Do You Have The Right Shoes For Your Workout?

By Melanie Vovk - Fitness Instructor

Do you walk, run, do fitness classes at a gym, or exercise in general? If so, are you in the right shoe?

So many people go to a retail store, try on shoes, find a color or look they like without consulting a professional. This can cause so many injuries. If you are wearing the wrong shoe to exercise, you may experience ankle, calf, Achilles, knee, quadricep, hamstring, glute or hip pain. Think about it. You have 2 feet and they have to last you your entire life. Isn't it worth making a trip to a reputable running store and seeking professional advice on a proper running shoe?

Even if you are not a runner you should be in the proper shoes.

Do you pronate, or supinate? Where is your foot strike when you walk or run? Good running stores have about 200 different running shoes. There are probably 4 or 5 that are good for your feet. Why take chances on that.

When shopping at a running store, find a sales associate who can explain all the options.

The associate should watch you walk or run. They should ask you about our running, training, and/or goals. He or she will size your feet and also analyze your gait. Make sure you bring the shoes you have been wearing. The bottom of your shoes are a roadmap of how you strike the ground. Another thing to remember is that shoes need to be replaced every few months. As they wear down, they will not continue to give you the support you need.

It is also very common to buy shoes that are your size. Your running shoes should always be 1/2 to 1 size larger than your regular size. If you are losing toenails or getting blisters this might be why.

Remember, there is not a brand of shoe that is good for everyone. Your friend may love his or her shoes, but please don't run out and buy a pair because they recommend them. Everyone is different.

Do yourself a huge favor. Visit a reputable running store today.