Fall Women's Running Shoe Line Up :: Choosing The Right Shoes

Fall is rapidly approaching and the shoe companies are already issuing information on their new fall lines. So how do you choose the right shoe?  

There is a dizzying array of running shoes on the market and buying the wrong shoe can be painful – both in terms of wasted money and in potential injury. The most foolproof way to buy running shoes is to understand your foot type. This will help narrow down the field tremendously. A good running store can help you select a shoe made for your foot type.

Here are some guidelines:

There are basically three different types of feet and a shoe type made for each. Dip your feet in some water, then make a clean impression of them on the sidewalk…

Flat Feet
An impression of your feet will look like a “blob” completely flat without any inward curve from your big toe to your heel. A flat foot will generally indicate “overpronation” – meaning that your foot rolls inward when you run.

Look for shoes that are made for motion control and stability.

Reommendations:
Asics Evolution 4 ($110)
New Balance 1224 ($140)

High Arches
An impression of your feet will show a very skinny impression from your big toe down to your heel. Most people with high arches “underpronate” – meaning that your feet roll outward when you run.
If you are an underpronator, look for shoes that have more flexibility and a cushioned midsole.

Recommendations:
Asics Gel Fortitude 3 (($90)
Nike Air Pegasus +25 ($85)

Neutral
If your foot impression has a noticeable curve, but the line from your big toe to your heel doesn’t curve in ward by more than ¾ of an inch or so, you have a neutral foot. You’re one of the lucky ones, because you are much less prone to injury.
Still, it’s important for you to avoid shoes that are made for motion control and stability.

Recommendations:
Brooks Axiom 3 ($90)
Merrell CT Converge ($100)

I've attached a video, which illustrates the concept of determining your foot type that you may find helpful.

Final Notes: When trying on running shoes, wear the socks you will run in. Remember, the socks you’ve been running in all summer are probably too light for your fall/winter training. Also, a good running store will have treadmills or a “track” on which you can take a “test drive”. Shoes perform very differently across manufacturers. Take some time to find the shoes that really work for you – and consider buying more than one pair at a time if you can afford it. Shoe manufacturers frequently change their styles a couple of times a year. Rotating shoes extends their life and ensures that your perfect shoe will be with you longer than a single season.

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