How to Buy Running Shoes

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

SHOP DICKS.COM "

Start here for the gear you PRO need and Search TIPS advice from our experts.

!

RELATED ARTICLES 10 Best Running Shoes of 2020 How to Buy Trail Running Shoes How to Know When to Replace Running Shoes

How to Buy Running Shoes Before you lace up for your next run, use this guide to help 6nd the right running shoes for you.

No matter if you’re preparing to run a big race or working to get into shape, knowing what to look for in running shoes is key. There are several factors that go into choosing a pair that 6ts your needs. However, once you 6nd the right pair, you may 6nd yourself running in a different gear. https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

How to Choose the Right Cross Country Shoes Best Running Shoes for Treadmill Running

Page 1 of 8

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

SHOP RELATED GEAR

RUNNING SHOE TYPES

SHOP MEN'S RUNNING SHOES #

There are three distinct styles of running shoes: neutral, stability and motion control. Each type of shoe offers different qualities for various running styles.

Neutral Running Shoes This type of running shoes complements neutral runners with medium arches. Neutral running shoes can also bene6t runners with high arches who exhibit supination, also known as underpronation. Neutral running shoes offer midsole cushioning and support designed for added shock absorption.

SHOP WOMEN'S RUNNING SHOES #

Stability Running Shoes Stability shoes are for runners who experience mild to moderate overpronation with low or Eat arches. They feature adequate medial support and midsole cushioning. These shoes can help distribute the impact of running to minimize overpronation.

SHOP INSOLES #

Motion Control Running Shoes https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

Page 2 of 8

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

These shoes can be a great choice for runners who exhibit moderate to severe overpronation.

Motion control shoes have extra built-in support and Eatter outsoles. This combination can help combat excessive pronation to help stabilize the foot.

There are a few ways to 6gure out which running shoe may best 6t you. This includes the arches of your feet, your gait type and the tread of your shoes.

ARCH TYPE The 6rst step to 6nding a pair of running shoes is to know your arch type. An easy way to determine this is by following these three steps:

Wet the bottom of your foot.

Step onto a paper towel or a piece of paper.

Look at the arch on your foot’s imprint.

This will help you determine which of the three arch types (Eat, medium or high) you have.

Flat Flat feet have very low or non-visible arches. They leave imprints that are nearly whole, appearing much like the entire sole of the foot. This type of https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

Page 3 of 8

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

arch is usually Eexible and likely to overpronate.

Medium These feet have moderate to average arch sizes and leave an imprint that shows only the heel and forefoot connected by a wide band. Runners who have normal feet usually have a semi-Eexible arch.

High A foot has high arches when the heel and forefoot connect in a very narrow band. High-arched feet are more rigid and do not typically pronate enough to effectively absorb impact. For this reason, runners with high arches may prefer neutral running shoes with extra cushioning.

GAIT TYPES Your running gait is the way your feet strike and leave the ground while you’re running or walking.

Gait helps determine what part of your foot touches the ground when moving. This will impact what running shoe you buy.

There are three distinct gait types:

Neutral

https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

Page 4 of 8

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

With this gait, the outside of your heel strikes the ground 6rst and your foot rolls slightly inward to absorb the shock. The foot may pronate but not excessively. Your foot evenly pushes off at the end of your gait. Runners with a neutral gait should consider neutral running shoes.

Overpronation The outside of your heel strikes the ground and rolls excessively inward. This hinders your foot and ankle’s ability to stabilize your body and absorb impact. Runners who exhibit overpronation should go with stability or motion control shoes.

Supination (Underpronation) The outside of your heel strikes the ground 6rst but does not roll inward through the gait cycle. The heel remains rotated outward. This causes the impact to concentrate in a small portion on the outside of your foot, decreasing impact absorption. This gait type can bene6t from a neutral shoe with plenty of cushioning.

If you are still unsure of your gait type, visit your local DICK’S Sporting Goods. The running PROS will give you a complimentary gait analysis to help 6nd the right type of shoe for you. Learn more about gait analysis with Pro Tips.

https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

Page 5 of 8

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

TREAD WEAR An easy way to 6nd clues about your gait type is to check the tread of a pair of your shoes. If you do not have another pair of running shoes, look at a pair of well-worn sneakers. You should be able to identify which gait type you have: Overpronation: Wear on the inside of the shoe.

Neutral: Even wear of the shoe in the ball of the foot and a portion of the heel.

Supination/Underpronation: Wear on the outside of the shoe.

CHECKLISTS

G E T T I N G S TA RT E D

BUYING GUIDES

SKILLS & KNOW-HOW

TRAININ

RUNNING ENVIRONMENT Your footwear’s effectiveness can also depend on your running environment. Depending on where you’re running, you may 6nd that traditional running shoes or trail-running shoes are better for you.

Traditional Running Shoes: Run on pavement, packed trails and indoor surfaces with these shoes. Traditional running shoes are light and designed with Eexible outsoles. https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

Page 6 of 8

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

Trail-Running Shoes: Dense rubber outsoles fortify these shoes. This provides tread and durability against off-road terrain.

Knowing what to look for when choosing a pair of running shoes can help you hit the ground running during your next workout.

Finding the right pair of shoes is only the 6rst step in gearing up for the big run. Check out what to look for in running socks and learn how to choose a pair of running shorts.

Shop the entire collection of men’s running shoes and women’s running shoes at DICK’S Sporting Goods.

$

%

&

'

(

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Where to Run: Road Running and Pavement Running

)

#

The Pro Tips Guide to Runner’s Lingo

https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

Page 7 of 8

How To Buy Running Shoes | PRO TIPS By DICK'S Sporting Goods

8/26/20, 2:51 PM

$ % & *'

( Sign Up & Get 10% Off Sign Up

Enter Email Address

About Us

Find a Store

Contact Customer

Gift Cards

Careers

Weekly Ad

Service

Score Cards

Investor Relations

Promos & Coupons

Order By Phone: 1-877-

Credit Card

Press Room

Store Services

846-9997

Donations &

Commercials & Films

Only at DICK’S

Track Your Order

Sponsorships

Suppliers

Recalls

Return Policy

453 and a Half

Corporate Purchases

Top Brands

Shipping Rates

Team Websites &

Product Availability &

Uniforms

Price

Feedback

Index [+]

Promo Exclusions Terms Of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents Only ©2020 DICK'S Sporting Goods *Reference prices are past offerings. No sales may have occurred at this price.

If you are using a screen reader or other assistive technology and are having problems using this website, or if you have any other diWculties accessing this website, please call 877-846-9997 for assistance.

https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/running/how-to-choose-running-shoes

Page 8 of 8