Gym Shoe Shopping 101

Do you suffer from back pain, shin splints, or stiff knees? No…. this is not an infomercial. But if you ever experience pain or injuries, maybe it’s time to stop blaming it on genetics or old age, and start considering your shoes! Just because those Nike Shocks at DICK’s Sporting Goods look “killer” on the basketball courts doesn’t mean they will do the job. Shopping for the right pair of shoes takes much more consideration than brand name and color.

Think about it: people are all unique when it comes to the way we walk, stand, move, and balance. The way or feet initialize these movements directly affect the ankles, which affect the knees, which affect the pelvis, which affect the shoulders. If our footwear is not promoting correct movement, it can lead to injuries in any one of these areas of the body. And if you’re injured, that means you have to stop exercising and rest, which postpones your workouts and results — and no one wants that!

To prevent this from happening, follow these steps to ensure you’re getting a good shoe that will keep your workouts pain- and injury-free:

1.) Get your posture assessed by a credible personal trainer
2.) Purchase your shoes from a credible sporting goods store or running shop with *knowledgeable* associates, like Hansons or Running Fit
3.) Inform your sales associate of your injuries and what brand or shoe type you were wearing
4.) Purchase more than one pair of shoes if you’re going to be performing different activities, e.g. have one pair for running only, and one pair for weight-lifting
5.) Get a new pair every 6 months
6.) Always understand the return policy or trial period on the shoe you’re buying