What to Look for in Athletic Shoes

Buying athletic shoes doesn’t necessarily have to break your budget. A higher price tag may get you high-tech features with fancy patented names, but it won’t automatically guarantee better fit, comfort or stability. Running shoes come with such trendy attributes as “ground reaction inertia devices” and “hyperpod technology” but what does it all really mean? And are these features worth the inflated price tags that often accompany the fancy names?

The major running shoe manufacturers include Nike, Adidas, Asics, New Balance, Reebok, Brooks, and Saucony. These companies offer an enormous number of styles for every sport, along with other fitness products and apparel.

In athletic footwear, fit is just as important as with any shoe purchase. Fit is highly subjective, though, so what works for one person may not work for another. No matter how good a shoe is in terms of cushioning, flexibility and other quality features, you should always try before you buy.

Consumer Reports tested a wide range of shoes for running, and found that there was no consistent correlation between price and performance. This does not mean that you will find a high quality athletic shoe for under $30, but it does mean that the highest priced products may not be any better than those shoes in the mid-priced range.

How They Rate

The best shoes for running need to focus on cushioning, fit, flexibility and stability. Cushioning is how well a shoe absorbs impact, and this is vital to a runner’s success. Fit means that the shoe does not rub or bind in areas that make for an uncomfortable running experience. Blisters and other irritations caused by your sports shoes are not fun.

A running shoe should also provide flexibility. When you try the shoe on, note how easily it bends where your foot bends in a normal running motion. The final feature to look for in a well-made shoe is stability. Your ankles and heels should receive some support while running and remain steady within the shoe.