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DON’T BE A VICTIM OF THE RUNNING SHOE BLUES! 

(Bethesda, Maryland) — One of the best things about running is the simplicity of the sport.  All you have to do is lace up your shoes and head out the door.  Simple enough, until it’s time to buy a new pair of running shoes.  “The enormous selection of shoes, guaranteeing everything from injury-free running to increased speed, can be daunting for even the most seasoned runner,” says Susan Kalish, executive director of The American Running Association.  The following common misconceptions can add to the uncertainty of how to make a good purchase. 

If a shoe works well for an athlete seen on TV, it must be a good shoe for you.   “Every individual is a case of one,” running guru George Sheehan, M.D., used to say in his writings and lectures.  We are each unique, with our own foot shape, gait, biomechanical structure, and training goals.  Therefore, when selecting running shoes, you should focus more on what features you need, rather than how the shoe looks or performs for others. 

If you find a shoe you like, stick with that same shoe model for years to come.  Although it would certainly be easier to always purchase the same shoes, it may not be the best choice.  “Manufacturers often make subtle changes in shoe styles from year to year.  These changes may affect the fit or performance.  What’s more, your feet change with age and exercise,” says Kalish.  With time, you may discover you need more support, more or less motion control, or a larger toe box. 

If you buy  new running shoes, they will be perfect when you get them.  “You should carefully examine every pair of running shoes you purchase,” says Bruce Wilk, physical therapist and director of Orthopedic Rehabilitation Specialists in Miami, Fla.  “I have seen defective shoes for sale and have treated patients who were injured due to shoe defects.”  Wilk recommends that you always make sure each shoe is glued together securely and the upper part of the shoe is glued straight into the sole.  Check to be sure the inside and outside of the heel is even to a flat surface and that the shoe does not roll excessively inward or outward.  Also double check air or gel pockets to be sure they are inflated evenly.  (For more details on testing the quality of your shoes, visit www.defectiveshoe.com.) 

In order to get a good pair of shoes, you must spend more money.  It may be human nature to assume that a higher priced item is better quality than it’s lower priced counterpart, but that’s not always the case.  Look for a shoe that meets your needs—cushioning, fit, and stability—then look at the price.  Many low-mileage runners can find a great running shoe at the lower end of the price scale. 

If a favorite shoe style is discontinued, it will be next to impossible to find another that fits as well.  There’s no need to start from scratch to find another shoe.  Find out what features your old pair had and duplicate those in your new pair.  Did the shoe have a straight, semi-curved, or curved last (shape of the sole)?  Was it cushioned?  Did it control motion?  Was the heel narrow?  Was the toe box wide?  A sales person in a running specialty store should be able to help you determine these answers and provide recommendations of comparable shoes.  “When you don’t have access to a running shoe specialist, use The American Running Association’s Running Shoe Database,” says Kalish.  “It helps runners pinpoint their needs and provides a listing of shoes that fit these needs.”  To access the database questionnaire, go to http://www.americanrunning.org/programs/rsdb.htm.. 

To receive a brochure including tips on choosing running shoes, how to determine your foot type and shape, and the “anatomy” of a running shoe, send a self-addressed, stamped (55¢) envelope to Beat the Choosing Your Running Shoes Blues, c/o The American Running Association, 4405 East West Highway, Suite 405, Bethesda, MD  20814.  Or visit www.americanrunning.org to download this brochure and read more about running shoe selection; training recommendations; and injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. 

The American Running Association is a nonprofit, educational association dedicated to enhancing the physical well-being of all Americans through the promotion of running and healthy living.  Visit http://www.americanrunning.org/ for more information.

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