As winter begins to fade to spring, it’s a good time to start preparing to get back into your warmer-weather outdoor activities. Hiking, rock climbing, biking, and more are quickly coming back into season. More and more you’ll see people transitioning from the treadmill to the road again, too. This means you should start looking for your next pair of athletic shoes. Many people don’t realize just how much abuse their old pair went through. As you start fresh this spring, get off on the right foot by having your new shoes properly fitted.
Athletic shoes are some of your most important and influential sports equipment, whether you’re a casual athlete to stay in shape or a fanatic hobbyist all year round. Shoes protect your feet and keep them supported under stress, which can help you avoid pain and overuse injuries. Footwear that doesn’t fit correctly, or that isn’t designed for your sports, however, can cause problems rather than prevent them.
That is why getting footwear properly fitted is so necessary. Here are a few tips to help you find the best pair of athletic shoes for your activities:
- Look for the right kind – Don’t make your new shoes multitask. Choose footwear that is designed for your sport specifically, so it will be constructed to handle the stress of your activity.
- Know your feet – Have your feet measured, both the length and the width, before choosing a size. Also make sure your shoe options fit your arch type.
- Wear the right socks – Bring along a pair of socks like those you would wear with your athletic shoes for a better idea of how potential footwear fits.
- Try on and test – Always try on and walk around in prospective pairs of shoes to make sure they are comfortable.