How to Start Running Running is a great way to get fit, feel better and even form new relationships with other runners. Starting a new running habit doesn’t have to be hard — all it takes is a comfortable pair of shoes and a willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace. The Well Guide makes it easy to get started, get inspired and stay on track. Are you ready? Let’s go! Choose a Shoe Ignore shoe sales pitches about pronation or high arches and don’t be swayed by brand names. Instead, try on four or five running shoes, jog around the store and let your feet decide. In a sweeping review of the science on running shoes and injuries, researchers found that the most important feature of a running shoe is (brace yourself) — comfort. That’s it. Choose a shoe that feels good. Socks While most runners focus on shoes, socks can be important too. Blisters from bunched-up socks are painful and could sideline you for days. You want a breathable, snug sock that’s not suffocating. Some running socks are made from a sweat-wicking material that draws moisture away from your feet, preventing bacteria from accumulating between your toes which inevitably leads to foot odor. Look for a sock without thick (or any) seams and decide if you want a no-show sock or one that covers the back of your ankle where shoes sometimes rub. Try socks on in the store, and pick one or two that you like. Test them out to see how they perform when you run and sweat before investing in multiple pairs. Choose Your Playlist Running should feel like a reward. If you’re a runner who likes the quiet and solitude of running, then pick a bucolic path and go run. But many people like a combination of upbeat music or short podcasts or books on tape to accompany them on the run. My personal favorites to train with are books by comedians, who often read their own audio books and leave me laughing so much I forget the pains of running.