Feeling a little confused about what walking or running shoes to buy?

Here are some tips that will help you make the right choice:

·  Buy shoes at the end of the day when your feet are more swollen. This will give you a feel for the true fit of the shoe, when you are exercising and your feet swell a bit.

·  Wear the same socks you will be using when you are walking or running. That way you already know if the shoes will work with the socks. This is not one area where you want surprises.

·  Try on both feet. Believe it or not, many people’s feet are different sizes. If you know one foot is larger than the other, make sure the shoe you select fits comfortably on the larger of the two.

·  Consider width and length. Part of making sure you have a good fit is knowing the shoe fits the width of your foot, as well as the length. Shoes come in many different width types, so know if your feet tend to fit better in wide versus narrow shoes.

·  Know your arch type. Your choices are high arch, neutral arch, or low arch (also know as flat feet). To figure this out, dip your foot in water, then step on a piece of paper, cardboard, or anything where you will easily see the pattern of your foot. If the middle of the foot is mostly there, you probably have a low arch.  Conversely, if there is little of the middle of your foot in the imprint, you likely have a high arch.

·  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many fitness stores (especially those geared towards walking, running) have personnel who are able to watch the way you walk or run, and help you choose a shoe that will be best. Utilize their expertise to find the shoe that works right for you.

Whatever shoe you choose, make sure to keep track of your mileage and buy a new pair of shoes every 300-600 miles. This will help you to stay injury free and avoid any hiccups in your fitness journey. Happy Moving!