4 Common Mistakes When Choosing Workout Shoes

Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. However, wearing the wrong shoes can turn something positive into something negative. Shoes that are the wrong size or do not offer enough support can lead to pain and injury.

1. Choosing whatever is in the back of your closet.

When working out, it is important to choose shoes that are designed particularly for the activity at hand in order to avoid injury. Traditional running shoes support forward motion, but many fitness activities also require an amount of lateral stability that you won't find in most running shoes. Cross-trainers offer sufficient lateral stability and support for most fitness activities. Those who practice a specific sport 2 times or more per week should look for a sport-specific shoe.

2. Wearing shoes past their prime.

Many people make the mistake of waiting until their athletic shoes look worn to replace them. In reality, your shoes may wear out and lose support before they look visually beat up, causing annoying post-workout aches and pains. Athletic shoes should be replaced once a year under normal use. Heavy users may find that they need to replace their shoes every 6 months. Running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles.

3. Wearing casual shoes as workout shoes, and vice versa.

Casual shoes are not designed with the support needed in an athletic shoe and wearing them to work out may lead to injury. While some athletic shoes have become very popular as street style, the shoes you work out in should not be worn outside the gym. Wearing athletic shoes to do errands will cause them to break down faster, forcing you to replace them earlier in order to ensure you still have the proper support for exercising.

4. Choosing the wrong size or width shoe.

A shoe that doesn't fit properly is worse than an old shoe without support. Poorly fitting shoes may lead to both aches and injuries. Many people make the mistake of assuming that because they are a size 9 in one shoe, they are the same size in every shoe. Shoe sizes will vary from brand to brand, and even within one brand. A Nike size 9 may not fit like a New Balance size 9. Companies that use different lasts for different models will also have sizing variation within one brand. Shoes should be the right width as well as the right length. A shoe that is too narrow or too wide can help cause foot problems ranging from numbness and pain to fungal infections. An expert should be able to tell you which shoe in which size will best fit your foot and your needs.

What should you look for?

Your best bet is always to consult with an expert. Our Norwalk, CT Store has a full-service staff to help you figure out the best shoes for your lifestyle or fitness plan. A specialist will work with you from the moment you walk in, determining both the right shoe and the right fit for you.

Our team has expert knowledge about the fit and function of our shoes. If you are shopping online, check out our blog on how to find the right size and give our customer service team a call at (800) 850 - 7463 with any questions. They are around Monday thru Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6 PM EST, and you can always shoot them an e-mail at Shoemart@theshoemart.com!