Finding The Right Exercise Shoe

Whether you’re breaking a sweat doing having a living room dance party with your kids or speed walking through the mall with your friends, wearing the appropriate shoes will make your workout more comfortable and reduce your risk of injury.

Sports specifics

At the health club, you’ll probably find yourself taking side-to-side steps during an aerobic class. This requires a different shoe than what you’d wear if you walk or run. For aerobic exercise, look for shoes with shock absorption and cushioning to absorb the pounding your feet may take, along with thick leather uppers or a strap to support your feet during side-to-side movements.

Walking shoes, on the other hand, provide lateral stability so your foot has less tendency to turn inward and downward.

If light jogging is your sport, choose a shoe with a padded heel for shock absorption. Otherwise you’ll feel the discomfort in your spine and joints.

Sole replacements

Once you purchase the shoe–or shoes–to match your activities, don’t think you’re set for life.

It’s a mistake to wear a shoe long-term. The mid-sole shock-absorbent qualities disappear in a relatively short period of time.  Experts advice runners to buy new shoes every 500 to 600 miles, before the treds wear down.