Running: It's All About the Shoesby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 11 Nov 2008 06:59 PM It is for me anyway. I am a severe overpronator and I sustained a nasty injury as a result of not wearing proper shoes when training for my first marathon. That was nearly a decade ago and since then I have spent countless hours researching running and other sport specific footwear. If you are just getting started in a specific sport and are shopping for shoes I would suggest the following: Find a Reputable Specialty Shoe Store. With all due respect to discount retailers, if you want a quality pair of running shoes you need to shop at a store that specializes in athletic shoes. If you are a runner check with your local runners clubs as to where members purchase their shoes. I got a great referral from my local sports podiatrist (the same one who treated my running injury). Most specialty shoe stores are staffed with employees who actually run (or have experience in other sports). Consequently, they will be able to help fit you with the right shoe, provided you share useful information with them such as: current and past injuries, your foot type and foot shape, and your brand of preference. I would suggest bringing in your old shoes to the store so an employee can examine how the shoe has worn. Bring Socks and Orthotics. If you are wearing slippers or dress shoes to the store don't forget to pack a pair of athletic socks as well. You want to wear the same type of sock when you are fitted for your shoe, as you will wear when participating in your sport. In addition, if you have been fitted with orthotics, be sure to bring them along on your visit to the shoe store as well. Measure, Measure, Measure. Even if you think you know the size of your foot, it is critical to have your foot measured before purchasing a new pair of shoes. The measurements should include sitting, standing and heel to toe, heel to ball and width. Experts say as you age, your foot size changes. What's more, individual manufacturers often make slight changes to shoes when creating updated versions of a specific model. Related Articles: Should You Run a Marathon While Pregnant? Creating a Challenging Workout Routine Why You Want to Build Muscle as You Age Creating a Fitness Routine that Works for You Ways to Integrate Exercise into Your Life Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantfitness tags family | ideas | Kids | parenting | pregnancy | holidays | weight loss | children | Food | relationships User Comments Joehrdlicka (5) 12 Nov 2008 06:54 PMYou raise excellent tips here. Many people just getting into running don't realize the importance of shoes. I just wrote about this issue recently at http://coachhrd.blogspot.com if you're interested. Community Tags exercise, fitness, running shoes, Shoes, sports and shoes Discuss this article
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