If you were going to buy a golf club, you wouldnt walk into a store and buy the first one you see, would you? Of course not; especially if you want to improve your golf game! Youll want to hold the club, take some practice swings, hit some balls if the store has a practice spot, and look at the price, of course. If you are considering buying running shoes, you need to go through a similar process and take the time to find the perfect shoe.

Your feet are your primary source of transportation. They keep you upright, and get you from place to place. Since they play such an important role in your daily life, you need to make sure you are providing them with the best footwear possible.

The first thing to do is to figure out the shape of your feet; this will help to determine what shoes will fit you best. Look at your wet footprints on the bathroom floor, or walk on a piece of paper if you cant see the footprints clearly enough. If your footprint looks flat, or if you can see marks for your heels and front of your feet but no connecting part, you will need to get something more than the average running shoe. The first type of footprint means you have flat feet, and the second type means you have high arches. If you dont give your feet the proper support, it can cause your foot to roll in or out when you walk. This can affect your leg and even your back muscles.

When you go to look for running shoes, go to a sports store, rather than a department store. The sports store will have a much larger selection, and the sales staff is trained to know what type of shoe will be best for you. If you have flat feet, high arches, or other conditions such as wide feet, tell the sales person right away. Then, he or she will bring you a selection of shoes made specifically for your foot type. This doesnt mean they will all fit perfectly; you will need to try on each one before you make your decision. Make sure to try on both shoes, as sometimes one will fit slightly different on one foot than on the other foot. Tie the laces properly. Walk, jog, or jump in the shoes. Do they feel comfortable? Do they give you excellent support? Are they the right size and width?

Price is another important factor to consider. Some shoes are overpriced, and some are poorly made. Look carefully at the shoes before you buy them to see if they are good quality. Compare prices between brands, and also between stores. Dont be cheap, though; you will get what you pay for, and if you want a good-quality shoe you will have to pay a bit more than you normally would. Also, get the shoe that suits the type of activity you will be doing. There are shoes that can be used for any activity, and there are some made specifically for running, biking, soccer, tennis, etc. Check the stores return policy to see if you can bring them back after a day or week if they feel uncomfortable.