Sports medicine doctor: How to select your best running shoes

GREENVILLE, S.C. (InvestigateTV) - Most people in the Greenville area know Dr. Michael Mauhar as a sports medicine and emergency physician. But on his lunch breaks, you can find him on the pavement, running 20 miles a week.

“I am fortunate to have access to the lower end of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, right by my work,” Dr. Mauhar said. “I go through 3 to 4 different pairs of shoes in a year.”

He knows an injury can really set a runner back.

“I have had several injuries,” Dr. Mauhar said. “I think that is part of being an athlete.”

It’s why he encourages his patients to find the right-fitting shoe and not overuse it.

“It should be snug, but not tight in the front,” Mauhar said.

“It should feel like your midfoot is not being squished together, your toes are now squished, and they should not jam up against the end.”

He says anything too tight or uncomfortable could likely lead to blisters or bruised toenails.”

“Some shoe brands will have a very wide toe box, but still be narrow through the midfoot, so if your whole foot is wide, that can be an issue,” Mauhar said.

He recommends trying on several different shoes and talking with an expert at a running store.

“They have a process where they will measure the length and width of your foot and chat with you about what your goals are with running,” Mauher said.

And finally, don’t overrun your shoes. He says you should change out your running shoes every 150-400 miles, depending on your shoe type and running terrain.

“Personally, my knees start to ache a bit more when it is time for a new pair of shoes,” Mauhar said.

And remember, your friends’ shoes may not be right for you.

“There is not a perfect shoe, but there is one for you,” Mauhar said.