Running shoes

Running shoes are designed for different types of runners. For those with normal arches who have mild or moderate overpronation (when your foot rolls inward as you run), stability running shoes are your best bet. These shoes have material along the arch (medial) side of the shoe that prevents the foot from rolling inward too much. Runners with low arches tend to overpronate excessively and should look for motion-control shoes. Like stability shoes, motion-control shoes have materials (like firm wedges or posts) along the arch side of the shoe, but they add more for maximum stability. High-arched runners, on the other hand, tend to underpronate, and their feet don't absorb impact well. These runners should look for neutral-cushioning shoes, which provide lots of cushion to absorb impact, but lack the added stability along the medial side of the shoe.  

Here are some other things experts say about shopping for running shoes:

You'll get the best service at a specialty running store. Get the advice of a runner/salesman before purchasing. Try on a wide variety of pairs in all price ranges and gauge which ones fit you best.

Bring your old shoes to the running store. The employees can examine the wear patterns to give them an idea of your running style and gait.  

Avoid shopping for running shoes in the morning. It's a good idea to go shopping late in the day after your feet have expanded from walking, since you'll want your shoes to fit comfortably even when your feet are swollen.

Size up one half size. Most experts recommend buying running shoes one half-size larger than your street shoes, since your feet will shift around a lot and likely swell as you run.

Use your running shoes only for running. Most running shoes lose their cushioning after 300 to 500 miles of use. Even if a shoe doesn't look worn out, you may notice that it feels less cushy or you start to develop nagging injuries.