Since last week’s Wellness Wednesday post, you have all, no doubt, done your week long analysis of how you spend your time. I trust you have been able to scrounge up 30 minutes per day, 6 days per week, for some real exercise.

After time, the next thing you’ll be needing is decent exercise shoes. So I thought I would make a brief post about choosing workout shoes, which should pique your interest in studying the matter further and help you steer clear of expensive trendy nonsense.

I have consulted the world renowned authority Footlocker. No, actually, the American College of Sports Medicine has put out some nice pamphlets which I will share with you, and you will have the knowledge you need. Before those links I’d like to throw out a few factoids to, as I said, get you interested.

85% of people wear shoes which are too small.
Shoes should be purchased later in the day when feet are the largest.
Running shoes should have minimal drop between the heel and toe.
Excessive padding, “ motion control” or “ stability” components interfere with a normal foot's motion, but those with flat feet may need “ motion control” shoes. Those with very high arches may need more cushioning.
A woman’s shoe of size 8 or less should weigh 8 ounces or less.
Pronation while running is normal; it is a natural shock absorber. Stopping normal pronation may cause foot or knee problems.
There should be at least half inch between the toes and the end of the shoe.
Running shoes need to be replaced every 350 miles or so.
When you buy new workout shoes, break them in gradually.

Links:

ASCM information on Selecting Running Shoes

ASCM information on Selecting and Effectively Using Running Shoes

Next week in Wellness Wednesday: Workout Clothes

Have a great week !