High arches, low arches, flat feet, corns, bunions and unsightly dog legs to the left will all derail a good workout when stuffed into the wrong pair of kicks. Rule 1: Know thyself, runner! Are you a mile hog, a heavy-footed neighborhood stroller, a dirt dog? Do your knees bang when you run? Do you run on your heels? Fortunately, today's shoes are veritable living organisms of modern technology, employing crazy high-tech material found in the space shuttle and sophisticated support systems that would shame many bridges. In other words, the 21st-century shoe is made to accommodate the multiple peculiarities of many different feet. Get Active! has corralled seven of the best that should meet most runners' needs.
The I-Can't-Believe-Running-Is-This-Easy Shoe
Saucony Trigon 2
Are you a beginner or coming back to the sport after a sabbatical? Whatever the case, the Trigon 2, which is actually three shoes, may be the kick for you. Designed in three different versions — the Light, the Responsive and the Durable — this shoe can meet the needs of most runners. If you're an easy-on-your-feet, lightweight runner who tends to go fast, try the Lights.
The average Joe or Josephina with normal arches, a typical heel strike and no big hang-ups should step into the Responsives. The Durables are for the big runner who needs arch support and a shoe that won't squeak with every step. $90; (800) 365-4933
The Size-Don’t-Matter-To-Me Shoes
Brooks Beast (men's) and Ariel (women's)
If this shoe is calling to you from the page, then chances are you're a heavier-than-average runner with low arches and loose ankles. Now don't pull a long face, you're not too different from a lot of folks.
Fortunately, Brooks is watching out for you. The Beast and the Ariel are all about motion control, shoring up loose ends and propping up falling arches. A sturdy medial post keeps flatter feet from rolling inward too much, which helps secure the ankle and keep the knee in line. And for runners contending with a little extra "love" around the midsection, the shoe provides sufficient cushioning to allay heavy pounding. $110; (800) 2Brooks (227-6657)
The Thwack, Thwack, Thwacker Shoes
Nike Impax
The balls of your feet hammering the pavement may be music to your ears, but chances are that it's hell on your body. And if you run on a hard surface like cement, then the Impax may save you some ice time. Because Phil Knight and friends have forged a trampoline for your feet, a shoe whose "sole" purpose is to minimize the impact of your foot with whatever you’re running on. No, you won't be bounding from stride to stride like an Australian marsupial, but you will experience a little less foot and leg trauma. With each foot strike, the shoe distributes the shock of impact over a larger than usual area of the sole, increasing the smoothness of your ride. If you are as God made you, and that's a cement slapper, then slip into some Impax. $100; (800) 344-6453
The Faster-Than-A-Jungle-Cat Shoe
Puma Complete Phylas
For years we have become more accustomed to seeing Pumas on b-boys than basketball players, since the inspired colors and styles are more at home in the clubs than at 10Ks. The Complete Phylas proves that stereotype wrong with a technologically advanced package of motion control and comfort. The Complete Phylas is designed for the excessive overpronator (who rolls the ankle from outside to inside) and contains super-elastomer cells that promote a neutral stride to help stave off injuries. Speed and comfort come together in an agile and lightweight frame to make this cat the King of the Concrete Jungle. $100; (800) 361-1566
The Over-The-Hill-And-Through-The-Muck Shoes
adidas adiStar Adapt
If you're heeding the call of the wild these days, then at least hit the trail prepared. While some road runners will work just fine on some trails, you can't beat adiStar Adapt for sheer trail readiness. Not only do they have sufficiently sturdy soles with grippy lugs to keep pointy rocks from chewing up your feet, but adidas' new Ground Control System (GCS) allows the heel to move independently of the shoe, creating better grip on uneven surfaces and a more stable ride over the long, dirty haul. $120; (800) 448-1796
The Lightweight, High-Mileage, Be-All-You-Can-Be Shoes
ASICS GEL-DS Trainer X
Not for the faint of heart or the weak of knee. The Trainer X is a decades-old racehorse that likes to turn corner after corner after corner. Souped-up and stripped-down all at once, these downy gems are ideal for runners looking toward their first marathon, or who for some reason just can’t stop running when the music dies. And for a light shoe, it even comes through with ample forefoot cushioning as well as solid support for the flexible arches of mild overpronators. And new runners need not fear: If a light fit is what you like, these shoes can handle Sundays in the park with baby jogger, too. $100; (800) 678-9435
The Devil-May-Care Shoes
New Balance RC950WO
There's not a lot here. A little rubber, some foam, a splash of mesh. But then you don't want much on your feet when you're hauling like the dickens with your face in the wind. Harness the 950s after you've done your serious training in shoes with substance — and don't take them beyond a half-marathon. Because they're stripped down to the springs, they're light on the stability, cushioning and durability front. Then again, when you're going short and fast with your chin tipped toward the horizon, who minds the shakes? $105; (800) 622-1218
GETTING THE SHOE
We won't lay the "feet are like snowflakes" line on you, because, really, they're more like tea leaves. Yes, everyone's feet are unique, but it's learning to read their needs that matters most when buying shoes. Take our advice below for the best fit.
See a professional.
Understanding the biomechanics of your foot can be tough. So the simple approach is to see a pro. While you may be fond of the local sport emporium, stick to shops that deal exclusively in running shoes. Clerks at speciality run shops have one purpose in life: To sell you the right pair of running shoes.
Bring an old pair of shoes with you.
Often the wear pattern on an old pair of sneakers can tell the salesman what kind of shoe you need — and what kind of person you are. They may even have you run for them. Just do it.
Check your arches.
If you're flat-footed or have low arches, look for motion-control shoes; they have what is referred to as medial (arch) support. If you have high arches, look for cushioning shoes, which help the foot flex and therefore reduce the stress on your leg. If you're in the middle, you can wear a variety of shoes, but you may want to look for something with moderate medial support.
