Buying New Running Shoes

A Guide to Buying Running Shoes

Brought to you by The Athlete Stop

1. Bring your preferred pair of socks you would run in when trying on new shoes.
2. Remove the inner sole from the shoe and make sure it fully captures your foot by placing your foot in it on the floor.
3. Feel around the inside of the shoes for “hot spots” or areas that may be abrasive to your foot.
4. Put on and fully lace both shoes without pulling the laces too tight.
5. Your toes should have plenty of room in the toe box in a vertical and side-to-side manner.
6. The shoe shape should feel comfortable and not overly curved or straight relative to your foot type.
7. The shoes should flex well just behind the ball for the foot.
8. The shoes should provide adequate protection for the bottom of your feet from rocks and uneven terrain.
9. Fit the shoes to your longest foot and longest toe.
10. Your heel should feel snug in the heel counter and there should be little up and down movement.
11. Try on shoes at the end of the day preferably after running or walking since feet normally swell by the end of the day.
12. Make sure you take them on a test run.
13. If you use orthotics, make sure they fit inside the shoe without compromising the fit and position on a stable platform.