Tips for Buying Footwear for Exercise

Often we follow word of mouth and the current trends when it comes to footwear, but beyond the looks, do you know exactly what you should be looking for in a running shoe? Do you need a motion control shoe with rearfoot control or perhaps neutral cushioned shoe?

To stay healthy, fit, and injury-free, it is important to invest in a good pair of running shoes that are suitable for you. Follow these tips to make sure you get the pair that you need.

Don’t skimp:

$180+ sounds a lot for running shoes, but the investment is worth it. Consider this: Whatever your new shoes cost, it is likely less than the money and time you’d spend seeing the doctor because of an injury.

See the experts:

Visit a podiatrist or a speciality running store before you buy. In order to buy running shoes suitable for you, it is important you know your foot-type and running style first. A shoe suitable for someone who is a midfoot striker and overpronates (rolls-in), is completely different from a shoe suitable for a rearfoot striker who under pronates (rolls-out).

Size yourself up:

Don’t assume you know your size, we should get our feet measured each time we buy new footwear. Our feet change over time, and one model can be significantly different from another’s. Get fitted later in the day, as your feet swell throughout the day. While standing, you should have a thumbnail’s space between the tip of the shoe and the end of your longest toe. Always take them for a test run around the shop. Minor discomfort in the shop will be exaggerated during a long run.

Bring what you’ve been wearing:

Take along the shoes, socks, and any inserts that you normally use. That way you can make a realistic evaluation of how well the new shoe fits your feet.

Rotate:

Shoes should be replaced every 300-500 Km’s or every 12 to 18 months. Keep track of the date that you bought them by writing it on the innersole.

Don’t be a trendsetter:

Just because they look good doesn’t mean they are good. There is an array of footwear to choose from these days, and it can be tempting to follow the current trend. Try on as many different models and pairs as possible. Don’t shop by price or by fashion.