What is the best running shoe or cross-trainer for you? Depends on many factors and you need to ask yourself a few questions first. Not everyone is the same. Since every foot is different, and every runner or athlete is different, it goes to reason that you need to get the right individual footwear that is suited for you.

Finding the high performance running shoes does not have to be difficult, but that raises some questions. It matters where you workout and what kind of sport you do, how many times a week, your age, your relative health, your fitness level, your workout dedication discipline, all of these considerations come into focus when choosing the proper footwear.

Have you lost weight? Have you recovered from the disabled list? Are you training for the Olympics? This last one is just pie in the sky imagination. Unless you're from a backward and poor isolated country, if you are a contender for an Olympic medal you will have had your shoes picked out for you by a team of scientist, unless you are from Kenya and run barefoot. Finding the best running footwear need not be a chore.

For the average Joe somewhere between 35 and 55 years of age and you are selecting your running shoes for your morning jog around the park, then you can probably just go to your local Foot Locker and pick out a pair of Reeboks or Nikes that fit just right. If you are on a budget (and who isn't these days) you can get some of the very same name brand running shoes for men or women at discounters like Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, TJ Maxx, or your local facsimile to these merchants.

These shoe super-stores have gigantic aisles upon aisles of great training and running footwear for you to choose from. It's a little more difficult coming across your size at these places but if you have a little patience and don't mind a crowd, then you could find smart bargains. Marshalls, for instance, carries Reebok, New Balance, and even some Nikes, among other off-brands. They also have a good choice of hiking sandals . Even Costco has some great shoe bargains, albeit a much tighter selection.

Comfort is of prime consideration with running shoes for men, it is all about comfort. I find that the most comfortable running shoes are those without back handles because I have found that this cloth handle rubs against my Achilles every time due to the shape of my foot. If you have a club foot you may want to shop somewhere else. Those with fallen arches may want to consult your foot doctor first or get prescription insoles.

If you have a special need, there are running shoes for men to match your requirements. As for most of us it is just about finding a comfortable shoe that fits your budget and doesn't look unusual.