The body dimensions are very critical when we go to buy clothes after sorting out the brand and the price. In the same way, the dimensions and nature of the foot should also be considered while selecting a running shoe. The arch support, fit, cushioning and the size are the important factors to be considered while buying a shoe.

All new shoes feel great on our foot, but selecting the wrong kind of shoes will lead to problems in due course. Sometimes it will take years for the problem to be evident. It is important to consider whether we are flat footed or have a high or normal arch.

During the normal running action the outer part of the heel strikes the ground at first followed by the middle part at a particular angle. This is actually a kind of shock absorption mechanism. The whole of the foot remains in contact with the ground only for the fraction of a second and then it lifts off.

There are some ways to analyze the structure of our feet. Both the feet can be made wet with water and then we should step on to a piece of paper. The wet imprint of our foot on the paper shows whether we are flat footed and it also gives information regarding the arch of our foot. In the case of a normal or curved arch it is best to opt for shoes which provide firm middle support, and in the case of a high arch, shoes with soft middle cushioning should be chosen to absorb the shock. Another method of feet analysis can be done by checking out old running shoes. If there is more wear and rear towards the inside of the sole then the person is flat footed. If the outer sides are more worn out then the person has a high arch. Feet structure can also be understood by conducting a walk test. Walking towards a full length mirror will help us to identify the abnormalities in our walking pattern and thus can reveal any structural abnormalities to our feet.  

Shopping for shoes should be done towards the afternoon or evening. This is because feet expand during the day time and this will allow for properly selecting shoe of the right size. For long distance running much larger shoes should be opted to allow foot expansion.  There should be space enough to stick a finger between the heel and the shoe.

Serious runners can opt for two shoes so that they can be alternated, to allow them to get a break to breathe. Selecting the right shoes can help one to run marathons, even in his nineties.