Questions About Running Shoes

Before investing in a pair of good running shoes, try on several models to find the best width, fit and comfort for your feet. Visit a specialty running shoe store with knowledgeable staffers. Ask questions that will help you choose the right model and type of running shoe to avoid injury and safeguard the health of your back, feet and knees.

  1. What Size Should I Buy?

    • Choose a running shoe half a size larger than your regular shoe size. Try different brands, because the width and fit of running shoes is different from one manufacturer to another.

    How Do I Choose the Right Type?

    • There are several types of running shoes to designed to maintain proper foot alignment and prevent problems arising from pronation and supination. Using a high-speed camera, specialty running store staffers can check your gait and foot strike as you run on a treadmill. They analyze the video and make recommendations based on assessing your running style.

      If you do not have any foot problems, cushioned running shoes provide adequate arch support and cushioning. If you have pronation, your arch flattens and the foot rolls inward when you run, which can cause shin splints and plantar fasciitis, according to Sports Injury Clinic.net. Buy motion-control running shoes, which provide a stiff arch support to limit foot motion.

      If you have supination, your arch rises and your foot rolls outward as you walk or run. Your foot is likely to become rigid when it hits the ground, diminishing its ability to absorb shocks. Buy stability running shoes, which have extra cushioning and shock-absorbing capabilities.

    How Often Should I Replace Running Shoes?

    • Runners World.com recommends replacing your running shoes after you've run 300 to 500 miles. Running shoes wear differently depending on your weight, gait and foot strike. On average, expect to replace them every four to six months. Do not wait until your shoes show external signs of wear if they no longer provide the same amount of comfort and support as when they were new.

    Do I Need More Than One Pair?

    • Alternating two pairs of running shoes is a good idea if you run more than 20 miles a week. According to Runners World.com, wearing the second pair and letting the midsole foam in the first pair "recover" for 24 hours will provide more protection for your feet.

    Can Running Shoes Be Used for Walking?

    • The material used for the upper portion of most walking shoes makes them heavier than running shoes. Not all types of walking shoes provide the cushioning and support available in running shoes, so running shoes may be a better choice for walkers, according to Fleet Feet Sports.com.

    How Do I Clean My Running Shoes?

    • Purchase a foam cleaner made for sneakers and follow the manufacturer's directions. Do not throw your running shoes into the washing machine. If your shoes get wet from running in the rain, remove the laces, pull the tongue forward and keep your shoes away from an artificial heat source, such as baseboard heaters and radiators, to avoid damaging the shoes, according to Fleet Foot Sports.com.