Shoes wisely: A guide to running shoes for women or men

Blog post for shelved Karma feature (previously unpublished)

When shopping for running shoes for women or for men, it’s worth reminding yourself that there's no one-size-fits-all. The type of shoe you need will depend on various factors, such as how you’ll be running and on what surface.

Tread carefully

Before you sprint over to your local running shoe store, we have a few questions:

1. What type of running will you be doing?
   An everyday runner should prioritize durability. Faster workouts or races require a lightweight, less cushioned shoe. Trail runners should look for shoes with lugs on the soles for added grip, and a more durable upper.
   
   
2. On what type of surface will you be running?
   Running surfaces impact your muscles and joints differently. Choose a shoe that's appropriate to the terrain, be it road, trail, or cross country.
   
   
3. How far are you running?
   If you’re training for a marathon, you’ll need a more cushioned shoe than if you’re running shorter distances. For the latter, a more flexible training shoe is preferable.
   
   
4. Does the shoe fit?
   It may sound glaringly obvious, but choosing a shoe with a comfortable fit is essential to avoiding potential injury. It's always a good idea to try on footwear in a running shoe store before buying online.
   
   
5. Does the shoe suit your gait?
   Depending on their shape, your feet will tend to roll inward or outward. Good running shoe stores offer a free gait analysis, which should help you find a more tailored fit.
   

​Go the distance

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