Tips for Choosing Fitness Shoes

There are many types of fitness shoes available with more on the market all the time.  Today's fitness shoes are very specialized.  It's important to choose your footwear wisely since it can have a big affect on your workout.

Choose the shoes that fit the sport.  To the untrained eye most gym shoes look very similar.  However, they aren't made the same.  Running shoes, the most popular of all sports footwear, are made with extra cushion to help absorb the shock of pounding the pavement.  There are special features to every type of fitness shoes.

Get the proper size.  You may be tempted to fit the shoes yourself.  However this can be a mistake.  Visit a specialty fitness footwear store where you can get the proper fitting you need.  Allow the salesperson to measure your foot even if you know your size.  Some fitness shoes fit differently than others.

Get support.  Your foot needs the correct support when performing exercises.  Using the wrong shoe can cause problems that can be ongoing.  Make sure that the fitness shoes you choose have good arch support.  This helps to stabilize your foot and keep it from hurting.  Ensure that the arch support fits properly into your arch.  If not you may need a different size shoe.

Laces or Velcro?  Fitness shoes need to adjust to the width of your foot. Some people like the idea of Velcro closures because they make it easier to get your shoes on and off.  However most people need the additional fit adjustments that laces provide.  Laces help you easily correct the shoe's fit to ensure that your foot is properly supported in the shoe.  Those with wide feet can loosen the laces slightly while those with narrow feet can tighten the laces for a good fit.  Velcro doesn't afford the same adjustability.

Good Cushioning.  Look for fitness shoes that cushion your foot.  Padding helps to protect your feet from bumps and shocks by absorbing them first.  The cushioning should not be limited to the sole of the shoe.  Check for padding around the heel and tongue as well.

Try fitness shoes on.  Even if you always wear the same size you'll want to try fitness shoes on before you purchase them.  Every shoe has a slightly different fit and you'll want to make sure that you get the best fit.  Walk around in the shoes to test them out before you decide.  The shoes should not slip at the heel nor should they feel too tight near the toes.  The tip of your big toe should be about ¼ to ½ inch away from the end of the shoe.

Look at the box.  This is helpful when choosing between many different shoes.  You want to be sure that the fitness shoes you choose are made for the right sport.  If you will be using the shoes for various purposes choose a cross-training shoe.  These offer proper support for different types of exercise.  If you will be using the fitness shoes primarily for walking pick shoes that are designated for that purpose.

Replace shoes often.  Most people wear their shoes long beyond their beneficial function.  Fitness shoes that are worn every day do wear out.  The cushion and support flatten out and they no longer provide the foot protection that you need.  A good rule of thumb to follow is to replace fitness shoes every 6 months if you use them daily.