Important Things to Consider When Buying Sports Shoes

Whether you like working out at the nearest gym or you prefer jogging or walking in the local park, you should own a good pair of sports shoes. They are an important addition to your footwear collection when it comes to keeping your feet healthy while doing sports activities. You should be careful when choosing the proper pair, though, as ending up with the wrong sports shoes could lead to problems such as shin splints  or aching heels instead of having an enjoyable experience. You can always ask for help from the experienced staff in the speciality shoe store, but it is better if you have some basic knowledge about your feet and what they need. So, here’s what you ought to know before buying a pair of sports shoes.

Get to Know Your Feet

Every person has different feet with their unique features. Consequently, there are different features that shoes are designed with that make all the difference. You need to know if you have got low arches or flat feet and tend toward overpronation which means that your feet roll inward. If so, it is best to look for a motion-control feature and maximum support. If you have high arches and tend to supinate, then your feet roll outward and you might need cushioned shoes with a soft midsole. On the other hand, if you have a neutral arch, then opt for a stability shoe which is the right mix of cushioning and support.

Design Features

When you buy sports shoes for men or women, you must consider the materials and the various designs of the shoes. You should look for the special features that can provide extra comfort and prevent injuries from happening. For instance, slip-lasted shoes are lightweight and flexible with no torsional rigidity; the board-lasted shoes are a great choice for a person with flat feet as they get more support and control and the combination-lasted shoes which actually incorporates the advantages of both before mentioned types. They are designed to fit a great variety of foot types.

Types of Sports Shoes

Athletic shoes can fall into three categories: running, training and walking. If you need walking shoes then opt for soft upper, good shock absorption and a smooth tread, while the good jogging shoes need to have cushioning, flexibility, control and stability in the heel area. If you need shoes for court sports like tennis, basketball or volleyball, then look for a good sole as they are subjected to heavy abuse due to your constant moving forward, backward and side-to-side. For track and field sports rely on your individual needs and gait patterns.

Shopping Rules

A good rule of thumb to follow when you buy sports shoes for men or women is to do it toward the end of the day because feet swell during the day and expand if you walk or run, so the shoes should be fit and comfortable when the feet are at their largest. Another important rule is to bring your own socks, the kind which you use for sports activities as they need to fit appropriately as well, especially if you wear orthotic socks. Finally, when you try the shoes, you will instantly know whether they feel comfortable, if not, keep searching.

On the other hand, if you are shopping online, always look for a store whose team can help you choose the right pair by guiding you with their advice. Also, make sure there’s an option to return them if you are not happy with your choice or replace them with another pair.