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Best Jogging Shoes - What to Look for in a Shoe?

The best jogging shoes are critically important to the success of your jogging routine. They are the single most important thing you can purchase before you start jogging. Running or jogging shoes can actually make or break your fitness program. Your shoes must deliver the support you need.

What's In A Good Pair of Shoes?

A good pair of shoes will cushion your feet appropriately, position your foot for maximum placement helping to reduce and prevent injuries. In short, the right pair of shoes are exceptionally important.

But buying the best jogging shoes can feel overwhelming. There are literally thousands of models to choose from and the advice on which shoe is the best can be confusing. Here are a few facts:

Running shoes do not have to be expensive and many good models can be purchased for under $100.

Types of Running/Jogging Shoes

Jogging shoes are typically divided into three or four main categories:

Trail running
Street running
Cross country (These have spikes or cleats.)
Triathlon running and endurance running shoes

If you're starting out, you really only need to look at trail running shoes if you’re going to be running on trails or street jogging shoes if you’re jogging on the sidewalk or street. Between all the shoe types, street jogging shoes are the most common.

Know Your Arch

You'll find that jogging shoes are designed for three basic foot types:

low arch or flat foot,
normal arch and high arch.

People with low or normal arches have a tendency to run on the inside of their feet, also called pronating or overpronating. Stability or motion control shoes will be the right choice for this type of foot. You'll find the WR1225ST Women's Premier running shoe can help you if you overpronate.

If you have a high arch then chances are you jog on the outside of your foot, also called under pronating or supinating. You can tell if you do this because the outside of your shoe shows more wear. Cushioning shoes are typically ideal for this type of foot. Consider WR1906SC Women's cushioning running shoe at New Balance to provide you with the support you need.
There are a number of shoe manufacturers including Asics, Adidas and Nike. I have found in my experience, however, that once you find the brand/model that you are most comfortable with you stick with it. You are not likely to consider anything else because finding the best jogging shoes can be challenging. I enjoy using MR758CU Men's Neutral Cushioned Runner because I have long feet unfortunately and I need lots of room in the toe box to prevent injuries to my toe nails. You don't have to wear womens running shoes if you find you're more comfortable with a pair of mens running shoes. Do what feels best for your feet.

You'll find that most of manufacturers create several entry level models. If you’re unsure whether or not jogging is for you and want to give it a try it makes sense to buy a good entry level shoe such as the WR993GL Women's Running - Training shoe.

Try Them Out

Before you spend any money on the best jogging shoes for you, try several types on, styles that are designed for your foot type and jogging style. Make sure to try them on later in the day when your feet are likely to be a bit puffier and wear socks that you’ll wear jogging. Lace them up and give a little jog around the store. Pay attention to any rubbing or slipping. Many jogging stores will let you return shoes if they’ve only been worn a little bit on a treadmill so consider breaking them in with a bit of indoor jogging before you hit the streets.

Finally, before you head to the store to buy the best jogging shoes or purchase them on line, read shoe reviews. Asics Gel receives good reviews every year from the major running magazines as does Adidas and Brooks. Make sure to try a few well reviewed shoes on assuming they’re designed for your foot type.

It’s worth the effort to find the best jogging shoes for your feet and foot strike such as the WR993BK Women's Running Shoe. Your feet will thank you and so will your joints and muscles.

Related Articles:

The best rated running shoes will give you ideas about some of the shoes that might work best for you.

Also consider the best womens running shoes if you're unsure which of the shoe manufacturers has the right shoes for you and your foot strike.

If winter running is your challenge than consider winter running shoes for comfort, fit and to protect your feet against the elements.

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