How to Find the Perfect Athletic Shoes

Different activities require different shoes. Buy the best pair of shoes for your feet with these tips on How to Find the Perfect Athletic Shoes.

Tennis shoes, sneakers, runners; what do you call them? No matter what you call them, many people don’t know that there are many kinds of active wear shoes that you should invest in depending on the kind of activity you intend to do with them. There is a reason different activities require different shoes. They are necessary for comfort and safety. Here are some helpful tips on How to Find the Perfect Athletic Shoes.

How to Find the Perfect Athletic Shoes

Shop at specialty store so a trained sales person can help you. Athletic or running stores not only sell the highest quality shoes but they also sell the kinds of shoes that you will need for each sport you wish to participate in.

Running shoes are not for walking and walking shoes are not supportive for running. These stores can also help you find the right fit. I was surprised that I actually wear a size 8 1/2 when I thought I wore a size 9 1/2. Never buy athletic shoes online unless you know how they will fit because you have the same brand and style already.

Make sure the shoes are comfortable right away. With many shoes, like heavy work boots, there is a ‘break in period’. With athletic shoes, they should generally be comfortable right away. Anything that pinches, squeezes, or digs in will not get better as you wear them and could potentially lead to very painful foot issues. Make sure that your athletic shoes are mostly comfortable right out of the box by lacing them completely up, wearing both shoes, and walking a bit around the store before you buy them.

Get the right shoe for the right job. There are basically 3 categories: walking/casual, running, and training. Make sure you get the correct pair for what you intend to do with them so they are safest and the most supportive.

Since hiking is a sport, it is equally important to wear a pair of hiking shoes rather than plain casual walking shoes while doing it. You wouldn’t wear cleats to the mall, would you? Speaking of cleats, these are for field sports such as soccer or football. Trainers are for training at various speeds and tempos. Think of them for your in-between times when you are not racing, for instance.

To get the right fit, have your feet measured. Your shoe size is not just what size you wear. It includes length, width and arch. The best time to have this done is right after a workout or first thing in the morning. The reason for this is because your feet will be as large as they get and you can be assured that your feet will be happy no matter where you are at in your workout.

If you are a woman with wider feet, go for W size or consider purchasing a pair of men’s shoes. There really isn’t a difference besides patterns and colors in men’s shoes and women’s’ shoes other than width.

Are you looking for simple, actionable healthy changes you can make to live a healthier life? Check out these 52 small changes you can make to live a healthier life! Don’t forget to Join the Facebook Group to keep yourself accountable and discover what others are doing as part of their fitness plan.

If you haven’t already, sign up here to receive the Healthy Living Weekly Newsletter filled with more healthy living tips and encouragement to stick to your goals.