In the Store: Don't know what kind of arches you have? Dunk your foot lightly in some water and then step on a paper bag. See almost your entire foot? You're an overpronator. See very little? You're an underpronator (this is less common). » Shop at the right time. Because your feet swell all day, you should always buy shoes in the afternoon or evening. And buy them at a specialty running shop, where a staffer can help you determine the right combination of cushioning, stability, flexibility, and weight for your individual needs (foot shape, running gait, etc.).

At Home: If your shoes get wet, speed the drying process by taking out your insoles, stuffing them with newspaper, and setting them in the sun. » Don't let your worn-out shoes fester in a Rubbermaid bin. Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program (nikereuseashoe.com) grinds up any athletic shoes (without metal) and then converts them into running tracks and playgrounds for underserved communities around the world.