A comfortable running shoe
is a shoe that fits, but finding one is not always easy. Since you spend a lot of time in a pair of shoes, it's worth the effort of getting to know your personal running style in order to find a pair of running trainers that are perfect for you.

Step 1: Intended Use

Will you be road running, running on a purpose-built track or perhaps on a forest trail? All these surfaces require a different kind of shoe. Another basic distinction is between racing and training shoes.

Step 2: Pronation Type

Foot pronation is an important factor in choosing the right shoe.
Having the right equipment will help you run longer, faster and most importantly, more safely.

What is pronation?

Pronation is the way the foot rolls inward when you walk and run. It is part of the natural movement that helps the lower leg deal with shock.

Pronation occurs at the joint below the ankle, the subtalar joint, just after the foot lands on the ground. Some people pronate more (overpronation) or less (underpronation) than others. Running shoes are designed today specifically for different pronation patterns. When you pick your next pair of running shoes, your pronation type is a very important factor in your choice.

Pronation type

Pronation is the term used for the way your foot rolls when you walk
and run. Essentially, when buying any kind of sport shoe, you should know your pronation type first. Each shoe on the market is suitable for a type of pronation. You can find out what your pronation type is by getting an expert gait analysis done for you – many specialist running retail stores will offer this service.

Step 3: Length of the Shoe

Keep an open mind with your shoe size and remember the following: your foot will need more room the more you run.
The further you run the more your foot will naturally expand. This means it's wise to have just a little extra room in your shoe.

Step 4: Width of the Shoe

The width of your shoe is equally as important as the length when it comes to a good fit. People are not always built in perfect proportion and often have wider or narrower feet than the 'norm'.

Step 5: Weight

Weight refers to two things:
• The runner’s weight - if you are a heavy or bigger built runner then you may need a shoe with a lot of support • The shoe’s weight – generally, since you are going to be wearing your shoes for many kilometres, the lighter they are the better

Step 6: Socks

When you are buying shoes try them on in the evening (when your foot is
slightly bigger) and try them on with running socks. There is a wide range available, with socks which are specifically designed for running and vastly improve the feeling of comfort and support inside the shoe.