Wearing proper footwear for exercise is the easiest way to keep your feet healthy and safe from injury. Choosing the right shoes will ensure your feet and ankles are properly supported, regardless of your workout.

How to Choose the Proper Shoes

When choosing a shoe, think of the type of exercise you normally engage in. Do you run 5 miles a day, or are you more of a heavy weightlifter? 

Shop for shoes in the afternoon or soon after your workout since your feet are the largest at this time. This tip is especially important as shoes that may fit perfectly in the store can often feel too small during your exercise routine. 

Be sure to try on shoes with the socks you will typically be wearing as your workout to get a true feel for the shoe. Check that you have room to wiggle your toes and that your feet have a little extra room to move. No part of your foot should feel squished or uncomfortable. 

Types of Shoes

Sports shoes are sold for every type of exercise. For joggers and long-distance runners, they may find that lightweight shoes with shock absorption make running more pleasant. 

Basketball players would opt for thick-soled, high top shoes that will protect the ankles and feet from injuries caused by jumping. 

Tennis shoes are created with play surfaces in mind. They protect players’ feet from any possible injuries that could be caused by the movements in tennis. They also are designed to be worn on surfaces like clay or grass and to keep the user from sliding. 

Benefits of Proper Footwear

Depending on your type of workout, choosing the correct shoe can help you avoid various workout-related injuries. For example, if you play high impact sports, a shoe that minimizes the impact of your step would be quite beneficial. 

Besides injuries like ankle sprains or fractures, improper footwear can cause corns to develop from friction in a shoe that is too small. 

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