If you’re a runner, then you’ve probably bought into the whole “get a high quality pair of running shoes” advice – I know I have. Do you ever wonder whether they really make a difference , or whether they are just a big waste of money? To me it’s pretty clear that they are an essential part of any runner’s wardrobe. Obviously, I’d be kicking myself if I bought a cheap pair or *gasp* regular trainers and got an injury, but £100 every few months is a lot to pay for a new pair of Asics.

There’s no doubt that a good pair of running shoes can provide extra support for your feet, and are especially important if you have flat feet. The problem is that most people don’t get them professionally fitted. Each shoe is suitable for a particular type of runner, so there’s no point just getting a pair that looks good. You need to get advice about whether you’re an over pronator, how much support you need and whether you need motion control shoes.

This is a bit of a rambling post, but what I’m trying to say is that if you’re going to spend a lot of money on running shoes, at least make sure they fit correctly. Go to a specialist running shop and ask them to get the shoes fitted correctly. Ask them to check how you run, some of them may even put you on a treadmill to check the shoes are aligning your lower body correctly. This is ESSENTIAL if you want to buy good running shoes that provide the correct support. Don’t think that just spending a lot of money on a new pair of shoes is going to protect you from injury – it won’t.

Above all, remember your shoes have a finite life time. If you use the shoes on a daily basis, their lifetime will be greatly reduced. Every step you take will wear away the cushioning a little bit more, so buy a cheap pair for your everyday things and a pair of running shoes just for running.