Choosing a Pair of Cross Country Running Shoes  

The two most important aspects to look at when looking for cross country running shoes are fit and feel. While you might want to look around for the style that makes you happy to put those shoes on in the first place, you should not base your choice purely on the cutest colors or the flashiest name brands. An expensive shoe that does not fit correctly or a cheaper shoe that does not give correct support to your feet are going to cause the same exact problems: painful feet, a loss of your training schedule and routine and possibly an end to the love of running.

The Fit of Your Shoe

The way that your shoes fit is important because it will influence how the shoes feel on your feet. It will also determine support and other aspects of your shoes. If your shoes do not fit correctly, you are more likely to get blisters, corns and other foot problems. Shoes that do not fit correctly also will not support your feet at all, another important factor to consider.

If one of your feet is bigger than the other (a common condition), the shoe that you buy should address that foot first, however, if your feet are very different from one another, it might be difficult if not impossible to get the right fit for both feet. If you have a very hard time finding properly fitting shoes, it is important that you seek fit advice.

When trying on your shoes, make sure that you are wearing the type of socks that you commonly wear while running. Do not simply try on one shoe and be satisfied, put on both shoes with the laces laced and actually take a little jog in place.

Another thing to keep in mind about shoes and their fit: there is very rarely a universal size that fits you from all shoe brands- the size that fits well with one brand name might be far too small or far too large in another. Try them on from brand to brand and style to style, always.

The Feel of Your Shoes

Your shoes have to feel good on your feet, period. If they do not feel good, they will not be put back on. Think about it: you bought a pair of cross country shoes because they were cool in the store or because they were the right price- however, you wore them once and then discovered that they made your feet feel like they had been dipped in cement. You might wear them once more, getting the same results and back to the back of the closet they go. You have to make sure that your shoes feel good on your feet or they are simply not worth the price.

If you have any foot problems at all, your shoes should be designed to account for them. For instance, if you have a high or low arch, or you pronate (your feet roll to one side or another), then your shoes should be designed to work with these conditions.