How to Buy the Right Shoes for Teenage Cross Country Runners

Running can be very hard on your body, especially cross-country running, because of all of the different surfaces you run on. Having the right shoes to support your body as you run is very important and can help you avoid injuries. Buying shoes can be a difficult thing, because you never know how to shoe is going to work until you actually run in it. To help you to select the best cross country shoe, especially if you're a teen with still-growing feet, follow the steps below.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go to a store that specializes in sportswear. If you go to a store that sells other types of shoes besides athletic shoes, it could become very confusing, and the salespeople will probably not know how to assist you properly. When you get to the store, go straight to the area where the running shoes are displayed. Stay away from the sales racks, because you do not need to look for a great deal when your comfort and support are the critical factors.

    • 2

      Browse the shoe department looking for different kinds of athletic shoes, not only the ones that are labeled cross-country running shoes. Try to narrow it down to a few different pairs based on the way they look to you.

    • 3

      Check shoes for features that would make them good cross-country running shoes. They should not be too bulky or heavy. If your running shoes are either, they will slow you down and be uncomfortable. Try to find shoes with a good grip on the bottom and mesh somewhere on the sides (so they will breathe), and that are lightweight and provide good support for your feet and ankles.

    • 4

      Test the shoes on your feet. Try on the pairs of shoes that you like. You can run around the store or back and forth, to give you some idea of how they will perform when you train or compete in them. Jumping in the shoes is also a good way to tell if they support your foot. If they are uncomfortable at all, you should try a different pair, because it is very important for your running shoes to be extremely comfortable. If your foot is very narrow or wide, it is usually a good idea to select shoes that are specifically made to fit these foot types, to ensure maximum comfort and support.

    • 5

      Find the correct shoe size. A shoe that is too big or too small can be incredibly painful and create many foot problems. You want the size that gives your toes plenty of room to stretch and expand without having your foot slide around inside the shoe. There should be a finger’s width between your big toe and the end of the shoe. When you are selecting running shoes, do not try to buy a shoe that your feet can grow into. Instead, you need to buy the correct size.