When shopping for running shoes the first thing you must do is determine your foot type. This is very easy to do with a simple ‘wet test’. Simply wet your foot and step onto concrete or a paper towel so you can see the wet outline of your foot.

A footprint with a slight curve is made if your foot is normal or average. If you have normal feet then you should choose a running shoe that has good cushioning and offers moderate stability on the medial side of the shoe. These shoes are often classified as Stability shoes and Neutral-Cushioned shoes.

A wet footprint that shows nearly all of the bottom surface of the foot is called a flat footprint. If you have flat feet, you should shop for running shoes that provide maximum support to the inner-side of the foot or to both sides, as in the case of Motion Control shoes. Choose a stiffer midsole that provides moderate cushioning and good stability.

A wet footprint that just shows a sliver of the foot is called a high arched foot. If you have a footprint like this, you should shop for running shoes that have generous cushioning and flexibility. You should not need additional support to the inner (medial) side of the foot.

Running shoes are placed into three main categories, stability shoes, cushioned shoes, and motion control shoes, based upon their function. They are further categorized according to their use such as racing shoes, trail running shoes, and performance shoes.

Motion control running shoes prevent the inward rotation of the foot, which commonly occurs with flat-footed runners. This shoe helps prevent injury by being rigid due to the insertion of a medial (and sometimes lateral) post on the inner side of the shoe. These shoes tend to be stiff, bulky and heavy.

Cushioned running shoes are made to provide balanced shock absorption without additional stability devices. They can encourage the inward rotation motion that is lacking in a runner with high arches. These shoes are also very flexible. Neutral-Cushioned shoes can be a good choice for runners with neutral gaits who like a lighter more flexible shoe than Stability shoes provide.

Stability running shoes offer features found in both of the other types of shoes but to a lesser extent. They offer some cushioning and motion control and provide stability to those with a medium arch or normal foot.

When shopping for running shoes, measure both of your feet and go with the size of the largest foot. It may be necessary to buy a running shoe that is a half or full size larger than your street shoes. It is also a good idea to shop late in the day when your feet are tired and swollen. Be sure to wear the socks you usually wear when running.

Choose the type of running shoe that is best for the shape of your foot. The purpose of a running shoe is to provide the cushioning and stability that is right for you. You shouldn’t need to break in your running shoes, they should be ready to use right away. Test them thoroughly by wearing them in the store and running on a treadmill with them if the shoe store allows it.

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1. Don’t be afraid of platforms. They give added height, security, and extra stability. Find a classy platform with a wide heel to keep a jazzy look. Find a platform with a slim heel and a rise no more than .5 inches to keep business/dressy look.

2. Wear wedges. Wedges also give the same height, with more security than a platform. The wedge restricts movement of the heel, decreasing the chances of sudden heel shifting and mobility. Try a non cloth, mule wedge with slim straps to keep a business/professional look.

3. Practice! Yes, believe it or not, this really works! Try walking around on carpet in your heels for a few days before wearing them in public. Just do the things that you would normally do, dishes, cleaning, take out the trash, go to the mailbox or simply walking around your living room. Stairs are great if you have them. This help you to familiarize yourself with the shoes, the intricacies, and movements of the heels, so that when you do go into public, you know what to expect.

4. If your shoes have a smooth bottom, scuff the heels first. This will reduce the chances of you slipping.

5. Buy shoes that have ‘no slip grip’ on the bottom. This will also reduce your chances of slipping, possibly increasing your confidence level.

6. Start with a low heel and work your way up. Start with a 2.5 inch heel. Walk in them consistently for an hour each day. This will help to build your calf muscles, which is the primary muscle working when you wear heels. After 2 weeks, move to a 3 inch heel, practicing the same. Then move to a 3.5 inch heel, practicing the same. Then move to a 4 inch heel. Before you know it, you will be a high heel shoe diva!

