Choosing the Perfect Running Shoes

It makes all the difference.

When it comes to running shoes, there is no “one size fits all.” The perfect running shoes vary by person.

The running shoe that is best for you depends on factors such as the width of your feet, the arch, and how you step when you run. If you feel you are frequently injured due to running, it may be because the running shoe you are using is not ideal for your feet. Likewise, if you are a beginning runner it is best to start out on the right foot, with the right running shoe!

How to Choose Running Shoes:

You’re perusing running shoes online, hoping to buy the perfect pair that gives you a better run, and find yourself staring at the rows and rows in front of you.

How do you pick which one is best? Price? Looks?

Best answer? You should always pick the pair of shoes that are best for your feet shape and running style. While cost is an issue for a majority of runners, it i better to pay a little bit more for the right shoes, than to have to suffer through injuries with the wrong ones.

Luckily, it’s the information age, and there are plenty of specialty running and sports shoes stores online which offer a range of different types of shoes and guides, with much more of a selection than you will find at your local mall:

Saucony Shoe Advisor icon: Saucony has a great form which has you define many of the particulars of your feet, and where and how you run, everything from flat feet to high arches, to trail running to road running. Just check, check, check. You can pinpoint which shoes are best for you based on your style, your workout, and your feet.

These Running and Track Sizing tips by Six:02 will help show you what to pay attention to when you’re shopping for the right shoe.

Cushioned shoes or adding cushioned insoles: These are best for those with moderate to high arches. Choose this shoe if you tend to step midsole or forefront of your feet and do not overpronate.

1. Spenco For Her Q-Factor Cushioning Insoles (just adding cushioned insoles to your running shoes)
icon2. Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 (the ultimate in cushioned shoes)
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Choosing the Perfect Running Shoes

Motion-Control: For those with flat feet. Usually these runners moderately over pronate and step more with their rear feet than they should.

1. Saucony Women’s Omni 15
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Performance shoe: For those who want a light feel while they run or workout. Some fabulous performance running shoes:

1. Adidas Supernova Glide 8 Boost Shoes
2. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11

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Racing shoes: Only if you are injury free and can produce an efficient stride. Some fantastic racing shoes:

1. New Balance Women’s Nyc 1400v5 Running Shoes
2. Adidas Energy Boost 2.0 Shoes

Stability shoes: If you need arch-side support and good midsole cushioning, you need stability shoes such as these.

1. ASICS Gel-Kayano 24 Lite Show Running Show or ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 23 Running Shoe
2.
Nike Air Max
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Trail shoes: If you prefer running off the road. These usually have more ground support.

1. Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 4
2. Adidas Outdoor Response Boost Trail Running Shoe

Hopefully, you were able to get a better idea on the types of running shoes that are right for you!

Find more running advice here:
Guide to Starting a Running Program
9 Training Tips for Your First Marathon, Triathlon, or Walkathon

Download your copy of the Running Schedule for Absolute Beginners. It’s FREE!

Running Program Thumbnail 

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6 Comments

  1. Thank you SO much for this article!  I recently took my running from the cool comforts of a fitness room treadmill to the humid (nearly 100% some days) thick air of the outdoors in Louisiana.  Needless to say, I'm struggling a little bit.  On top of still going pretty slow (average 4mph), I also have asthma that I have to watch out for.  However, I know how good running is for you, and I am motivated to do it.  When I'm not running, I think about it a lot and how good I feel afterwards.  When I am running, I'm usually thinking about how excited I will be when I'm finished.  Hopefully I will keep improving as this article says!  Slow and steady for now.  Also getting some running shoes this weekend.

    1. Jenny, For that condition, you would be better off going into the store and trying on different shoes to get the right fit.

  2. I am turning 49, and I want to pick up running as another workout option. My arch is normal, and other than being careful with my joints starting out, shouldn’t have any problems. I never realized how many types of shoes there were! For the time being I will be on a treadmill (the weather is atrocious), so which shoe makes a good starter shoe?

    1. Anna, What’s your price range? I love Brooke’s Running Shoes. I can recommend 1 or 2 but need about how much you want to spend. 🙂

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