When looking for workout shoes, shop at an athletic store with a good reputation. If you don't know where to shop, ask friends and family for input on where they purchase their shoes. Different types of sports or activities require different types of shoes, so identify the type of exercise you plan on performing most regularly. For instance, if you regularly play basketball, you need a shoe that will support your ankles, will grip the surface of the floor, and will hold up under a lot of wear and tear.
Step 1
Try on shoes later in the day. Your feet swell throughout the day, and trying on shoes at night can ensure that you choose a size that will fit your foot at any time of the day.
Step 2
Wear socks similar in type and thickness to what you will wear when exercising.
Step 3
Ask the store clerk to check your arch height. Depending on whether you have a high, normal or low arch, you may need a specific type of arch support.
Step 4
Pick out several different styles of shoe made by different companies in your shoe size. Ignore everything you've heard about specific brands, and don't assume that just because a shoe costs more, it's better. Try lots of options.
Step 5
Pick up each shoe before trying it on and test its stiffness. Hold the shoe's heel and toe and try to bend the shoe from the toe. The shoe should bend at the point of the ball of the foot.
Step 6
Try on the shoes. Make sure you try on both shoes because one of your feet may be longer or wider than the other.
Step 7
Match the ball of your foot with the widest part of the shoe. If these two things don't naturally match up, try another pair.
Step 8
Press on the toe of each shoe. You should have approximately a quarter to a half inch at the end of the shoe that allows your foot to move within the shoe without pain or discomfort.
Step 9
Jog around the store and note any potential areas of rubbing or discomfort, particularly on the heels or ball of your foot. If you feel an area that's rubbing, move on to the next pair of shoes.
Step 10
Narrow your shoe choice down to the last one or two options, then try them each on a second time. Choose the most comfortable option regardless of brand or cost.
Tips and Warnings
- Replace shoes every three to six months if you're using them regularly, or whenever you note uneven wear on the soles of the shoes.
- Choosing a shoe because of brand rather than fit can lead to blisters, ankle sprains and other injuries. If you want to stick with your workout routine, you need to make your feet happy.
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