Believe it or not, choosing the first pair of gym shoes or sneakers you see to begin your new fitness routine may not be the best decision to make. While the shoes might be on sale or are a recommended brand, your needs when it comes to footwear are unique. Therefore, you need to put time and effort into choosing the right shoes for your training requirements.

Most shoes on the market fall into one of four categories;

Motion control –  more supportive, rigid, and heavy – better for runners who are a little heavy-footed or have flat feet.

Stability – better for those who roll their feet inward when they run.

Cushioned – decent, all-around gym shoe that is both comfortable and supportive.

Minimalist – best way in which to feel like you’re running in bare feet with a little bit of support.

Very few people realise how shoes can differ both in style and support, but it’s crucial to help you choose the right pair of shoes for your fitness training requirements. However, with all these unique features on offer from one manufacturer to the next, you also need to pay particular attention to how comfortable they are.

Even if a pair of shoes is designed for your needs as a runner, if they’re not comfortable, it may be in your best interests to keep looking. According to research, the risk of injury while involved in fitness training is increased when you aren’t comfortable. You need to be able to move the balls of your feet, wiggle your toes, and the heels need to be snug as well. Therefore, when you’re in the market for new shoes, don’t forget to think about your comfort as well.

The best way to choose a pair of gym shoes when you’re ready to pound the pavement is by asking for expert advice. While you are sure to have a price range and style in mind, a shoe expert can help point you in the right direction of shoes that may be beneficial for you. They can measure your feet, look at how you walk and run, then take into consideration your age, physique, and even your posture.

They will then consider your intended use for these shoes, before fitting you up with a pair that ticks all the boxes for the criteria above. If you plan on using your new shoes for both running and sport, you may find this also isn’t in your best interests. Running shoes very rarely provide side support since you use a forward motion. However, if you were to play netball, for example, you need rigid side support for side-stepping. Therefore, purchasing two pairs for two uses is often the best option for your fitness needs.

Ultimately, when you’re looking to purchase new footwear for your fitness regime, there are a few things you need to do:

1. Consider your needs and budget
2. Consult a shoe expert
3. Ensure your comfort

When you’ve found that perfect pair, you can then benefit from a far more beneficial workout than if you purchased footwear that was not entirely suitable for your needs.