CHOOSING A RUNNING SHOE THAT’S BEST FOR YOU

Choosing a running shoe can be a confusing task. It’s often difficult to decipher which running shoe is best for you. We suggest that you take careful steps in choosing the correct footwear for the long journey ahead. We highly recommend Seattle Running Company because of their continued support of our running programs here at TJ. In addition to the team package they offer, Seattle Running Company gives runners on a team a 10% discount on shoes at the store. Wherever you go – remember the following key points when buying your shoes.

The best shoe for you is the shoe that works best with the shape of your foot while addressing your unique biomechanical/support needs. Fashion is not as important as fit and function.

What works for your friends or teammates may not work for you. Your foot shape and biomechanical set-up is unique. Subtle differences in instep height, metatarsal angle, arch length, foot flexibility and structure can make a huge difference in which shoe will work best for you.

A good fitting running shoe will fit snugly through the arch and around the instep, fit snugly in the heel without pinching or slippage and be wide enough in the forefoot to accommodate the width and height of your toes. A bit of extra room is often best to allow for swelling as you run longer distances. The best time to shop for shoes is in the afternoon or after a longer run, when your feet have swollen from the day’s activities. You should always try on running shoes in the socks you will be wearing when you run.

Besides fit, biomechanical factors make up the other big consideration for choosing a shoe. Pronation is the natural inward roll of your foot as it transfers your body weight over your foot from heel to toe. This is the body’s way of absorbing shock. Most runners experience pronation at some point in their foot strike. The degree by which you pronate is specific to the amount of structural support you will need in a shoe. An excessive pronator will likely need a much more reinforced shoe with structural support under and around the ankle and arch sections of the shoe.

To determine what shoes are best for you it is best to visit one of the specialty running stores mentioned above to have their experienced staff analyze your gait. Also talk with your coaches or a sport medicine professional for their opinions. This can make a big difference in staying injury free.

Running shoes should last about 500 miles. Shoes at this stage will begin to feel a little flat. They may still look fine but the midsole (the support part of the shoe) is worn out and should be replaced to avoid possible injury.

You should spend at least $60 and probably no more than $90 on your new pair of running shoes. You can spend a lot more, but the top running shoes for you will probably cost between $70 and $85. You can get good buys through catalogs and on the internet, but the best bet is to buy your first pair at a running specialty store so they can be professional fitted. If you decide to stay with the same model you can then look into catalogs or other sources.

Super Jock ‘n Jill 7210 E. Green Lk. Dr. N. Seattle 206-522-7711 800-343-44l1 superjocknjill.com

South Sound Running 1736 Pacific Avenue Tacoma 253-593-8786 southsoundrunning.com (Also an Olympia location)

Seattle Running Company 919 E. Pine Seattle 206-329-1466 seattlerunningcompany.com