If you’ve decided that running will be your new favorite exercise, you need to consider what you put on your feet. Running shoes are the single most important purchase a runner will make. The wrong running shoes will turn a wonderful 5 mile run into a grueling death march.

When selecting running shoes, you need to know what your feet need. A new runner will usually need more arch support than a veteran, so if you are new to the sport look for good arch support. If your feet don’t hit square on the pavement when you run, look for ‘roll bars’. These neat gizmos give your running shoes added stability when you pound the pavement and reduce shin splints.

Most of all you need to find shoes that are comfortable. Look for a light weight upper that breaths and keep in mind that feet come in all shapes and sizes so you might need to try many different manufactures before you find jus the right fit. If you decide to look online for running shoes, you should find a retailer that provides free returns no questions asked just in case you make the wrong decision. This is usually the case, but it is best to make sure up front so you won't be surprised later.