SOLE SEARCHING: 8 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Pair of Athletic Shoes (Tips #7 & #8)
Tip #7 Take ‘em For a Spin/ Tip #8 Stylin and Profilin
If the pair of shoes that you have been scoping has made it this far on the tips list, then that’s a pretty good sign. But you don’t buy a car without going for a test spin or sign on the dotted line before purchasing a home, and neither should be the case for shoes. Never hesitate to walk around the shoe store or even jog in place to ensure that you have truly become one with your goody two shoes. There should be absolutely NO break-in period when buying shoes (sorry Mom!).
Shoes should be treated as a wise investment- much like cars and homes. We only get one pair of feet for a lifetime, so we have to treat with the utmost care!
It is worth noting that no matter how taylor-made a pair of shoes may seem for your feet- in terms matching foot type, fit, and comfort- the bottom line is that unless your shoes look any good, you’re not likely to wear them. In the midst of finding comfort, that element of eye-candy certainly plays a part. The style should not be “the” determining factor, however. After all, it’s what’s on the inside that matters most (Awww!).
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Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
SOLE SEARCHING: 8 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Pair of Athletic Shoes (Tip #5)
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Tip #5 The Long and the Short of it…
All feet are NOT created equal...even our own two feet we use everyday. It is NOT uncommon to find one foot to be longer than the other. Actually, it is quite normal. Studies show that 60% of individuals have different sized feet. That’s why it is imperative to measure your feet each time you set out to purchase a pair of shoes.
But one thing to ALWAYS remember is to have your feet measured while standing up. Our feet expand when they bear weight, taking into account the width of our foot within shoes. If you are among the majority, you should aim to buy shoes that fit the larger foot (if a half to a full size difference). If greater than a full shoe size difference, you may need to where mismatch sizes to accommodate the increased difference (FYI a shoe size is roughly 1/3 of an inch).
Also, make sure that there is a thumb-width distance from the end of your longest toe (USUALLY the big toe, but the 2nd toe for some) to the edge of the toe box within the shoe. Wiggling of the toes should be able to be done with ease.
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Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
SOLE SEARCHING: 8 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Pair of Athletic Shoes (Tip #2)
Tip #2 Location, Location, Location
Looks like real estate isn’t the only topic where this phrase applies. Where we decide to buy our shoes can often make or break our chances of discovering that ideal pair. Choosing a major retailer or department store for shoe shopping can be a crapshoot when getting fitted for the right shoes. Often times, you have to take it upon yourself to find what you are looking for or the customer service that MIGHT be present has only limited knowledge to fit you properly.
You may be thinking: “Why don’t I just save myself the hassle and order my shoes online?” But, while eliminating the time spent looking for your shoes may put a smile ON your face, the possibility of receiving an ill-fitting pair of shoes may turn that smile into a frown. Finding a suitable pair is alot more involved than finding sneaks that are easy on the eyes and are described as having all the bells and whistles. If you are not aware of what to look and feel for shoes that fit you, then you can certainly do more harm than good.
To help with this dilemma, you might be better served seeking specialty retailers-for running shoes, etc. There, you will find sales clerks on staff that are trained to answer specific questions, analyze your gait, and recommend proper shoes for YOUR feet. Specialty stores may not be readily available in all areas, so you may have to do a bit of digging to find a location near you. A few extra steps to take, but your feet will no doubt thank you! (pun INTENDED).
Stay tuned! Next, we will go inside how your foot type can influence what features to look for when finding those goody two shoes!
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Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
SOLE SEARCHING: 8 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Pair of Athletic Shoes (Tip #1)
Photo courtesy of triathlete-europe.competitor.com
75% of Americans will experience foot problems at least once in their lifetime. In fact, the foot problems the many of us experience don’t stem from congenital conditions, but are the result of the rigorous wear-and-tear of our daily lives. Match that with the neglect and lack of proper foot care awareness and it’s quite easy to see how our feet can fall victim to those nagging aches.
One crucial step that can be taken for us to combat the war on achy feet is to wear proper fitting athletic shoes. However, there is a plan of action that we should have when on the hunt for that perfect pair.
Below is the first of what will be a series of tips to finding that perfect pair of athletic shoes…….as we like to call those goody two shoes.
Tip #1 Golden Time of Day
It’s best to shop for that perfect pair late in the afternoon. During the course of the day- when we are most active- the endless running, walking, and standing causes our feet to swell. By fitting for shoes when your feet are at their largest, ensures that your feet will be most comfortable in that pair when your feet are at their smallest- in the beginning and middle of the day.
Photo courtesy of www.aboutorthowest.com
REMEMBER, the contour of your shoe should fit around the contour of your foot (above, right), NOT vice versa (above, left)! There should be no bulges felt- or seen- in a properly fitted shoe. Think of it as a hand-in-glove relationship…only for the foot.
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
