Picking out a running shoe is a different experience than shopping for other types of footwear. For one, everyone has different preferences as far as style goes and their running needs. Some shoe brands are known to make shoes for specific types of running (trail, speed, daily), and you may notice some will market themselves as minimalist, maximalist or in-between sneakers. Running shoes, like walking shoes, can also be versatile enough to use for different activities. The only difference is that running shoes are designed to withstand the rigorous nature of running, but they can work well as walking shoes since you need similar support.

Paul Nasri, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy and works at The Game Plan Physical Therapy in New York, says the most important thing to be aware of is the type of running you are trying to do and the distances you are interested in running. “For example, if you are doing speed work, that sneaker should be lighter weight and slightly more minimalist, whereas if you are performing a long run, it should have more support and be slightly more maximalist,” he explained. On the other hand, if you are focusing more on tempo work or short easy runs, you can choose a medium support type of sneaker.

Knowing how often you’ll be using the running shoe is also important because someone running just a few miles a week doesn’t need the same qualities as someone who is training for a marathon. “No matter the case, you should always be rotating between two sneakers when performing your regular running throughout the week,” Nasri advised.