Walking shoes put a lot of pressure on your tootsies, but running shoes put even more pressure on your feet. The action of running puts your feet at risk. Your feet support a force of up to three times your actual body weight. Wearing the “wrong” shoes could subject you to many months (or years) of rehabilitation of your joints. This injury usually occurs if your shoes don’t fit properly or if they are simply an old pair.
Parts of a running shoe
Here are the nuts and bolts of a running shoe, according to epodiatry.com:
- Outsole- basically the lower bottom sole of the shoe that is usually made in a waffle design. This is the part of the shoe that uses traction and reduces wear and tear.
- Midsole- positioned in-between the upper and outsole. This part of the shoe is the most important because it provides comfort and cushioning for the feet.
- Upper- Part of the shoe that is comprised of the tongue and shoelaces. This is the uppermost part of the shoe.
- Counter- very firm and strong part of the shoe that supports and stabilizes the heel.
- Footbridge- part of the midsole that provides increased support for your arch.
Running shoes should be replaced every 350-550 miles, according to discountshoeguide.com. This designated mileage means that running shoes should be replaced very early in their shelf life. That is why finding discount running shoes would be helpful. It will save you lots of money and will also allow you to stock up on more than one pair at a time.
Finding running shoes at a discount
Before plunking down hundreds of dollars for one pair, here are some great sources to find discount running shoes. Remember, these four sources are just the starting point. You can also find great deals at warehouses and factory stores.
- Online - there are great online sources that provide quality, name-brand shoes at a discount price. Before you decide to buy, it is advised that you get a feel for the Web site. Does it look legit? If you are still unsure, check the Better Business Bureau. Another complication of purchasing online is you won’t be able to try the shoes on until they are shipped to your home.
- Check sales department stores - look at the newspaper. Many department stores have sales on all of their footwear. Great sales to look for are holiday or back-to-school deals. Ask the salesperson to point you to running shoes specifically.
- Sporting goods stores - this is another great source to find discount running shoes. This source would be a great place to start since much of the staff knows the difference between walking and running shoes. There are also a greater variety of shoes to choose from.
- Off-price stores - finding discount running shoes in an off-price store may be hard because these stores tend to focus on clothing more. But you will greatly appreciate the savings on usually expensive brand names of shoes. Off-price stores change merchandise frequently, so visit them at least once a week.
Happy shopping!
By Michelle Presbury