If the
Shoe Fits "Running in old shoes is like driving on bald tires....You might make
the next town, but then again, you might have a blowout." (J.D.Denton)
Your feet have 26 bones and over 100 muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other
soft tissue components that all work together to give you balance, support,
and cushioning. They are built to withstand the pressure of walking and
running, but only if you take proper care of them.
When you run a mile, your feet hit the ground approximately 1,600 times
with a force equal to between two and four times your body weight. To protect
your feet from damage, you must invest in a good pair of running shoes.
Sneakers and tennis shoes don't have sufficient cushioning or support for
distance running. Also, good running shoes are typically much lighter than
regular sneakers.
The more than 150 different running shoe models available can overwhelm any
runner. Deciding whether you need stability, motion control, cushioned or
lightweight training and trail shoes depends on your arch, your body type, and
how your foot strikes the ground (pronation), as well as the surface you run
on. Before buying shoes, do some research. You can check out Runner's
World or visit several running specialty shoe stores. Take your old shoes
with you. Based on the wear of your shoes, the distances you are running and
on what surfaces you run, the personnel will be able to offer you advice on
which shoes will best suit your needs.
When you're ready to buy shoes, take along a pair of socks that you plan to
run in. Most athletic shoe stores have a treadmill you can run on, or they
will let you run around the store to get the feel of the shoe. Make certain
the shoe fits. Nothing is worse than buying a shoe that doesn't properly fit
your foot. Understand the store's return policy. Some stores let you return
the shoes after wearing them a couple times; others don't. Since your feet
tend to swell after a run, you should visit the store after a run or late in
the day if possible.
You do get what you pay for, so don't buy the cheapest shoe you find. Be
prepared to spend from $65 to $125 for a good pair of shoes. Considering that
you don't have to buy any fancy expensive equipment, accessories, or club
membership plans, the cost is minimal. If you run simultaneous days, you may
want to buy a second pair to alternate. Shoes need time to breathe. Always let
your shoes dry out if they get wet. This helps them last longer and prevents
odors. (Don't put them into a hot dryer, let them air dry or use a fan to help
speed up the drying process.)
Keep track of the mileage you run in your shoes. You will need to replace
them between four and five hundred miles, and some even sooner, depending on
what weather conditions you run in, how much you weigh, and how hard you wear
your shoes.
Even if the shoes don't look worn out, the midsoles will have lost their
cushioning and resiliency. If you continue to wear worn out shoes, you
increase your chance of injury. Bob Wischnia, Runner's
World shoe expert states that it is "time for a new pair when you've
worn through the uppers or the outsoles, or when your shoes tilt to one side
when placed on a flat surface."
If you experience foot or leg pains while running, you may need to see an
orthopedist or a podiatrist who may recommend an orthotic for your shoe.
Copyright 2001 by Rachel Keller
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