Having the right pair of exercise shoes can make or break you. If you fail to select an appropriate model of shoe, you might suffer from various foot and knee ailments and that is terribly unpleasant.
Therefore, you need to learn how to select shoes based on several factors:
- Foot type
- Price
- Comfort
- Type of usage
Foot Type
Different foot types will directly influence the kind of exercise shoes that you can wear. The problem is, not many people are even aware that different feet types exist! For those who are aware, they do not know how to determine which category they fall in.
However, I’m here to help you using a very simple test: the water test.
First of all, simply wet your foot. Then place your foot on a dark coloured floor tile. The imprint of your foot will determine whether you have a normal arched foot, high arch or a flat foot.
If you have a normal arch, you are pretty safe to go with any brand of exercise shoes. However, if you have a high arch or a flat foot, you will need to go for brands that provide special support for your foot.
For example, if you have flat foot, you can choose to purchase a brand like Brooks as they carry certain models that are catered for individuals with such problems. You do not have to worry about not being able to work out because of physical conditions, there is always something suitable for you.
Price
An overpriced pair of exercise shoes does not make it any better or worse than a decently priced one. What you can do is to take into account other considerations like comfort and type of usage.
However, if you are purchasing a pair that is for your flat foot or high arch, be prepared to fork out a little more. Such models are usually priced higher because of the modifications made to support your feet during workout.
At the end of the day, the price tag should not be exorbitant. Never be rash, take some time to look around different stores to compare prices and see what’s best.
Making well-informed choices will not only help you save dollars and cents, but help you find good fitness equipment stores that you can return to in future!
Comfort
Lace your shoes up and try it on! Before making any purchase, be sure to put it on and walk around the store. Does it feel awkward? Are you feeling unnecessary tension in your legs? If you are, then that pair of exercise shoes is not for you.
There is no way for me to suggest what is best but to listen to your feet. Do you think the cutting is weird and will cause discomfort later on? Are your feet cushioned well?
Type Of Usage
Now, this is entirely up to you. But what I strongly suggest is to have two pair of shoes. Before you roll your eyes and claim that I’m suggesting that you waste more money, give me a chance to explain.
You can invest in a normal, decent pair for day to day workouts while you are at home, doing aerobics or leg exercises. The second pair should be cheap but durable and comfortable and used during your runs.
The reason for this is because the pair that you use for runs will wear very quickly, especially if you make a conscious effort to jog or do strenuous outdoor physical activities. Therefore, you don’t break your wallet from replacing exercise shoes often.
Where Should You Make Your Purchase
In this technologically advance era, people are increasingly making their purchases online. Countries like Estonia even votes online!
I do not know what your personal preference is, but from what I have observed, quite a number of products online are much cheaper than if you were to purchase them from a store. This does not hold true for every single product, but a lot of products are cheaper online!
However, how do you protect yourself from making a poor purchase? Simple. Head down to any store and try the shoe that you have been eyeing. Check what size suits you, and what model you like.
While you are out, compare prices with other stores in your area. Once you have determined the prices offline, head online and check if there are better offers on the Internet. You probably stand a good chance of finding a good deal, especially during festive seasons, holidays and so on.
Final Words
A good workout begins with proper apparel. Start with the right exercise shoes so that you won’t have to suffer from conditions like knee pains and other leg problems.
You might feel that purchasing shoes is a chore, since you have to take so many things into consideration. You need to weigh the various factors, and compare prices. Just remember that I suggested all the outlines so that you can make a good investment.
Don’t make the same mistake as I did. I got the wrong shoes and suffered during my runs. I thank my friend for the Nike shoes that she got me!