How to Choose Comfortable Running Shoes That Don’t Break the Bank

Running has always been a simple and inexpensive way to stay in shape. But finding a comfortable and affordable pair of running shoes doesn’t always follow the same set of virtues. When you’ve shelled out a Benjamin — sometimes a few — for an in style pair of trainers, running starts to look a bit more elite.

Your bank account shouldn’t have to suffer for you to stay in shape. Let’s keep exercise accessible by searching for the best prices on gear — here’s how.

How to Identify the Best Type of Running Shoes

Have you heard someone say, “I only run in Asics” or “Nike is my favorite brand”? When it comes to athletic shoes, it really depends on the type of activity you frequently take part in. Brand actually tells you very little about the comfort level or the shoe’s ability to support you.

Instead of going straight to a brand, ask yourself a few questions. Are you an outdoor road-runner? Do you stick to cross-country trails? Are you more of a gym rat?

All of these activities depend on specific athletic shoes. Don’t make your shoes multitask. The wrong shoes can be harmful to your health — and nobody wants bad knees, stress fractures or blisters!

Instead , you want to identify your activity and choose the shoe that best meets your needs. Here, we’ve broken it down into three categories: road runners, trail runners and cross-trainers.

Road-Running Shoes

[caption id=”attachment_754" align=”alignleft” width=”300"]

Asics Gel Fortitude 7 | $140[/caption]

If you spend a lot of time running on the sidewalk or another even surface, you’re probably going to want to choose this type of shoe. Light and flexible, road running shoes tend to be cushioned, as their main priority is to protect your feet from hard, repetitive strides on solid surfaces.

Trail-Running Shoes

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Brooks Caldera Trail Runner | $140[/caption]

Calling all cross-country runners. Trail-running shoes are designed for off-road routes. If you tend to spend most of your time running outdoors, in the woods or on obstacle-filled courses, these shoes are for you. Trail-runners have an aggressive tread, as they are designed to keep your feet stable in the not-so-stable environment of rocks, mud and roots.

Cross-Training Shoes

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Nike Metcon 3 | $99[/caption]

CrossFit junkies and gym rats know this best, but activities that require a high level of balance also require a specific pair of shoes. Nike has some of the best cross-training active shoes fit for the gym. With a thin sole, these shoes give you more direct contact with the ground than a thick-soled runner.

Choose the Absolute Best Fit

Proper-fitting shoes make all the difference whether you walk or run. When you’re active, you want to be comfortable — and you want your feet to stay safe!

Everyone is unique; and every person deserves a running shoe that’s unique to them. Thankfully, running shoes are designed for different types of people, strides, feet and activities — you just have to find the best fit for you.

Most shoe retailers have options — especially when you shop online — to fit every size and type of foot. If you have a wide foot, choose a running shoe that accommodates width. And, never buy simply based on style. Some runners are concerned with fashion, but steer away from choosing a runner based on looks — your feet will thank you later.

Don’t Pay a Small Fortune for Quality

Never overpay for a quality shoe. While good running shoes tend to be pricey, you should always shop around for the best prices. To keep from breaking the bank, check out more than one retailer for the same style.

When you choose Purcado, we can save you time. We will show you all of your favorite runners and trainers from top retailers, and we compare prices side-by-side. Find your favorite running shoe — fast!