Over the past 30 years, the fitness industry has made millions in marketing shoes for every sport. It makes sense — shoes are the foundation to building a healthy body. With so many choices and price points, picking the perfect pair can be overwhelming. Below are some general guidelines to help you get your feet on the ground.
- Shop at the end of the day — feet and ankles swell, so trying on shoes in the afternoon offers a better sense of fit.
- Bring your own socks, orthotics or other inserts.
- A proper fit will be a snug heel (no slippage) and a ½ inch space between the big toe and tip of shoe. Your feet should feel supported, not crunched in the toe box.
- Shop smart, not frugal – invest in your foot health. Find a local store that offers variety, fitting and returns. Fleet Feet, Fit2Run and New Balance are local stores that can help get you on the right track with the right fit. Test a variety of shoes; brands change constantly.
- Most shoes will provide 350 to 400 walking/running miles. A good rule of thumb is 5 months or 400 miles, whichever comes first.
- There is no such thing as a break-in period. Shoes should feel good from the start.
- Use shoes for exercise sessions only; they'll last a little longer.
Happy Trails!
