Tips for buying sports footwear

• Always get fitted for a running shoe preferably from a specialty shoe shop.
• Buy shoes at the end of the day as feet are larger from the day’s walking.
• There should be a finger breath between the longest toe and the end of the toe box.
• The widest part of the shoe should be at the widest part of the foot.
• Proper lacing is essential.
• Wear running socks and any orthotics in the shoe at the fitting as these affect shoe fit.
• Take a test run in the shoes if possible. If the shoes don’t feel good, don’t buy them!
• Running shoes do not need to be broken in.
• Use sports-specific shoes for the specific activity.
• Check your shoe size each time you buy new shoes. (Feet increase in size as we get older.)
• Check the shoe for defects and symmetry.
• Researchers show a significant correlation between infrequent change of running shoes and injury.
• Sole wear does not reflect the lack of shock absorption of a shoe.
• Mileage guidelines or time-frames are a more reliable means for deciding to replace the shoe.  A rough guide to consider changing shoes after 150 hours of cross training, 300–500 miles of running, and 1000 miles of walking (or 6 to 12 months).