• Choose the Right Running Shoes

• Replace Your Running Shoes

• Select Running Apparel

• Find Running Gear on eBay

• Buy Running Shoes & Running Apparel With Confidence

Choose the Right Running Shoes

Choose the Right Running Shoes

Nothing is more critical to your success as a runner than a proper running shoe. To determine what kind of foot you have—and ensure you’ve chosen the right running shoes—make a wet footprint on a piece of dry paper

• Normal arches: If you have normal arches, your footprint will show the full foot, with a slight inward curve at the arch. For normal feet, stability running shoes provide a good level of cushioning, medial support (inner foot support), and greater durability. Excellent stability shoes are available from Adidas, Avia, Brooks, and New Balance, among others.

• Low arches (flat feet): If you have low arches or flat feet, your footprint won’t curve in at the arch. You may be an overpronater, meaning your foot rolls too far inward when you run. Overpronation can cause injuries, so protect yourself with the proper shoes. Motion control shoes are marked by firm midsoles and greater stability. Good choices are available from Puma, Reebok, Nike, and Etonic, among others.

• High arches: If you have a high arch, your footprint may show only the ball and heel of your foot, with no connection between them. Your foot may be supinated or underpronated, meaning it doesn’t roll inward far enough. In this case, steer clear of both stability and motion control shoes and opt instead for running shoes with plenty of cushioning. Highly cushioned running shoes are available through Asics, Mizuno, and Saucony, among others

In addition to considering the kind of foot you have, consider also the type of running you’ll do.

• Performance training shoes: Performance training shoes are lightweight and highly responsive, making them ideal for quick, efficient, and experienced runners. You’ll give up cushioning in order to get a pure, light running shoe.

• Racing shoes: Racing shoes are ultra-lightweight and are meant for very fast runners, especially those who are accustomed to running with little or no cushioning or stability features.

• Off-road running shoes: Off-road running shoes are ideal for running on trails and uneven, bumpy surfaces. Equipped with toe bumpers and reinforced stitching, these shoes provide higher durability.

Replace Your Running Shoes

Replace Your Running Shoes

Though many runners have several pairs of favorite running shoes they cherish from year to year, it’s important to replace your running shoes regularly. Those well-loved, well-worn shoes just can’t offer you the cushioning support you need once they’ve logged a certain amount of miles.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your shoes after 350 to 500 miles of wear. Estimate your mileage or use a log to keep track. Some online logging systems will even remind you when it’s time to for a new pair.

Shoes with worn soles or decreased traction should be replaced. And you should definitely buy a new pair if your shoes are starting to break down or come apart at the seams.

Select Running Apparel

Select Running Apparel

These days, running apparel is as much a fashion statement as a designer handbag. However, you only need the following key essentials to get started:

• Running shorts: Running shorts may combine materials such as Lycra, cotton, polyester, and spandex for maximum performance

• Shirts: Get short- and long-sleeved t-shirts for both warm and cold weather.

• Sniglets: Singlets are snug-fitting tank tops.

• Tights: Tights are tight-fitting leggings for cold-weather running.

• Jacket: Jackets should be lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.

• Gloves: Gloves offer additional protection during cold weather.

• Hat: Hats can either be a light cap during warm weather or a snug-fitting fleece hat during cold weather.

• Running socks: Running socks come in a variety of cotton/Lycra blends.

• Reflective gear: Reflective running gear may include headlamps, bands, and vests.

Also remember that, in the winter, you should layer your running apparel. Usually, three layers will do the trick even in the coldest of climates.

In the summer, however, consider a mesh top that’s highly breathable and a pair of nylon shorts that won’t stick to your skin. Also remember to wear sunscreen with both UVA/UVB protection when running in the summer.

Find Running Gear on eBay

Find Running Gear on eBay

Once you know what type of running gear you want, go to the Sporting Goods portal, click Running, and start searching for item listings on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for footwear, apparel, watches, pedometers, and more. As you dig deeper into the site you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by brand.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find motion control shoes, type “motion control shoes” (without the quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Running Shoes & Running Apparel With Confidence

Buy Running Shoes & Running Apparel With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.