subject: Buying the Right Running Shoes [print this page] Running is widely recognised as one of the best ways to get yourself fit - and fast. Even by just heading out for half an hour a day, three times a week, you can make massive changes to your physical and mental health, and see the benefits taking shape within weeks.
If you're thinking about taking up running, congratulations. There is a saying that goes in the running community that once you become a runner, you're hooked for life. Even if you go through long breaks and hiatuses, you'll nearly always find that should you take to the roads once again, you'll find it easier than before to pick it up again and improve rapidly.
Bearing that in mind, however, it's still important to take care of yourself if running is going to be your sport of choice. While it's true that the human body was built for running, it was created with the idea that we'd be running barefoot on grass. Unfortunately, many runners today are forced to run on tough, solid concrete - which can really take its toll on knees, hips and ankles.
That's why it's important to protect your body as much as possible while running - and the starting point is getting proper running shoes. It may come as a surprise that there is such a thing as running shoes, but there are - many of them - and they're designed in order to help people run in manmade environments without injuring themselves on the tougher ground. They come in all shapes and sizes and are even designed to deal with the different ways people run.
When it comes to getting new running shoes, it's always best to consult a professional. Visit a running shop and have someone analyse the way you run. This is done by having the member of staff watch you run for a few minutes, usually on a treadmill but sometimes simply up and down the shop or street. Once they've seen your style, they will suggest several different shoes and get you to test them out by running on them. From here, it's all down to how they make you feel. Running shoes tend to be extremely supportive and comfortable to run on, almost feeling like you're running on air. If you find yourself feeling sturdy and well balanced while you run, then you've found the shoe for you.
Running shoes are available in both women's and mens shoes and can work wonders for your running adventures, so make sure you grab a pair before you get started and get ready to improve your health and fitness both physically and mentally.
