Lightweight Running Shoes

So you've decided you need a new pair of shoes. Whether you are looking at lightweight running shoes or deck shoes for men for working out, you need to know how to find the right shoe size. Here are a few reasons your shoe size might have changed since the last time you went shopping for athletic shoes:

• Have you gained or lost weight? There isn't a lot of fat in the foot area, but there is some and you may have gained or lost a little with time.
• If your shoes are old they may have stretched out to fit your feet perfectly - that does not mean the same pair of shoes would be comfortable for you right out of the box.
• If you've been walking around in bare feet frequently you may find your feet are a little wider than they used to be. The pressure of gravity on your body affects your feet and if you aren't wearing shoes that help this natural spread stay in check, you may find you need a slightly wider shoe after years of walking barefoot.

Are you worried about selecting the right lightweight running shoes? How do you know if a shoe is a 'real' running shoe? You can tell by asking these questions:

• Is the shoe designed to absorb the shock of 2.5 times your body weight? The shoe should have cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
• Is the shoe flexible in the right places?
• Does the shoe provide stability and motion control to keep you injury-free?
• Are there reflectors on the shoes for early morning and night running? A real running shoe will have this safety feature.
• Do the shoes provide traction for hills and rocky roads?
• Are the shoes breathable? Running generates heat and keeping your feet cool and dry is important.
• Be sure the shoe is marketed specifically for running.

If you run more than three times per week, be sure to keep these questions in mind when selecting athletic shoes, especially if you want to keep your feet protected and comfortable.

If running is important to you, enough so that you spend your hard-earned money on pricey lightweight running shoes, take some advice from the experts on foot care and comfort:

• Avoid tying your shoes too tightly.
• Be sure your shoes fit properly to stay comfortable and optimize circulation.
• Wear thick, well insulated socks for protection from the cold.
• Lightweight, moisture wicking socks work well in dry, warm climates.
• Thin socks with Lightning Dry or Coolmax technology are good for hot days.
• In most types of running shoes, thick socks with Micro Acrylic fabrics (or cotton) will absorb and cushion shock.
• Keep track of mileage and replace your shoes after 350 miles, depending on the shoe.
• Ease into a routine. Don't overdo a workout - you may cause an injury.

Take care of your feet. If you have pain, consult your physician before additional physical activity.