One of the nice things about being a runner is that you don’t have to go out and buy lots of expensive equipment in order to participate. There’s a saying among runners: “You know you’re a runner if your whole running outfit, including shoes, cost less than $60″. Many runners pick up shorts, shirts, and sweats at the local thrift store.
But the one piece of equipment you shoud never skimp on is your shoes. That doesn’t mean that you have to buy the most expensive pair out there, but it is important to get good quality running shoes. Many running injuries are a result of poorly fitting, or old and worn-out shoes.
I recommend that you go to a sports store like Big 5 for your shoes. Good brands to look at are Saucony (they tend to be a little wider across the toe), New Balance (especially good for athletes with wide feet), and Aasics (good all-around shoes). Don’t get shoes with leather or vinyl uppers, as your foot needs to “breathe”. The most important thing about running shoes is that they need to be comfortable. Try on both shoes and run around inside the store a bit. The shoes should feel cushy and shouldn’t put your feet in an awkward position. Make sure they don’t rub your foot in an odd place. If they feel good, they are probably fine. They don’t have to be expensive; I never pay more than $40 for running shoes for myself.
The rule of thumb is that you will get about 250-300 miles out of a pair of shoes. The insides will wear out before the shoes start looking bad! At middle school level, you will probably only have to replace your shoes once a year, even if you run both cross-country and track. I keep track of my mileage so that I can know when I will need to buy new shoes.
Once you get your new running shoes, it’s a good idea to save them only for running. Don’t wear them to school or P.E. or to play basketball in. They will last better and will be better for your body if they are only used to run in.