Specialty stores may have higher prices, but the selection will be better and the staff more knowledgeable. RELATED LINKS VIDEO: Choosing Running Shoes

In sports, having apparel and equipment that fits your body and performs perfectly can be a key part in doing your best, and running is no exception. If you're determined to run competitively or just train efficiently, you'll need a top quality pair of running shoes that's designed to fit your needs.

Lonny Wilder is a marathon runner and Vice President of Government Services for Workplace Learning in Frisco, Tex. 15 years ago he started running for health reasons, and now he runs 54 miles per week and maintains a rigorous workout schedule and healthy diet. Here, he gives advice for buying the perfect pair of running shoes:

• Shop with professionals. Although discount department stores will offer the lowest prices, Wilder recommends shopping at a specialty running store, where the salespeople will be more knowledgeable and helpful. They might even put you on a treadmill and watch you run to get a better sense of your footwear needs.

• Your old shoes. Wilder suggests bringing your old pair of running shoes with you to the store. A running expert will be able to look at the wear patterns of the shoe and determine if you have problems with your stride. If you run pigeon-toed or outward, you may need special corrective inserts that they can sell you.

• Socks. Don't overlook the importance of good socks. Running socks should take the moisture away from the foot so that you don't develop calluses while running. In the end, the perfect combination of running shoes and socks won't magically turn you into a marathon winner, but it will help you become the best runner you can be.

For more information on running and running shoes, check out the following organizations and websites:

American Running Association
www.americanrunning.org

Running Shoes.com
www.runningshoes.com

Running Network
www.runningnetwork.com