10 Tips For Choosing Athletic Shoes

Who knew that purchasing the “right” pair of athletic shoes would be so difficult and essential. I used to and sometimes still do purchase shoes based on style and the name brand. I first learned about the differences in athletic shoes when I worked at a popular athletic shoe store as a teenager. During my time at the shoe store I became a shoe expert. I learned a lot about athletic shoes and their differences based on an individual’s need, especially for running and walking, as it was important to be able to answer customer’s questions. In the article “10 Tips for Choosing Athletic Shoes,” found on WebMD.com by Christina Frank, it references, “proper-fitting shoes makes all the difference whether you walk or run”. “Running and walking are among the purest, most natural forms of exercise”. The WebMD article states, “having basic knowledge about your feet and their specific needs” can assist you when purchasing athletic shoes. Here are some tips to know before purchasing your next pair of athletic shoes as noted in the WebMD article:

Don’t make shoes multitask. Don't make shoes multitask. Walking shoes are stiffer; running shoes are more flexible, with extra cushioning to handle greater impact. If you do both activities, get a pair for each one. …show more content…
Most major brands now offer a model to suit every foot type. One way to determine your foot’s shape is to do a “wet test” or look at where your last pair of shoes shows the most wear. if your shoes show the most wear on the inside edge it means you overpronate and you’ll want a shoe with motion-control and maximum support. If your shoes wear out mostly on the outside edge it means you underpronate (also called supinate) and you’ll want a shoe with a soft midsole. If you have a neutral arch, meaning your shoes wear out uniformly, you’ll want a stability shoe having the right mix of cushioning and