Running is one of the best ways to lose weight and get in shape quickly with little initial investment. You don’t need a bike or any other instruments; all you need is a decent pair of running shoes that get you out the door. As you begin to run more and more, however, you will find that a good pair of shoes is not enough. Your feet will start to get blisters and chafe uncomfortably. Once you get to this stage (and hopefully before) it is time to invest in a good pair of running socks and running shoes.
The past decades have seen exponential growth in the running shoe industry, with dozens of new styles coming out each year. With all the hype surrounding certain shoes, but not others, it can be difficult for a new runner to really find the best pair for her.
It may help to think about what type of running you would like to engage. Would you like to try minimalist running, which proponents say is more natural and helps to prevent injuries? Would you like to run on the road or on a trail? Do you plan on running long distances or short distances? All these questions can help narrow down the shoe field for you.
Once you have an idea of what you’d like go to a dedicated running store. Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy anything there–just try on the shoes to see what fits most comfortably on your feet. The sales representative there will help you with any questions you have, and you should come out of there with a better idea of what you want. Perhaps you’ll even find your best running shoes, which differs for each person.
Whatever you choose for shoes, no matter how high-end or expensive, you will have to invest in a good pair of running socks as well. The best running socks will best made from moisture-wicking material to keep your feet dry and cool. They also need to cover all parts of your heel to prevent blisters.
If you buy a pair of running socks and you still have blisters, you may be prone to them. Investing in a pair of special blister-preventing socks will pay off in the long run (literally). WrightSock has a good pair, with two thin layers that rub against each other instead of your foot. If you get blisters between your toes you may want to try Injinji Performance toe socks. They may feel and look weird to you at first, but if you can get over that (very small) hump you will be more comfortable on both short and long runs.
Taking the time to figure out the right shoes and socks for you will help you settle into running more comfortable. It will also decrease the time you need to heal and recover between each run.