While we're talking about buying shoes, we should also mention replacement. Most expert sources I've seen will say that you should replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles. For me, that's every 3 to 5 months! The inside cushioning starts to break down way before the outside looks worn. I can usually get away with more mileage than that, but if I go too long, I'll start noticing twinges in my feet, knees and/or hips. As soon as I replace the shoes, the twinges disappear ....

Agreed. My friend who is a marathoner replaces hers about every so often. I'm not quite up to needing to replace every 3-5 months, but I'm planning on getting a new pair here in May for my birthday.

Additionally, it's recommended NOT to get new shoes right before you participate in a race!! I'll be getting my new Sauconys about 3-4 months before my first race... enough time to break them in.

Running shoes do not need to get broken in. They should be comfortable and wearable right out of the box. If they're not, they're not right for you.

You don't want your first run in a pair of shoes to be a race because there's the possibility of some random seam or part rubbing in a way that your previous pair of exactly the same shoes didn't, and if the shoe model has been updated (say, Saucony Grid Whoosis for 2008 replaced with Saucony Grid Whoosis for 2009), it's very possible that the updates don't work for you and a race isn't where you want to find that out.

Most definately get professionally fitted, the sneakers there arent much more expensive than what youd pay in Sports Authority.

I totally agree on replacements too. I went to see my orthopedist last week and the first words out of his mouth were "replace those shoes". He said I should replace them every 6 months at the most.

The store I wanted to go to was closed so I had to go to Sports Authority. I had a pair of Nikes in my hand but let the salesman talk me into New Balance. I bought them, brought them home and an hour later returned them. 10 minutes in these things and my feet were crying. I bought a pair of Brooks and I swear I will never put anything else on my feet. I'm a Brooks girl for life!

I went to a running store and got fitted.

Brooks Adrenaline. Woohoo.

Well, I have read differently:

New shoes before marathon

Runner's World advice on breaking in running shoes

Dr. Pribut's tips

I do agree that a race is not the time to try out a new shoe because of several problems. Hence, running around in them before a race is a good idea.

The usual rule is "Nothing New" on marathon race day! No new clothes, no new foods, no new hydration fluids -- stick to what has been proven to work. If anything doesn't work right, for whatever reason, it can make for a Bad Day.

Another tip: be careful with "sale" shoes. The materials begin breaking down and a shoe that has sat on a shelf or in a box for a year will have weaker materials than a newer one from the factory. So you might save a few bucks, but the quality may be poorer than you expect and it might not last the 300-500 miles for you. A reputable running shop should be able to tell you how long the shoe has been in the store.

Great suggestion on Sticking this thread Midwife... it's now a done deal

Sure, but would they have any idea how old the shoe was when it got to the store? To be honest, I really wonder whether a year means anything in the life of shoe material, but I don't have any actual knowledge about it, so who knows.

i am a Brook girl for life as well! mine are Brooks Ariel. The sales woman (very knowlagable cuz she is into running too) said "no wonder you chose this - this model provides the most support all around." and she did give me a lot of options but once i tryed Brooks Ariel i knew this is the one pair that will come home with me.

No, but if it's been in the store for a year, that adds a year to the breakdown already. My DD's cross country team heard a lecture from a sports PT and she brought this up. She advises her patients to avoid sale shoes for this reason.

Thanks for stickying it Ilene!

Brook's Ariel -- I tried those a few years ago and found them too heavy, I always felt like my feet were dragging, the support was excellent though... they came highly recommended by my foot specialist... I just didn't personally like them...

Hey there, I would recommend any body that is starting out running/walking to go to Fleet Feet. You can find them on line and find a store near you.. They will actually take the time to fit you and ask you question and watch you walk or jog outside.. I have been twice and I love it. It takes about an hour and trying on almost 8 pairs of shoes. My first pair where ascics and then I got a pair of Mazuno for more stability.. You only pay for the shoes around $100.00 but they are worth it.. I have bad knees and Scoliosis and the support is awesome.. My boyfriend also purchased a pair of New Balances also.. Fleet Feet is different then you going to try shoes on by yourself.. they tell you about your stand and how you walk.. which is great... Just wanted to give my opinion.. take care and good luck!!

What I love is that after you get the expert help and find the right shoe, it's much easier the next time - you can just order your replacements online. I'm one of the many New Balance fans out there and have been ordering the same shoes as they move through slightly different model numbers for years.