Picking out sneakers can be really confusing, since there are so many different kinds and they vary in price so much. Performance-wise, are expensive sneakers any better than cheaper ones? A team of Scottish scientists used high tech-methods to find out. They found no difference in comfort or shock absorbency between $80 pairs and ones that were more than $150. The bottom line? Paying more moolah doesn't mean you're getting a better shoe.

When it comes to choosing sneaks:
- Choose high-quality running shoes that fit your feet. It's fine to stick with a brand you like if you've had great experiences with them, but if you're new to running and don't yet know what you like, try on a few well-known brands to see which ones fit the best.
- Think about your needs. If you know you'll be running on pavement and never in the woods, then you shouldn't buy the gray trail running sneakers just because you think they look cute. Never buy workout sneakers based on looks. An adorable shoe won't help you run any faster.
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- If you're not sure which shoes are best suited for which activity, be sure to go to a running store. The staff will be able to help you pick out the right shoe for your needs.
- Bring the socks you wear running when you try on your new sneaks. Then use the store's treadmill, track, or floor to try them out. I'm serious. Run for a couple minutes so you can get a true sense of how they'll feel. They should be snug, but not too tight. Your toes should be able to wiggle a little, but your heel shouldn't be slipping up at all.
- Don't fall for space-age technology or impressive marketing. You'll be paying extra for all that and not getting much more when it comes to performance.
Fit's Tips: Just like any shoe, sneakers may need a break-in period. Go for shorter walks and runs at first to get your feet used to your new kicks, and gradually increase to longer workouts.

Nike
NARS
Anne Weyburn
Awesome!
1I needed this so bad seeing as I have been looking into some new ones and didn't even know WHERE to start!
since i run pretty much every day and have severe overpronation, i don't have a problem paying $100 for a good pair of sneakers. i've become accustomed to my particular brand and model, and know that they will keep me from injuring myself in the short and long term.
2The only thing I would add is to bring in your old running/walking shoes so the sales person can look at the bottoms to see how they wear. A true running specialty store will ask you to bring along your current shoe.
3I buy shoes that I've had good experiences with. I have wide feet and I overpronate a lot too, so I need a certain kind of shoe that helps with that. I usually pay $60 for the shoes I like when they go on sale. I have bought really expensive name brand shoes that just didn't hold up, so it's definitely not just about the price tag. Certain brands don't advertise, so their operating costs are lower and the savings get passed on to you.
4Ok--but, I have better experiencves with name brand...it may the cheaper side of the name brand, but I can't do the off brand...they hurt my feet...
5I need some new running shoes.
6$80 is still too expensive for shoes in my budget.
7Oh, now you post this! I just brought a pair last Saturday! I did pretty much all that too. I think the sales guy thought I was weird when i jogged over to him with the shoes, which were tied together, asking if it came in other colours. It didn't, but I'm loving them so far.
8i bought a pair of ugly brooks that were designed especially for over pronators and they were awful, ugly and i hated wearing them. no, i wont buy a pair of shoes solely on looks, but wearing shoes i hate gives me no incentive to go out for a run.
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