Shoes are Important

As runners it's obviously important to take good care of our legs and feet.  This means keeping close track of how far and fast we run.  It also means that we need the right attire.  This means socks, but also shoes.  Most importantly shoes.  Keep these things in mind as you lace up for your runs.

Watch the Mileage

If somebody asks you to "picture a bad running shoe", you'll probably envision shoes that are old, falling apart & ill-fitting.  In reality, bad running shoes might look great.  What matters is mileage, not looks.  The rule of thumb is that you should run between 300 and 500 miles on each pair of shoes. Keep track of how many miles you put on your shoes and stick to the rule of thumb.  And use common sense.  The more you weigh, the faster your shoes will wear out.  Personally, I'm 190 so I don't go much beyond 350 miles on each pair.

When Things Start to Hurt, Keep Your Shoes in Mind

Most of us are training for an upcoming race: the next 5K or maybe the fall marathon.  Through all of our training with it's ups and downs, things start to hurt: feet, muscles, joints.  When things start to hurt, sometimes it's the tough schedule, but don't forget those shoes.  Ill-fitting or old shoes don't just lead to sore feet, they can also lead to sore legs, sore knees, or even injury.  If things start to hurt, take a look at those shoes.  Maybe they're getting a little high on mileage and you need some new ones.  Or, maybe you're not in the right pair of shoes.

Be Careful Switching Shoes

The Only Way to Find a Better Shoe is to Try New Shoes
check out runners world reviews or runners warehouse, which will tell you shoes that are comparable fitting shoes.

Don't Get Stuck With the Wrong Shoes

Just because you like your shoes, doesn't mean they're the right ones for you. If your friend likes her shoes, it doesn't mean that you need those shoes. Try different pairs of shoes. Like everything else, shoe switches should be gradual. Don't go minimalist all of a sudden, you'll most likely get hurt.  Gradually switch your new shoes into the mix and figure out if they work for you.