Shoe stores:
A few words about running/racing
shoes: Depending on how much you
want to spend,you can get by for as little as $30 on sale or as much as
$200.
Most importantly, get a
good pair of training shoes with good impact absorption and arch
support
if the foot needs
it. Get running shoes, not cross trainers or some other type of
shoe. I strongly recommend that you buy your shoes at a reputable
running store. I suggest that you check Ryan's
Sport Shop (Washington & Newhall) near the post office) or Runners Factory in Los Gatos
or Athletic Performance also in Los Gatos and now also in Willow Glen,
especially if you do not
have
much experience with
running shoes. These stores have knowledgeable staff that will
help you find the
right shoe for you and let you try it out before you buy. (Also,
Sports Basement at Lawrence Expressway and Kern Ave in Sunnyvale and UP
& Running in Cupertino are
stores to checkout. However, there may not be a discount.) If
you
know your fit, good deals can be purchased on the internet. I have had
good luck with Eastbay.com, Roadrunnersports.com, or Final-Score.com
over the years. The training shoe
may also double
as a racing flat but will be heavier than if you were to buy a
separate racing shoe.
A good training flat will cost up to $100 but all of the stores
will give you a 10-20% discount if you tell them you run for
Cupertino
High School. Make
sure the fit is comfy with a bit of toe room. A racing flat
-distance runners only- will be
many
ounces lighter than trainers and
make you feel like you're flying when you put them on, but it's
also another $80 or so. Most distance runners use spikes for
racing. Spikes are required for sprinting, jumping and
hurdling. There are also specialized shoes for the jumps, but are only
recommended if you have sufficient experience and talent.
Throwers are encouraged to get throwing shoes. They will provide
the proper sole for the throws. The price
range you should pay is $20 (on sale) to about $150, but it should be
under $100 Your choice.
I personally prefer to compete in shoes that I do not train
in.
I strongly recommend
that you obtain a new pair of training shoes every year or running
season,
because the shoes
will breakdown over time and continued use will lead to
injuries.
Also, Spenco inner
sole inserts are recommended to help with shin splint type
problems,
especially if you
have them now.
I strongly recommend spikes that have a
padded heel for all running events: sprints, hurdles, jumps, and
distance, especially for training.