• Buying The Wrong Shoe For Your Foot Type

Make sure you have determined your foot type before buying; this is the first and most important factor in selecting the right shoe for you. If you are unsure on this, read our articles on Choosing Running Shoes or use an online tool such as Mizuno Precision Fit to help you. If you shop at a running specialist store, you will normally find a knowledgeable member of staff who will be able to assist you.

• Too Picky Over Colour/Design

Does colour/style really matter?!? It’s amazing how many people will instantly dismiss a shoe simply because it’s “not their colour” or “I don’t like the wavy line design”. Surely if a shoe is the correct type for your foot strike (neutral, support etc) feels good when it is tried on and fits correctly, it must be a worthy purchase. Even though shoe styles are updated every 6 months, shoe designers must concede that they are fighting a battle that they will never be able to fully win. For every runner that likes the minimalist, white only shoe there will always be just as many who want colour and designs splashed all over the upper. Ultimately, never sacrifice performance for looks otherwise your running could suffer.

• Being Too Loyal To A Brand

So you’ve worn Asics running shoes for 5 years, ever since your Dad handed down an old pair of his and they’ve been ok, but does that necessarily mean that there isn’t a better shoe for you out there? Ever since the running boom of the 1970’s there has been a wide variety of companies all vying with each other to sell you their shoes. Do not remain brand loyal purely based on the past, be open to other manufacturers and who knows you might just find exactly what you need.

• Beware The Gimmicks!

Every now and then a manufacturer will come up with an idea or feature that they claim will revolutionise the running shoe. Beware! Most of these are simply a fad or gimmick designed to attract buyers drawn in by these bold claims. Recent footwear gimmicks include Spira WaveSpring, Nike Shox and Vibram fivefingers footwear. Spira WaveSpring are essentially springs in the forefoot and heel of each shoe claiming to return between 87-96% of energy from each step, forgive me if I remain doubtful over the actual tangible benefits of this technology. The initial Nike Shox technology (shoes raised in the heel by four spring-like columns) suffered severely from users complaining of running injuries after using them. The shoes were also accused of being defective as many of them fell apart within a month or two of use. Vibram fivefingers are the new kids on the running scene and have so far proven to be very popular for those runners looking for a lightweight, minimalist relation to barefoot running. Maybe these could prove to be the gimmick that proves its worth?

• Price Is Not Everything

It would be very naive to go shopping thinking that a £100 pair of shoes must be perfect for you, regardless of what they are. Remember, each shoe is designed for a certain purpose and a higher price does not guarantee a better shoe for your needs. In fact, the majority of the best selling shoes are in the £60-£80 price range, this being because these shoes consistently perform very well. Remember, an expensive pair of shoes are not guaranteed to give you a new personal best!

• Take Your Time And Consider All Factors

Do not be rushed into buying the wrong shoe or size. Try to avoid peak shopping times, this will allow you more time with a sales assistant and will prevent you from rushing any decision you may make. When selecting shoe size, remember that your feet will swell during the afternoon and particularly during a period of exercise. As a general rule you should allow an extra half size to compensate for this swelling, although personal preference and shoe brand may dictate more or less. Not all running shoes are the same, podiatrist Ian Sadler talks about choosing the right running shoe.

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