If The Shoe Fits

Facts:

• I believe shoes are an important investment in your health. They’re your foundation. I cringe when I see people wearing old worn out shoes. If you’re looking to reward yourself for healthy behaviors, put new workout shoes at the top of your list (and sports bras ladies!).
•  I’m OCD about my feet. This caused my parents much consternation as I was growing up. My shoelaces have to be exactly even. My socks must fit perfect, with the seam going directly across my toe knuckles. I’m pretty sure I’m a shoe sales’ person’s nightmare.
• If you get a pair of light weight running shoes, do not wear them on rough trails.

I house sat for my parents for a couple of weeks. They live on a dirt road in the mountains. No matter where I travel, I always take my running shoes. Well, I wore my running shoes out on the mountain. They got to explore my favorite trails, and I ran my old soccer training route pretty much every other day. So, my poor Mizuno tiger stripes (Wave Elixir 7s) are looking pretty rough.

I swear I keep The Running Room in business. I tend to buy new running shoes once every season…but the last 2 seasons, I’ve bought 2 pairs/season. Last season, my dog Gidget chewed the edge of the soles off my brand spanking new pair of shoes; and this season, I’ve had to replace above referenced Elixirs.

Anywho – if you find a pair of shoes you like, I encourage you to buy more than one pair, if it’s in your budget. Maybe wait til the end of the season to get them on discount, go online…whatever. But, if you like a pair of shoes, the fit, their performance, then it’s worthwhile to have a pair to spare. Alternate them out, or save them for your next season.

Life’s too short to wear shoes that don’t fit. You don’t want to cause yourself injury or unnecessary pain. I can’t tell you how many times clients tell me their feet are tingling or feel numb, or that they have blisters, or something related to their shoes. Go! Run! Now! Get thee to a specialty running store to get a complimentary gait analysis. They tell you what type of shoe (cushioning, stability, neutral) is best for your stride. Here are some tips:

-Be inquisitive - ask questions! Do you have that shoe in my size? In different colors? If they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, ask them if one of their sister stores can ship it to that location for you to try. Remember, you’re making an investment – don’t settle for something you’re not truly happy with.

-Get in the zone! Try on every single shoe in the store that you like, or that’s recommended to you. You never know what you’ll discover. For years I was a Asics aficionado. And one day, I tried on Mizunos and have been smitten ever since. Shoe companies change their designs and their fits…and your feet change. So, what once worked might not anymore. Be open.

-Related to the point above…not every shoe size is the same across brands. Don’t say “OMG, I’ve never worn size 7.5’s, I’ve always been a 7!” – no one is going to see your shoe size. What’s important is that it fits!

-Run around doing a test jog, jump up and down, sprint, spin, and otherwise mimic all of the moves you make during your fitness routine. I do it!

-Go to the store in the afternoon/evening when your feet have had the weight of the day on them.

-Take your own socks – ones that you use to workout in.

-Read the store’s return policy. Most places will let you return the shoes within 5-7 days if they’ve only been worn on a treadmill like once. So, if you take them for a workout and decide they’re not right for you, take them back and get something that will work.

-You might think that places like The Running Room or Fitness Sports are more expensive because they’re specialty shoe stores….but, I’ve price compared (b/c one of my favorite things to do is shop!) and, typically they’re less expensive. You’ll save, and help support a local store/chain by shopping there compared to one of the mall stores.

-And you say, “What if I’m not a runner?” – still stores that sell running shoes have a supply of cross training and shoes that fit your workout needs. Or, at the very least, by getting a gait analysis, you’ll know which type of shoe is best for your foot and the activity you’re going to be doing.

My New Investment "Blue Lightnings" 

 (*Note, this post isn’t sponsored by The Running Room nor Mizuno….but I love them and wouldn’t turn away any perks J)