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10 Tips: Buying Athletic Shoes

To avoid injury and discomfort it is critical to buy footwear that fits correctly.

The team at ASICS have put together some their top 10 handy hints to keep in mind next time you update your athletic footwear.

  1. Shop by activity. Sport specific shoes help prevent injuries by delivering function and support for the intended use.
  2. Understand your foot. Seek advice from a podiatrist or retailer; ask them to assess your foot type and recommend a shoe to suit.
  3. If the shoe fits; wear it. As a general guide leave one finger's width (1cm) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, however this is open to personal preference. Ensure your heel does not move excessively. If in doubt – get out!
  4. Be aware of width and fit options on certain models. If you have a narrow foot opt for a standard fit in men’s and AA fit for women. For average width, keep an eye out for shoes in a 2E fit for men and standard fit for women. And if you have wide feet check out 4E shoes for men and D fit in women’s.
  5. Wear the socks and or orthotics you normally wear for the activity. Never place orthotic devices directly on top of the standard innersole – unless advised by a qualified medical practitioner.
  6. Our feet tend to swell in the afternoon - so be aware of this. Try and shop for shoes around the same time of day you would normally participate in your activities.
  7. Ask questions. The retailers are educated on shoe technology, so use their knowledge to find a comfortable shoe.
  8. Try on both left and right shoes as one foot is usually slightly bigger than the other. Within reason, walk or run in the store if possible. Ensure they are comfortable.
  9. When to update? Running shoes should generally last for approx 800 – 1,000km. However this depends on the individual’s technique and activity. You can usually feel or see the midsole of the shoe compressing after some time. This is a good indication that the shoe may be starting to lose its full support and function.
  10. Ultimately - the shoe should be flexible, comfortable and breathable.