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FatBoy Needs New Shoes: Running Shoe Buying Guide

So, being just finished from my first triathlon, one of the lessons learned was that running specific shoes are critical. Specifically, ones that fit right, are key for an enjoyable, successful run. So, what follows below is a guide for selection of new running shoes, gathered from various sources.

Locate A Running or Triathlon Store.
While your local Wally-World, or sporting goods store will be able to sell you a shoe, the sales folks at a running or triathlon store are generally better trained on proper fit. To locate a store, check the Yellow pages, Google Local, friends, etc.

Look at Your Old Shoes
You’ll be able to tell from looking at the spots where they wear, how your feet land.

More Looking.
Shoes off, and on a flat surface, put the shoes next to eachother. Make note of the way they tilt, this will give you an indication of the arch support and stability you will need.

Now the Tops
Loot at the top of your shoes for outlines of your toes, this will give some indication that you may need a wider shoe.

Go the Store
Bring your old shoes, and tell them what you’ve found about them. They’ll be able to tell from the shoe, and the amount of running you will be doing, and help guide your choice.

Try and Buy
Try the shoes on, and not the standard walk up and down the store, take them for a test drive. The last thing you want to do is to buy a running shoe that becomes uncomfortable after a few minutes. Try to give them a test for about 10 minutes. Then buy them, don’t let them get away and have to repeat the process.

I will be going through this process in the next several weeks and will post some details.  In the mean time, do you have any brand/style that you prefer?

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