• footwear ought to fit properly

• “toe room” – neither the large or little toe extends over the side

• heel – snug without pinching or slipping

• inside of shoe must be made of firm material to prevent the foot from collapsing inward

• arch supports provide good fit, support, and comfort

• try on several pairs of shoes when purchasing athletic shoes

• consider shopping at an athletic shoe store with a reputation for knowledgeable employees

• choose the shoes that go with the sport

• shop for footwear in the afternoon when your feet are the biggest

• replace shoes every 3-9 months or every 300-500 miles (depending upon the activity)

• be sure the shoe is comfortable and fits you!

Running Shoes

• adequate cushioning for shock absorption

• provide arch and heel support

• padded heels

Walking Shoes

• flexible sole

• heel cushioning

• too much cushioning in the toe of the shoe could make you trip

Aerobic Dance Shoes

• well cushioned footwear

• overall good support

• firm yet flexible sole

• hi-top variety if you’ve ankle problems

Specialty Footwear

• There are shoes for specific activities, basketball, biking, golf, etc.

The key is to find a shoe that matches and provides adequate support and stability