5 Tips to Finding Your Next Pair of Running Shoes

Looking for your next pair of running shoes? My best advice is to go in and get fitted by your local running store. I've worked in the running specialty business for more than three years now. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of getting your next perfect shoe.

Photo taken by John Knepper. 

1. Be Open Minded

When you walk into your local running store, do so with an open mind. Get rid of any old thoughts about brands or what you have read or heard about brands at the door. A majority of shoe companies change their shoes every year, so what worked for you last year might not work for you this year. Most companies are also trying to create the best running shoe out there. If you only limit yourself to one brand or one particular shoe, you are missing out on a lot of opportunities. You don't know what you don't know if you never try it.

2. Be Honest

Whoever ends up helping you needs to know what is going on with your feet. If you are experiencing an injury anywhere from the lower back down, let them know. The more information they know the better they can help you. Tell them what you are using the shoes for, whether it's running, walking, at work where you are on your feet all day, or just a good every day shoe. I also recommend bringing in your old shoes to show them. They can see what brand you have been wearing, your wear pattern on the bottom of the shoe and get your feedback on your last pair of shoes.

3. Take Your Time

We are not fast food. Don't come in when you have to be somewhere soon. Most fittings take 15 to 30 minutes, but some do take longer. Most people regret buying shoes when they are in a hurry. I recommend trying on 3-5 pairs of shoes from different brands and spending a few minutes in each to see how they feel. Take the time to make the right decision. Your feet will thank you.

4. Get Measured

Every time you buy a shoe you should get your foot measured. Feet will change throughout your whole life. They can change width or length. It's also very common that women's feet change during or after pregnancy. Remember, you want to get a shoe that is a full size bigger than what you measure at to accommodate for swelling and going downhill. There needs to be a good thumb-nail size between your biggest toe and the front of the shoe. If you are walking in the shoe, you could get away with maybe a half size up from what you measure, but swelling does apply to you as well, especially if you are in the shoe all day and are on your feet a lot.

5. Chose Comfort Over Color

Sadly, most shoes are not pretty. Not every shoe comes in every color and most stores don't carry more than 1 to 3 color options in shoes. You will also see companies creating the same colored shoes because they follow the same fashion trends on colors. Sometimes they will make brightly colored shoes which are designed for safety. The brighter you are the more someone is likely to notice you when you are out and about. Comfort is key when looking for a shoe. If it doesn't feel good when you try it on, chances are they won't feel good later. If you choose an uncomfortable shoe you are less likely to wear it, which would prevent you from working out or going for a run. Then you would have paid that money on something you won't wear. Don't let your shoes be the reason you don't achieve your goals.