Workout shoes... How to pick them & how long do they last?

The BIG Question: How to pick the right workout shoes & how often should I be getting new ones? 

We are not at a loss of “expert” articles advising us on how to choose the “best shoe”, a quick search of the internet will give you MANY articles, videos, etc. What I have to say may be a little bit different from other articles you may find. There’s not a specific brand or price point that I recommend. I can share which shoes I LOVE, but they may not be the ones that you (and your feet) will also love. In order to choose the right shoe for you, ask yourself a couple of questions.

What will you be doing? 

Running, Walking, Weight Training, Tennis, Pickle Ball, a combination of things… There ARE some differences in the way shoes designed for different activities will perform. The cleats of a shoe designed for soccer or football will NOT work well on the tennis court. The sturdy design of a shoe for weight training will not work best for running a half marathon. What you will be doing matters. 

Can a shoe be used for multiple purposes? Yes, SOMETIMES, but it’s often not recommended. Purchase the shoe best designed for what you will be doing in those shoes - at least most of the time. Your feet (and much more) will thank you. 

But WHICH running, tennis, weightlifting, hiking shoe? 

Try it on. Everyone’s feet are different. Your friend may LOVE a specific running shoe, but that one might not be great for the shape of your foot (wide, narrow, high arch, etc.) There really is not a way around it, trying on the shoe is the best way to make sure the “shoe fits” your foot well. Do you need a wider toe box? Do you need a higher arch? More cushioning? More support or stabilization? Sometimes it may come down to the stitching on the shoe that may cut into your foot in a way it does not in someone else. (This happened to me.) Remember, your athletic shoes are made of many synthetic materials in addition to some natural (cotton). They are not made to be “broken in”; they should feel great as soon as you have them on & laced properly. If they do not, don’t be afraid to try a different shoe. And don’t be afraid to try a different shoe on each foot to compare them. 

If you enjoy things like hiking or weight training you may not have to try on quite as many as those who prefer running or walking where there are MANY options & brands to choose from.

Feet change. Companies change. You may go into a store & be fitted for a shoe that feels amazing. Great! Now I can order them online & save myself a trip to the store. (You think.) A few years go by & those shoes may not feel the same. Or they may not even be available anymore. It is time to go back to the store & find another shoe that works for you & your feet.   

How long do they last? 

This is another question I get a lot. I’ve read timelines; 3 months, 6 months, hours of use… This could be another valid reason to get the shoes that are appropriate for the activity you will be doing. I know this means you could have multiple pair of athletic or workout shoes, but it will mean that those shoes should last a bit longer than they would if you have one pair that you use for everything. 

Take a good look at your shoes when you first purchase them. Look at the tread on the bottom, look at the material along the sides & tops, look at the heels (take pictures if you need to). Once the tread begins to disappear from the bottom or the heel begins to sink, or maybe even a toe starts to peek through the fabric on top - then it is PAST time for new shoes. Remember, these shoes are not made to be broken in, once they start to break down they are no longer doing the job they were designed (or that you purchased them) to do. 

How much should I be spending on my workout shoes?

You don’t need to break the bank on your workout shoe purchase, but the investment is definitely worth it. For reference, my workout shoes typically cost about $150-$175. I’ve seen quality shoes for a bit less than that, I’ve also seen great shoes that are 3 times that amount. 

Your feet are the foundation of most workouts you will do. Take care of them & they can help take care of your ankles, knees, hips, lower back… Well, you get the idea.  

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