Choosing the right shoe

Choosing the proper shoe for you is important whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out (if you are just starting a running program your first step should be choosing the right shoe for you).

Overuse injuries are the most common injuries for runners to suffer. A well fitted shoe will help you maintain alignment in you foot, ankle and leg and as a result will help you decrease your chance of injury to your feet, ankles, knees, hips and even your low back.

Your best bet for getting the correct shoe is to go to the Naperville Running Company (or similar store specializing in running shoes), they have knowledge of the shoes available, what features they have as well as being able to analyze what you need so they can match you with the right shoe. Before going out to get fitted for a pair of running shoes I suggest you read this article: http://www.vpshoes.com/bestrunningshoe.htm

If you aren’t able to get to a specialized running store you can use the link below as a starting point for selecting the right shoe. Be sure to try on many different shoes to ensure comfortable and well-fitted shoe.

http://runnersresource.com/articles/shoeselection.htm
Provides a list of shoes based on your arch and body size.

Below are some general tips on choosing the right shoe as well as caring for your shoes once you have them.

• Try on shoes near the end of the day or at least after a lot of walking or better after a run (your feet are larger at the end of the day due to you’re being on them awhile).
• Running shoes should feel good when you first wear them, they don’t need to be broken in.
• Wear your running shoes only for running; if you want to wear running shoes during the day buy a different pair to walk around in.
• Unlace your shoes to take them off; don’t kick them off with your other foot (damages the heel counter).
• Replace your shoes at least every 600 miles (or 6 months), if the soles of your shoes are starting to break down then you are well overdue for new shoes.
• Washing your shoes in the washing machine can break them down faster so don’t do it, same thing goes for drying them in the clothes dryer (let them air dry if they get wet).

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2005/0105/aspund.htm
Technical article on making a shoe prescription based on numerous factors. This article provides you with information to determine out what features you need in a shoe but doesn’t provide you with shoe names. Some of the links in this article are blind due to the age of the article.