Choosing your running shoes

In determining how to choose a running shoe, your choice can make the difference between having a good or bad experience, running in comfort or pain, and, most importantly, whether you stay healthy or get injured.

The biggest and most common mistake novice runners make is to go to a bargain shop for an inexpensive first pair of running shoes right off the shoe store clearance table, or (worse) off the rack at a department store.  After all, who wants to pay a lot for shoes when you may not actually use them much?  How do you justify a higher priced running shoe to your partner?  Aren't you just paying a lot for a logo on the side?

All of these observations make sense.  However, this kind of thinking is likely to lead you to the equally logical decision to quit after a couple of miserable runs.  The very tenacious among us may wait until they suffer a blown-out knee or serious shin, hip or foot problem.  Forget bargains!  What you need to start running is the right shoe, not the cheapest.

Choosing a running shoe can be an overwhelming task given all the high-tech shoes available today and all the special features each running shoe claims to have.  The suppliers listed on this pages can provide expert advice on choosing the correct running shoe, spikes or fell shoes specific to you. They will also have an extensive range of specialist running kit.

Remember: buy the right shoe for you, not just what looks good!

Running gear retailers

Disclaimer:  Inclusion in this list should not be taken as a recommendation by Spectrum Striders RC or any of its members.

	National chain with branches in Manchester Arndale Centre, Chorley & Hyde
	Tony Hulme's specialist running shop in Alderley Edge
Foot Traffic	Bolton & Preston
Tobutt Sports	Running and Fitness, Bolton
Natterjack	Southport, Wavertree & Liverpool
Royles	Running, triathlon, swimming, cycling – Wilmslow
Up & Running	National chain with stores in Manchester & Liverpool
Runners Need	National chain with branches in Wirral & Manchester
Decathlon	Multinational chain with branches in Warrington, Stockport & Bolton