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Resources How to shop for running shoes By the Mizuno Shoe Guy Before we even get started, an absolutely critical step is to get yourself to a running specialty store in your area. Not a chain athletic store or a mall-based sporting goods store. Go to a store which specializes in running shoes and only running. Ask around and you should be able to find a good one nearby. Once there, tell the salesperson you’re a beginner and you’ll get fitted for the best possible shoe for your individual needs and requirements. Here are some tips once you’re there: 1. Buy running shoes. That may seem obvious, but many beginners end up with “sneaks” or “tennies” and complain about foot pain. When running, you need to wear a running shoe and not a cross-trainer, walking shoe, basketball sneakers or tennis shoes. This is where a specialty running helps. If you go to one, you’ll end up with a quality pair of running shoes. 2. Make a commitment to spend at least a half hour at the store. Buying the right pair of running shoes is important and you shouldn’t rush through the process or settle for a shoe which doesn’t fit well or feel comfortable. Take your time. Check out the shoe wall. Browse through the clothing racks. Look at the race entry forms and see if there are any training classes you might be interested in joining. After getting comfortable in the store, seek out a salesperson. If you are a beginner who knows next-to-nothing about what shoes you need, tell the salesperson. Don’t feel embarrassed. A good running shoe person loves working with beginners. 3. Bring your running (or athletic socks) with you to the store. You’re going to have to try on several pairs of running shoes and if you’re wearing the wrong type of dress socks (either too thin or too thick), it will effect how the shoes fit. If you don’t have running socks, buy a pair at the store before you try shoes on. 4. Have both feet measured for width and length. Have this done even if you think you know your shoe size. As we age, feet tend to spread and lengthen so chances are your shoe size might be a half to a full size larger than you think. Women who have recently given birth are likely to find their shoes have increased as much as a full size. Regardless of your dress shoe size, you’ll probably have to go up at least a half size in running shoes to give your feet adequate room. 5. If you have been running, bring your old running shoes with you. A good salesperson can tell a lot from your worn-out, old shoes. Seeing those old shoes, will help the salesperson determine which new pair of shoes is best suited for you. Also, if you wear orthotics, bring them with you to the store and place them in any new pair of shoes you try on. 6. Be honest. The salesperson will ask you detailed questions about your running history (miles per week, speed, level of runner, etc.) to help determine which is the best shoe for you. Be frank and open. It can be confusing (and just a tad intimidating) talking with a highly knowledgeable salesperson, but a good one won’t try to snow you with techno-lingo. If you don’t understand something or are confused about the value of a shoe technology, don’t be afraid to ask for an explanation. 7. Buy quality. Getting the best running shoe isn’t cheap. Expect to pay between $90 and $150 for a great pair of shoes. You can pay a lot less, but the less expensive shoes are less durable, supportive and protective. In other words, you get what you pay for. You want all the comfort, cushioning and safety features that will protect your feet and help you enjoy your running. And if you are a beginner, don’t assume the cheaper shoes are the way to go. Beginning runners need just as good a shoe as a veteran. Maybe even better. 8. Fit, fit, fit. What’s the most important aspect to buying real estate? Location, location, location. Well with running shoes, fit is everything. Even if you buy the very best pair of running shoes imaginable, they will be worthless if they don’t fit your feet well. So try on a variety of styles and models from several different brands. (Different brands fit differently.) You want running shoes that fit snugly (without being too tight) and allow for some room between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Generally, there should be one-third of an inch of room. Your feet and toes shouldn’t feel crammed and you shouldn’t notice any tightness. The heel fit is also very important. The heel shouldn’t slip at all or come out of the shoe when you run or walk. If a shoe isn’t wide enough, ask whether that model comes in a wider width. Many models are now available in more than one width. Try on every pair you are considering. Lace them up. Walk around the store. Jog around. Jump up and down. If any one particular area of the shoe doesn’t seem to fit right, don’t buy it. 9. Pick two pairs. Try to narrow your selection to two different, but comparable models. Do a side-by-side comparison. Wear one on each foot to notice the differences in fit, cushioning, stability and comfort. Ask the salesperson’s opinion. Ask what technical differences there are between the two shoes. Don’t necessarily go with the more expensive or well-known brand. Go with the pair that you feel will work for you the best. 10. Return policy. Ask about the store’s
return policy. Sometimes shoes that feel great in the store feel
differently when you get them home. Most good running stores have
a return policy which allows you to exchange shoes that are still
clean and haven’t been worn on the streets or trails. But
make sure you check with the salesperson and retain the sales receipt
for your records. The Mizuno Shoe Guy will be glad to answer all your shoe-related
questions. Email him at mizunoshoeguy@mizunousa.com
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