What are Tips for Selecting the Right Shoe?
The best tip for choosing the right shoe for your foot and activity is that it should immediately feel comfortable.  You should never have to “break in” a new pair of shoes!  Our Optimum Stride running therapists always recommend, whether walking or running, to choose a shoe designed for running.  There are many brands of running shoes on the market, and they offer a great variety of fit and support.  With such a large selection, choosing the right shoe can feel intimidating.
Regardless of the brand, all running shoes fit into categories:
Cushioned/neutral
Stability
Motion control
Cushioned/neutral: this is best for the light weight runner or lower mileage runner and walker.  These shoes are lighter and will provide a good amount of shock absorption. If you don’t need a lot of support through your arch to be comfortable or are have trouble with aching in your knees, hips or low back, this might be a good choice!
Stability: this type of shoe is good for the majority of runners and walkers.  It will still offer a good amount of cushion and shock absorption but also provides some mild-moderate support through the arch.  This shoe may “hold up” better to more pounding and increased miles. If you are questioning what category of shoe to choose, this is a safe bet for most people.
Motion Control: this shoe is best for heavier runners that have trouble with shoes breaking down too quickly or need a large amount of support through the arch to be comfortable. Typically, these shoes have less of a “cushioned” feel and are a heavier, more solid shoe.