How to Buy Athletic Shoes

The choices in athletic footwear are overwhelming. Basketball alone spawns dozens of new designs every year, some changes purely cosmetic and others representing real technical advances. Avoid buying shoes that pinch your toes, which should have room to move and never touch the tip of the shoe. For longevity, wear your athletic shoes only when needed. Get another pair of sneakers for everyday.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Get fitted correctly with shoes designed for your foot. The salesperson at a quality store will be able to offer you specific models that correct pronation or supination (where your foot turns inward or outward), or aid flat feet or high arches. Decide if you prefer more stability or more cushioning.

2. If participating in stop-and-start sports, make sure to purchase a shoe with lateral stability. These types of shoes will also be reinforced in high-wear areas like the toe due to abrupt stops while running forward.

3. For more aggressive sports or adventure activities, buy a heavier shoe for durability--for you and your body.

4. For speed sports or long-distance races, lighter shoes might be preferred.

5. For specific sports, use these as basic steps, but look into the position you might play, the frequency of use and any historical medical issues you might have. Not only will a good shoe store know about these, but oftentimes orthopedists--especially those in sports medicine--can make suggestions based on the structure of your foot and your level of play.