Running is relatively simple compared to other sports. All you really need is a good pair of shoes and some ground under your feet. Okay, so step one: A good pair of shoes….
“So what shoes should I buy?” This is probably the most common question I get from people just starting out in the sport. There is not one perfect pair of shoes for everyone. What works for you is going to depend on your gait, foot strike, foot profile and what type of terrain you will be running on. I currently have no less than 5 different brands of shoes in my closet, each of them being my preferred choice for different types of runs. It took me years of trial and error to find which ones I like best. So my suggestion for you on where to start looking: your local running store. Most reputable running stores offer a free analysis of the previously mentioned factors and can offer you several different brands to try on that fit your specific profile. From there it’s up to you to decide which feel right. Sure you may be able to walk into a local sporting goods store or hop on an online website and pick up a pair on sale but I can guarantee that buying the wrong shoe for you at a cheap price will cost you far more in the long term, and I’m not talking about money. You and your shoes will be forming a pretty tight relationship, make sure you start off on the right foot. Pun intended.
Tailwinds,
Coach K
