5 Shoes, socks and feet
Description
This article is from the running Beginners' FAQ, by Ozzie Gontang with numerous contributions by others.
5 Shoes, socks and feet
A good pair of shoes is the most important item of equipment to a runner.
You need a good, basic well-cushioned pair of shoes that fit well. You
don't need motion control shoes unless you already know that you have gait
problems (over-pronation or over -supination). You DON'T need expensive
shoes with flashy gimmicks, unless you are just going to wear them to look
cool.
Don't go to a general sports goods store, especially one of the chains.
Find a real running store. You can recognize one by the flyers for upcoming
races posted in the window or ask some runners where to find one. Go in the
afternoon when your feet are at their largest. If possible go on a week
day, so you avoid Saturday staff. Tell the staff what you want the shoes
for. If you belong to a running club you may get a discount.
If your neighbourhood doesn't have a real running store, you could try mail
order [see main FAQ]. Some of these will give advice over the phone, and
may let you exchange shoes. They may be a better bet than a mall sports
store, have a wider range of stock and will probably be cheaper. Don't go
to a running store for advice then buy from mail order - buy from the
store.
Look in the main rec.running FAQ for more information.
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/rec.running/
or the web site: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/running-faq/
If you find that you get blisters, try out some of the running socks sold
by the running stores. Double-layered ones work well. They are more
expensive than cheap "sports" socks, but if you have blister problems, then
they are well worth it. Another good trick is to apply Vaseline to your
feet before running. Vaseline also works well if your nipples get sore.
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