Experts advise runners to prioritize comfort over high-tech features

Running specialists suggest that novice runners skip costly carbon-fiber models and select footwear that matches their walking shoes. They emphasize that shoes should feel comfortable right away, without needing a break-in period. The guidance comes from experts at Drexel University and the University of British Columbia.

The guidance draws on expertise from two academic sources: Drexel University's Running Performance Research Center and biomechanics research at the University of British Columbia. Both specialists caution against expensive carbon-fiber models for beginners, noting these advanced shoes are engineered for elite athletes and may actually cause problems for less experienced runners. The experts also stress that running shoes should fit properly in width, not just length, and recommend foot scans at specialty retailers to determine the appropriate heel-to-toe drop for each runner's stride pattern. For those covering 10 miles or more, a half-size up accommodates natural foot swelling during long efforts.