7. Make sure the shoes fit comfortably!!! This is absolutely key. Now seriously, don’t try to get a pair of shoes, a half size too small and make them fit. This is not healthy, for you feet, legs, back, or shoulders. Ensuring the your shoes fit helps the aforementioned keep properly aligned. Furthermore, ensure that your shoulders, back, and posture stay straight up and erect. Walk with the confidence God gave you. Know that you are beautiful and each day is God’s way of showing you love and mercy. Be thankful, know that He loves your and you are His, show it in your posture. Walking slumped over is not good, high heels or flats, so straighten up ladies and walk with confidence!

8. Wear cushions. Dr. School’s makes great inserts for ladies shoes. I favor the gel inserts for the balls of the foot. They are clear, therefore unnoticeable, and extremely comfy. They reduce the shock to the balls of your feet and lower back.

9. Hide the height………There are shoes made with hidden platforms and rises at the ball of the foot to decrease arch stretch. These are cool and comfortable fake outs.

10. Take care of your feet. Get pedicures regularly. I have learned my lesson! It is not just about making your feet look pretty, but about making them feel good. Good pedicures allow the legs and feet to be massaged, increasing circulation, critical for good foot health. Dead skin and hard spots should also be removed, leaving you with soft, supple feet, ready for walking.

There are four criteria that a person should keep in mind while buying shoes. They are fit, durability, breathability and court surface.

1. Fit - Ill fitting shoes are a curse for tennis players. Who can concentrate on game with blisters on feet? When buying your pair keep the following points in mind: feet typically swell after exercise or by the end of the day; tennis socks provide extra cushioning and may require a shoe up to half size larger; as many people have two different feet size, shoe upper against the top of your feet should not be too tight or too loose; shoes should have at least half an inch space between the toes and end of the shoe.
2. Durability – To increase the durability of your pair keep in mind how frequently you play and where you typically wear out your shoes: if the sole wears out fast then choose a shoe with higher end and durable sole; if your pair looses cushion then get a shoe with a robust midsole.
3. Tennis players often drag their toe while executing shots, especially the serve. Therefore it is crucial for right handed players that the inside-toe area of their right shoe has extra protection.
4. Breathability - Excessive running on the court tires your feet. If your feet stay cooler you can play better for longer time. Choose the material of the shoe upper like leather, mesh, synthetic leather or a combination according to your needs. And make sure the upper is designed in a way to vent out heat and moisture and keep your feet cool.

There are many factors that go into choosing the right pair of tennis shoes for your particular needs. Consider the four tips above and your choice will be that much easier.

Most of my friends wear shoes that are either very comfortable or very classy. I guess I am the in-between type! Those who wear shoes for comfort obviously don’t look for the aspect of whether or not its in vogue, they simply wear it because it feels comfortable, who care if it doesn’t match with the nail paint on your fingers.

The others, I must say are rather foolish to spend either their father’s hard earned money or their husband’s, whichever may the case be, only for the look on other people’s faces. And shoes like these really hurt, now whether it’s your heart that hurts thanks to the price tag or the shoe, is quite another story! More often than not people don’t know what to wear on what particular attire. They wear boat shoes on jeans and regular lace shoes on routine office days. The point I am trying to make is that you need to wear shoes as comfortable as possible. As a lover of shoes and accessories, I think most of my knowledge of shoes comes through pure observation and a bit of research; both my husband and me have indulged in.

Source: Buzzle.com

It was not uncommon for an aristocratic woman in ancient Greece to have more than 20 pairs of shoes and a servant to care for them. This is no different than the stereotypical, shoe-obsessed Carrie Bradshaw character with over $40,000 worth of shoes but no place to live. British women spend over 1,000 pounds per year on shoes and 10% of British admit women to having at least 100 pairs of shoes. Even the obsessed realize that shoes are important to our health and survival. They know that poorly maintained or shoes that don’t fit well can cause pain, blisters and other serious conditions.

Source: ArticlesBase.com