Getting the Right Shoe

Wearing the wrong shoe while running can not only greatly increase the risk of injury, but it could significantly affect a pre-existing injury. There are 4 major factors to watch out for -

1. Size - Too small or too big? Rule of thumb is to have a "thumb's width" of space between the longest toe and the top of the shoe. This space gives your feet room to breathe and can prevent black toes & numb feet!
2. Age - (Not you!) When was the last time you changed out your running shoes? The average running shoe should last on average 400 miles (you can do the math). Shoes should be replaced because the cushioning wears down and absorbs less of the shock (think of your knees!).
3. Type - There are many types of shoes out there - tennis, walking, aerobic, and basketball are all variations - just to name a few. The right shoe needs to be geared for running to provide the correct support and shock absorbption.
4. Category - Unsure of what shoe is the right one? Then you are probably apt to purchase the wrong shoe. Shoes can be catagorized by motion control, stability and 'neutral'.

So how do you find the right shoe? Visit a running store who specializes in obtaining the right information so that they can size and recommend your needs accordingly.

"For last year's race, I went to Trysports having never been fitted for a shoe before. I typically bought a low-cost shoe that looked nice and did the job - but I was amazed to find that they actually didn't suit my feet at all! TrySports recommended a pair of Brook's running shoes that weren't out of my price range and I haven't looked back since! The difference was felt on my first day running!" - Race Director