When preparing to buy running shoes in this economy the first thing you will need to know is how much are you willing to pay for your shoes, and what kind of running are you preparing to do. Are you in training for a long run, a run over rough terrain, all of these things must be considered even before you venture out to make your purchase.

The more you know about what you want before you get to the store the better. Most shoe clerks at the mall are not experts. They are there to sell you the most expensive pair of running shoes they can, as long as you can get it on your feet and walk around comfortable in it is all that matters to them.

But walking in a circle for a few minutes and running for a half and hour are two totally different things. Comfort should be tops on the list. Find yourself at least four different brands that you like and that you think fit and try them out. Although they my all be the same size they will all feel different on your feet just because a New Balance works for your friend doesn't necessarily means it will work for you. .

Some will have more space between your toes and the end of the shoe then others, when picking a running shoe bend your knee until the front of your knees are right above your toes. Have someone check your shoes. There should be about 3/4 of the width of a thumb between the end of your big toe and the end of the shoe. There should also be some flexibility in the toe.

Put on a left shoe from one pair and the right from the other, and stand around in them for a few minutes. See if you can judge which shoe suits you better, if you still can't tell jog back and forth in a small area of the store your heels should not slip in the shoe, and your feet should not flop onto the ground.

If they tell you to stop testing your shoe or tell you to stop jogging, simply stop and give them their shoes back and find another store, they clearly do not cater to runners. But if there is no problem take off the shoe that is least comfortable and repeat the test with the remaining shoes until you find the shoes that are the most comfortable. Try on both shoes of the pair you find most comfortable, and once you are sure that the shoes work for you buy them and remember the brand.

Ryan Harris finds the best running shoes available and reviews them. Join in on the conversation about the Best Running Shoes.

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