When I started running many years ago I ran with regular (non-running) sneakers. After six or seven runs I started feeling pain in my feet. Though I was a very active athlete the pain caused me to conclud that running was just not for me, that my body type could not handle it. My wife then told me I have to try running shoes before I give it up. I did what she said and have not had foot or leg pain since. My point is that for a runner, the running shoe is the most critical piece of equipment and is absolutely not to be undervalued!

Now I will attempt to succinctly distill some important aspects involved in buying a running shoe. Firstly, there is no such thing as the perfect shoe for everyone. The right shoe for you depends on the mechanics of your running style, your feet type and how much and often you run. Your foot mechanics and foot shape are generally related.

The three basic types of foot shapes are flat, normal and high arch. Runners that have high arches generally over supinate or roll out more than normal. Runners that have a flat foot often over pronate or roll in more than normal. Both cases are more prone to injury than a normal foot. Over pronators should typically buy motion controls shoes which tend to be more rigid and will help limit the extent to which a runner will pronate. Over supinators should typically buy cushioned shoes that are flexible and provide shock absorption.

The Running Times has a good section reviewing many running shoes.
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