How to Pick the Perfect Sneaker for You

From running to deadlifting, no matter what kind of workouts get your blood pumping, you need sneakers. But there are so many varieties, brands, and unusual modifications, that you might not know where to start. If you're lost as to how to pick the right shoe for you, use this guide to help.

Remember, the wrong workout shoe could leave you with serious injuries like shin splints, sprained ankles, heel and foot pain, and more. So make sure you pick the right shoe for your sport or workout. There are different kinds of shoes for different workouts for a reason. The position of your feet impacts how your whole body moves and aligns, so finding the right sneaker is incredibly important. You are most likely going to get the best help shoe shopping at one of the many small businesses that account for 99.7% of all businesses in the United States. If you're trying to judge if a shoe is right for you without the help of a shoe store employee, however, use these tips below to find the perfect shoe.

Figure Out Your Foot Size

Human feet change constantly. Even as an adult your feet may be growing or shrinking. The first thing you need to do when shoe shopping is to take the time to get your feet measured. Once you have a general idea of your shoe size, the most important thing is to look for shoes that match your foot shape. You don't want to force your feet into an unnatural position. Instead, you want them to be supported.

Shop Later

Shop for shoes towards the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. This will help you find a shoe that continues to fit no matter when you don them. It's also a good idea to bring along the socks you wear while working out to make sure your shoes fit with your socks.

Don't Assume You Can Break Them In

If you think a pair of shoes is uncomfortable, don't buy them. Breaking in your shoes won't change how they fit. If they pinch, are too tight, or feel uncomfortable, just put them back. Do not rely on breaking in shoes to make them more comfortable. They should be comfortable as soon as you put them on.

Work Them Out

What you're going to be doing in your sneakers matters a lot when it comes to what kind of shoe you need. If you do a lot of running or walking, you'll need a shoe made for dispersing impacts. If you do dance, boot camp, or CrossFit, you'll need something supportive that allows you to move in all directions. If you do weightlifting, you'll need a shoe with a strong sole that won't collapse but doesn't restrict your ankles. When lifting a 10 kilogram box, it puts approximately 180 kilograms of force on the spine, so lifters need proper support to keep their spines aligned and healthy. You may even want to do some research on what you need to look for in shoes for your specific sport.

Examine the Shoes

You'll want to take a careful look at the shoes you like before even trying them to see if they will work for you. First, examine the sole and the tread. If you workout inside, you probably need smaller sole and tread than if you workout outside on cement or pavement. The largest treads are good for off-road workouts. Check the cushioning level in the sole to see if it's stiff or plush enough for your needs.

Now you'll want to check the heel rise. This is how high the heel goes and whether it is pushed over the toes. Having your heels above your toes supports forward motion and is good for runners, walkers, and cross-fitters. It may be less ideal for weightlifters.

The toe box is where your toes live a shoe and also refers to the width. Make sure your toes have a little bit of wiggle room between them and the end of the shoes. Finally, check the ankle support. Some shoes are designed to keep your ankles from moving too much because of the risk of injury. Others are designed to allow as much movement as possible.

Choose Wisely

Now that you know what you're looking for, it shouldn't be difficult to find just the sneaker you need. If you're having trouble, don't be afraid to ask for help. Also, don't be afraid to spend a good amount of money. A higher-quality pair of shoes will do a lot more for you than a $15 pair of shoes. You should also consider getting a second pair of shoes for your five to 10 minute warm-ups, especially if you need special shoes for your sport, like cleats. Now, go out in the world and find the perfect shoe for you.

Category: Men's Shoes, Men's Sneakers, Shoe Blog, Shoeography, Sneaker News, Tips and Tricks, Unisex Shoes, Women's Shoes, Women's Sneakers