CHOOSING THE RIGHT ATHLETIC SHOES

Right shoes that fit well and that can prevent any form of injury is essential for exercise. When it comes to shoes for exercise, the choices are overwhelming. But what is important that you should use shoes that fit well and feel comfortable. The right shoes offer both support and flexibility where you need it. And, they protect your bones, joints, and muscles from the toes to the top, keeping your feet in healthy positions and absorbing shock.

If you are a walker then go for walking shoes. But even for walking, many people prefer running shoes. Running shoes provide plenty of cushioning, which can feel good to walkers. In fact, if you have high arches in your feet, running shoes may even be better because of their extra flexibility in the front (toe) half of the shoe. Running shoes are also geared for heel-to-toe movement. If you engage in a variety of athletic activities, you should go for a pair of cross-training or general purpose athletic shoes.

Below listed are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind while shopping for shoes for exercise:

• Shop for shoes in the afternoon or evening, when your feet are at maximum size.
  
• Wear the socks you normally wear with athletic shoes to assure the right fit.
  
• Try on both shoes. Most people's feet vary a bit in size from each other, so you should be sure the shoes fit your largest foot comfortably.
  
• Check for space at the end of your longest toe. There should be enough to let you move without pinching.
  
• If you're a woman and your feet are wide, try men's shoes. These are usually cut wider.
  
• Move around in the shoes, and insist that they feel like a perfect fit right away. If they don't, keep looking.
  
• Don't shop by price alone, but do look for materials that breathe and good workmanship.
  
• Replace running shoes after 500 miles, walking shoes after 1,000 miles, and aerobics shoes after about a year of regular use.