7 tips for safe and healthy running [slideshow]

2. Wear the right shoes

If you’re a novice runner ready to shop for footwear, researchers at Aarhus University in the Netherlands have some advice concerning your optimal choice. And their research may surprise you.

According to their study, if you are in good health and about to run for the first time, you can be perfectly satisfied with a pair of ordinary, neutral running shoes without special support. Even if your feet over-pronate (roll in) when you run, your shoes do not need to compensate for this motion.

Don’t listen to the marketing messages meant to convince you that certain types of shoes are superior to others.

Trying on several different pair of shoes and do a small amount of jogging in each pair to see how they conform to your running style. Trot around the store if you have to.

Read: The secret to selecting the best running shoes (the industry doesn’t want you to know)