Running Shoes

Buying running shoes online can be hard. We're here to help make it easier.

Finding the right pair is essential for comfortable, happy miles. While nothing beats our unique, in-store outfitting process, we can help you find the right gear for you from the comfort of your home.

Just starting out? Purchase a pair built for everyday training. Looking to break your PR? Shop for models tuned for speed.

Here are our top 5 tips for choosing the perfect running shoes:

1. Plan Ahead: Looking to get into a consistent running routine? Or maybe take on your first race? No matter your goals, create a plan around the surface you want to train on and how you want to feel while you’re running.
2. Get Started By Walking: Most of the shoes on the market are great to walk in, and walking is often a segue for beginning runners as you feel out the way your body moves for prolonged periods of time.
3. Learn How You Move: The natural alignment of your joints and the degree to which you pronate can make a big difference in your search to support your run. Using our in-store fit process or at-home wear analysis can help you determine how much you pronate and what kind of gear you need.
4. Find Your Fit: Generally speaking, you'll want a thumb’s width of space between the end of your toes and the tip of the shoe. Your foot should feel secure from heel to toe, without any squeezing or pinching. Pay attention to the way your foot aligns over the midsole, too, to determine if you need a wider size.
5. Put On Some Miles: Once you find the pair with the support you need and a comfortable fit, hit the road! The average running shoe lasts about 300 miles for regular runners.

There are three main categories of running shoes: road running, trail running and race day. Here's what that means:

• Road running. Road models are designed for the streets. Abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles hold up to rough concrete, and premium fabrics make for a comfortable fit.
• Trail running. Unlike road runners, trail running shoes are designed for dirt, gravel, mud and anything else you might find when the pavement ends. Trail shoes employ stickier rubber outsoles, aggressive lugs and increased durability so you can go off road.
• Race shoes. The fastest kicks in your closet, these racers give you an extra boost when you need it most. They're made to be minimal and lightweight, which can make them less durable, so they aren't ideal for your daily training. But lace them up when you toe the starting line and they'll help deliver your fastest times yet.

There are a couple smaller categories of shoes used for specific sports, too. Cross country shoes and track spikes are designed to meet the demands of competitive athletes. Like styles meant for racing, these models are the lightest and fastest of the bunch. But they're built for a singular purpose: to run on a track or cross country course.

Runners not only have to think about what surface they're running on but also how they run. If you're just starting out, one of the words you'll hear a lot is "pronation," and it can affect the type of trainers you need.

What is Pronation?

Pronation is the natural inward roll of your foot as it transitions from heel to toe during your stride. Every runner pronates, but it can become a problem if you overpronate or underpronate.

Fortunately, you can find running shoes to match your stride. These are the two main types:

• Neutral running shoes. Neutral models don't offer any targeted support for overpronation or underpronation. These shoes typically use the same foam density all the way from heel to toe, and they don't add any posts or supports.
• Stability running shoes. Runners who overpronate put extra force on the inside part of their shoes, which can cause shoes to wear out prematurely. So companies counter overpronation by using denser foam on the inside (called the medial side) of the shoe. The denser foam compresses less and lasts longer, so the shoe wears evenly from medial to lateral side. Shop all women's stability running shoes and men's stability running shoes.

Not sure about buying a new pair? Don't sweat it. Get free shipping on orders over $99 when you shop on fleetfeet.com.

If you don't like how your new gear looks, fits or feels, we'll take it back within 60 days. That's our Happy Fit Guarantee.

Don't know where to start? Check out our guides for best running shoes, best running clothes and best running gear to get you going.