Running shoes—are they worth the cost?

Instead of going out running like I usually do—run as far as possible without dying—I decided to consult the cross country athletics director at the University of Utah, Kyle Kepler, for some suggestions about how to keep going.

First of all, I've been using the same shoes for running since cross country in high school. They're a good pair of Nike shoes, and probably the most expensive pair of shoes I own. They fit my feet perfectly, but lately the years (and miles) and taken a toll and the sole of the shoe is looking considerably worse for wear.

My worn out shoes that have seen hundreds of miles

Photo Credit: Tyler Cobb

Kepler said there are shoes made for your gender, body type and running style/gait, which is interesting since my method for picking the last pair was, 'I think these fit and feel alright—what do you think Dad?'

"Get a good pair of shoes from a running specialty store," Kepler said. "Proper footwear can decrease injury risk."

Kepler also recommended specific clothing. My only interest in clothing in the past has been whether it's uncomfortable or makes me look fat (I'm a girl after all...) But the wise and experienced cross country director said that a good outfit can keep you warm, comfy and is worth its weight in gold.

"Moisture wicking clothes are important because they take sweat away from your body, which keeps a person from getting cold after the sweat starts to accumulate.  This is Utah, so the cold weather we get is not nearly as severe as other parts of the country.  It was 10 degrees this morning and I ran with a long sleeve Dri Fit top, T-shirt over that and a very light wind breaker top.  I wore a pair of running shorts with a Dri Fit track pant (thicker than running tights, but not as baggy as sweatpants or nylon warm up pants).  Light mittens and Dri Fit stocking cap.  That whole outfit (with shoes/socks) might add up to $300.  Sounds expensive, BUT...how much does the normal person waste on gym memberships each year?  The clothing will last several years.  The shoes are a different story." —Kepler

And yet—I don't have $300 to spend (already spent it on an Xbox 360 for one reason). Two, I have perfectly good socks, sweat pants, shirts, sweatshirts, gloves, hats, etc. It's like—do I really need an HDTV LCD flat screen tv while I'm in college? Or can I get by on the cheap (free) one my parents or a friend gave me?

But I think Kepler is right, I do need some better running shoes. I looked at some running shoes online at roadrunnersports.com that I liked. I also noticed a pair of Vasque Blur SL trail shoes that seemed like a possible idea, if it were not for the fact that I'm not much of a trail runner in the winter.

                                                                    Running shoes
                                                       By cnewton432   At Photobucket.com 

I had better luck when I found some reviews on running shoes on a Consumer Search Web site. It previewed the top six best running shoes reviewed, and one of them promoted comfort and soft heel cushioning. And it was estimated to cost $55. The shoe is the Saucony Grid Cohesion NX.