If you enjoy competing in road races you may want to invest in a pair of lightweight running shoes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. One reason the shoes are lightweight is because they do not have much padding. They have less cushioning than a standard shoe, and you may find them hard on your joints. You may also find out that they break down quicker than your previous shoes due to the lightweight, thinner materials they consist of. If you choose to invest in a pair you may want to save them for “race day.”
Trail
If you run off road, you may want to invest in a pair of trail running shoes. Trail shoes normally have a rougher tread for a variety of terrain, as well as a tighter, heavier weave of fabric on the upper. This prevents the shoe from getting too “beat up” on the trail. If you only do occasional running on trails you may want to stick with your regular running shoes, or buy a pair of trail shoes exclusively for trail running. If you run on roads or even packed dirt paths, you may find that the increased tread of a trail shoe causes joint pain, due to the grip of the shoe on the path. Once you have made your choice in shoes there are a variety of things that you can do to help with comfort and longevity.
Socks
Investing in nice running socks is absolutely not a waste of money. Sure you can wear your thick cotton athletic socks, however once you have invested in a nice pair of shoes, why not pay a few extra bucks for the socks. Running socks typically are not 100% cotton. They will have a micro-fiber blend or a little wool in them to help them retain shape and wick moisture away from your feet. They also normally have a flat toe seam. These two factors alone greatly reduce the chance of you developing blisters.
Rest
If you run more than three days a week you should consider purchasing two pairs of shoes. Although this may seem extravagant, each pair of shoes will last longer, so you come out ahead in the end. Giving your shoes a chance to totally dry out and regain their form between wearing extends the wear and comfort level of the shoes. If you have a pair of shoes that you love, you may wish to purchase two of the same pair. If you run on a variety of surfaces, you may wish to purchase two different types of shoes, one for each surface.