Choosing the right athletic shoe isn’t as simple as choosing groceries. Most sportswear stores can advise you about what shoes you need, but knowing what you’re looking for ahead of time will help.

For starters, don’t use the same shoe for running and walking. The differing forms of exercise use different movements and different requirements. Running shoes are more flexible with softer cushioning for absorbing shock impact. Walking shoes have a firmer structure. If you run and walk every day, get a pair for each but never mix the two.

Get the right pair of athletic shoes and you can save yourself from ankle aches, shin splints, and other injuries.

Know your foot shape
Do a wet test. You wet your feet, place them on a brown piece of paper, and trace the footprint that appears on it. This is a footprint test and it’s the first step towards getting the right shoe for you. Your footprint determines the arch of your feet. On the basis of whether your foot is flat, neutral, or with a high arch, you can find an appropriate athletic shoe.

Measure the size of your feet
Measuring the length and width of your feet can help you determine your feet size. Stores have a measuring device for this and you can get your feet measured.

A rule of thumb is to make sure the distance between the front of the big toe and the front of the shoe should be about a thumb’s width.
The heel should fit tightly and not slip when you walk. The American Academy Of Orthopedic Surgeons mentions that you should be able to freely wiggle all your toes.

Understand the features
Shoes can look funky or futuristic, but there’s a function behind those uber cool aesthetics. Clear inserts filled with gel, freon, or air, provide extra shock absorption to reduce impact while running. Certain shoes let you pump up the tongue to ensure a snug fit. You may or may not need these features, depending on your foot structure.

Price awareness
You shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to get the right pair of athletic shoes. At the same time, you shouldn’t underpay for a cheap pair that doesn’t last you long.
Good athletic shoes can cost between $15 and $80. Price can go up depending on the features and super fashionable accessories they sport on them.

Replacement time
Athletic shoes on average have a mileage of 350-400 miles. After that, it’s time to get them replaced. The best way to know when to get a new pair or replace your old one is by eyeballing it. Look for wear and tear, especially uneven wear. If the shoes feel less supportive and the structure is changing then it’s time to get a new pair.