RunVassar
A VSA Organization
The shoe is the most important piece of equipment a runner owns, and choosing the right shoe can prevent injury and lead to a long and successful running career. If you're looking to buy your first pair of real running shoes, use our guide below to find those that are right for you. Then, refer to our Shoe Review Menu to find a great pair.
Choosing The Shoe That's Right For You
Choosing the right shoe can be difficult for a novice runner, but following a few basic guidelines can make your decision much easier. Please review below our guide to the most important aspects of choosing a running shoe; wearing the right shoe can save you from many aches and pains later on!
- Pronation - This refers to the natural inclination of your foot to roll inward or outward. To determine your foot's pronation, a very simple walking exercise with a friend is all you need. Click here to read more.
- Arch Height - To find the height of your foot's arch, follow Runner's World's "Wet Test", outlined here. Arch height may be the single most important aspect in determining the comfort level of your shoe.
- Foot Size - Knowing the correct length and width of your foot is essential to appropriately choosing a running shoe. Consult any shoe store employee to determine these figures, and always ask whether a shoe you're about to buy runs big or small. NEVER buy a shoe without trying it on first!
Amby Burfoot, the former executive editor of Runner's World magazine and the winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon, has outlined the basics of choosing a shoe in a brief statement in his book, Complete Book Of Running. Click here to read it; it's two minutes well-spent before making a decision on your new shoes.
Shoe Review Menu
RunVassar's coaches and athletes have worked together to bring you this exclusive collection of running shoe reviews. Written mostly by Alex Booth, these reviews offer detailed insight into many different shoes. Runner testimonials also give you an idea of whether or not the shoe is right for you. New shoes will be added constantly, so check back often.