How to choose the right fitness shoes

Shoes.  While I am a fanatic about some of my exercise gear (specifically Skirt Sports, which I write about here), good quality shoes might be my best investment.  Well, it may be a close tie to the Gym Girl Ultra, but in my mind both are essential.

Gym Girl Ultra from Skirt Sports. Perfect for running, walking, or shopping! Shorties underneath with plenty of pockets.

My first experience with real running shoes was the fall of 2003.  Eight months pregnant with my first child, I waddled my swollen feet into a local running shoe store.  The extra weight and worn out kicks were making walking rough.  After a gait analysis and trying on several pairs, I slipped into a pair of Saucony’s.  Cue the chorus of angels.

My dedication to Saucony lasted years, eventually migrating to Brooks Adrenaline.  The Adrenaline is a support shoe for overpronation, which means it has a higher arch to prevent my ankles from rolling in when I run.  

Here’s a great YouTube explanation if you’re not familiar with overpronation.

Shoes or no shoes? That is the question.

While I love good quality running shoes, not everybody is in my same camp.  In recent years, we’ve seen a “minimalist” movement.  The theory is if we take all the cushioning and support out of our shoes, we are more mindful of the way our feet hit the ground. Therefore, we land correctly.  The pendulum seems to be centering back, however. Now the experts recommend using what is comfortable.  (Once again, moderation wins!)

Through my Skirt Sports Ambassadorship, I’ve been introduced to many fascinating women who move in their unique way.  One is Barefoot Teresa, who (you guessed it) runs barefoot.  You can follow her blog and on Instagram.  I love seeing her dirty feet and adventures while running sans protection.  While that’s not for me, I certainly respect her chosen method of movement.  I mention her because she is doing what works for her, and while I’m a big believer in proper shoes for me, that doesn’t mean it’s going to work for everyone.  

We had a small conversation about barefoot running, and I love what she said:  “What works for one runner may not work well for another, and we need the freedom to choose for ourselves what works for us as individuals!”  Amen, sister!  What I loved is we feel the same way, but chose different avenues.

Barefoot Teresa. This may not be for me, but you gotta respect it!

Having said that, I’ll proceed with my advocacy because that’s my reality.

Choosing a fitness shoe doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some considerations that respect your unique needs.

If you choose shoes, choose wisely.

Proper shoes are critical.  If you must prioritize your spending and buy only one item, buy quality shoes – especially if you are running.  Get yourself to a running specialty store.  Most will be able to assess the “foot strike”, or how your foot hits the ground.  You will try on several pairs of shoes. You may even run for a minute on the treadmill while videoing your feet so they can see your patterns better.  Improper striking over a period of time can cause all kinds of issues – none of which you want.  Trust me and my history of plantar fasciaitis.

Trust these salesmen and women.  They are your friends.  Do not let their lean bodies and race tech shirts overwhelm you.  More than likely they are people who love to run.  Working in such a joint allows them to get paid for promoting a passion.  They want you to love running and will do what it takes to get you in the right shoe for your foot.  

If indoor group fitness or gym equipment (like the elliptical) is your thing, a general cross trainer from your favorite big box athletic store or online retailer will suffice.  However, if you have feet issues, heed the advice above and get to a running store.  You don’t have to be a runner to deserve good quality shoes.  

Don’t wait until you’re fighting pain or injury to invest in your feet.  They carry you miles every day.  The least you can do is help them out with the proper shoes.  The right ones will allow you to hear the angels singing, even if you’re not eight months pregnant.

Choosing a fitness shoe doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some considerations that respect your unique needs.

In the next post we’ll talk about the end of life – shoe life, that is.  Until then, I’d like to know:  What’s your favorite shoe to run in?

Choosing the right running shoes can be intimidating. Here's how to make it easy.

4 thoughts on “How to choose the right fitness shoes”

  1. Nice post – good points! You also made some good points in your post about your love / hate relationship with running. I think people who have to run in East / South Texas during the spring, summer, and early autumn months deserve extra suffer kudos!

    1. Teresa I back waaaaaay off in the summer. I just can’t take the heat and humidity combination. I’m finding I’m much more of a sporadic runner even compared to 3-4 years ago.

  2. Such truth! I made the critical mistake of buying some less expensive (though same brand) running shoes and paid the price (pun intended) by awakening an old plantar fasciitis injury. It’s not worth it! In my mind, if I feel the urge to run, I must be proactive in buying proper shoes. 🙂

    1. Heather, I agree. I’m amazed at those who can run well enough to not worry about shoes. I am not one of those people. Plantar fasciitis is awful and I will prevent it any way I can!

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