person assisting you if there is one in your size, they are typically pretty helpful and friendly about that.
Do I Really Need a Different Type of Running Shoe?
I’ve had a number of people ask me if they really need to buy two different kinds of running shoes; one for road runs, and one for trail runs. And my answer…yes! At LEAST two different kinds. If you are going to be doing any kind of hard core track racing you may want spikes or flats too. But yes, if you do both road running and trail running then I highly suggest getting a shoe for each. The truth of the matter is that road shoes just don’t hold up or hold on well when on a trail. What do I mean by this?
Hold up – Trail shoes are built a but more rugged because of the terrain they will experience, put a road shoe on terrain like that and it can break down much quicker.
Hold on – Road shoes have tread for roads, trail shoes have tread for dirt, dust, and rocks, this kind of tread grips the trials better and can save your butt from hitting the dirt.
How Often Should I Get New Shoes?
This all depends on how many miles you’re putting in each day. The average shoe is at its best for about 500 miles, at that point, it is at least time to start putting them into a rotation with other running shoes and not relying solely on that shoe anymore.
If you’re anything like me, you have a hard time parting with your comfiest running shoes. A lot of my old buddies have been laid to rest as far as running goes, but I keep them around as my kick-arounds and casual hiking shoes.