7 Tips for Buying Athletic Shoes
A well-fitting shoe can make a big difference when it comes to sports and fitness. But how do you ensure that your new athletic shoes fit properly? Try these seven tips on for size:
1. Wear shoes that are appropriate for your activity.
“We see patients all the time wearing inappropriate shoes for the activity,” says Christian Royer, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
2. Buy the right size for your feet.
“People don’t realize that their shoe size changes over time and that their foot can get bigger and wider as time goes on,” says Dr. Royer. “And most people haven’t had their foot measured in years.”
3. Shop in the afternoon.
Dr. Royer says that your foot can not only grow through the years, but throughout the day as well. Because of normal swelling, the afternoon is the best time to shop, and don’t forget to take a test-run before you buy.
4. The shoes should feel good on your feet right from the start.
“Don’t believe in the myth of breaking the shoe in,” advises Dr. Royer. “If the shoe doesn’t feel good in the store, no matter how good it looks, you need to get a different shoe.”
5. Know the life of your shoes.
One common misstep is simply not shopping often enough.
“One of the big problems we see with runners is that they run past the life of their shoe,” says Dr. Royer. “A general rule of thumb—and it doesn’t apply exactly the same to every shoe—is 300-400 miles on a running shoe or 300 hours of activity in that athletic shoe.”
6. Use your own athletic socks when trying on new shoes.
Another tip is to take your own athletic socks when trying on shoes to get a true fit.
7. Price can make a difference.
Experts also suggest that when it comes to shoes, you do often get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to dish out a few extra bucks for comfort.
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