One Big Health Nut

Go into any sports store or shoe store and you will find endless rows displaying a countless variety of footwear.  The colors and styles entice consumers to peruse the merchandise.  The skillful arrangement of the shoes is almost hypnotic.  Each shoe is labeled with a different function; running, walking, cross country.  After a few minutes of browsing, it becomes difficult to focus on any one particular shoe.  Each shoe examined looks even better than the previous one.   

So how do you know which shoe is best for you?  And is there really a difference between a running and a walking shoe or are the shoe conglomerates just assaulting the public with incognito marketing techniques meant to convince consumers there is a need to purchase multiple expensive shoes? 

In actuality, there is a difference.  Shoes are now technologically enhanced, offering features such as shocks, pump air cushioning, and even iPod compatible plug-ins to assist with your workout.  Companies are performing studies to determine the needs of the foot based on intricacies of each individual foot and the demands placed on feet by various tasks.   

Again the question remains, how do you know which shoe is best for you? 

There are several factors you should take into consideration. 

1.     What type of arch does your foot have?  If you have a low arch or a flat foot, you need a shoe that is straight or very slightly curved on the bottom.  Some individuals may require a special insert or “arch”.  If you have a high arch, you will need a shoe that has a curve on the bottom to properly support your foot. 

2.     What type of socks do you wear and what time of day do you perform the activity for which the shoe is intended?  You will need to know this to determine what size and fit you will need.  If you exercise after work and your feet swell by this time of day, you will need a wider shoe.  Otherwise, your feet will be pinched and uncomfortable and this will hinder your work out. 

3.     What exercise/activity will you be performing in the shoe?  There have been significant advances over the years in the athletic shoe industry.  Shoes that are labeled for a specific activity have been developed to provide the best support and comfort based on the movement and fall of the foot.  Even the surface the foot will be on is taken into consideration during the development of the shoe.  Due to these factors, it is important that you select a shoe that is intended for your activity. 

It may sound like a lot of factors to consider for the purchase of a shoe.  And it probably is more information than you thought you would have to consider.  But shoes today can be expensive.  And the purchase of the wrong shoe could adversely affect your work out.  Some days it is difficult enough motivating yourself to ‘just do it’ without having something as simple as the wrong shoe add to the ‘reasons not to exercise’ list you are battling in your head.   

Don’t panic!  You don’t have to wade through the sea of shoes without expert help.  Many of the stores have sales associates that are trained to help.  If you are not sure which shoe you need, just ask for help.  Be sure to provide the associate with all of the pertinent information so they can help you choose the shoe best suited to your activity and your feet.