Running shoes are a very important part of your running gear to help prevent injuries. When purchasing running shoes it is important to choose the type of running shoe that is for your type of foot. It is also very important to buy the type of running shoe that will give you the proper support for the type of training and racing that you are going to do.

SPECIALTY RUNNING STORES

The best way to find the correct running shoe is to purchase your running shoes from a specialty running store. The people that work at specialty running stores are usually runners who know how to fit running shoes to runners.

Besides purchasing running shoes form a specialty running store another way to determine what type of running shoe to purchase is to wet your feet, step on a sheet of paper and then examine your foot print. There are three type of feet styles that running shoes are designed for. Finding out what type of foot you have will help in determining what type of running shoe to buy.

High Arched Foot

To see if you have a high arched foot, take a look at your foot if you have a high arch and a definite arch on your foot that is a good indicator.

Another way to determine if you have a high arch is to do a footprint test. Your footprint will curve inward and make the middle part of your foot look narrow.

What to Look Out For

Runners who have high arches tend to supinate or underpronate and your feet tend to roll outwards while you run.

What Type of Running Shoe to Purchase

The best running shoe for a runner with high arches is a running shoe that is flexible and has a soft mid-sole. If you can find a running shoe that is flexible and offers a lot of cushioning that is also desired.

Neutral Feet

A person's foot that has neutral feet are going to have a footprint that will have a slight curve inward. Usually less than 3/4". This is the most common foot type.

What to Look Out For

Running shoes that do not cause problems. Because neutral feet are less likely to get injured you want to make sure that the running shoe that you purchase is not going to cause problems. Also keep checking your foot size and purchase the correct size for your running shoes.

What Type of Running Shoe to Purchase

The best type of running shoe for a runner with neutral feet are shoes that fit well offer some support and some cushioning.

Flat Feet

While looking at your feet and you see little to no arch you have flat feet. Using the footprint test, the foot does not have any curve and almost looks like a blob.

What to Look Out For

Runners with flat feet will most likely overpronate while running. When you overpronate your feet tend to roll inward while you are running. This can cause problems with your foot.

What Type of Running Shoe to Purchase

The best type of running shoe to purchase is a running shoe that has a lot of stability. Running shoes that offer some motion-control are also going to help ward off injury.