Recently, I have been thinking about starting running. That led me to wonder how to choose the best shoe for me. I've gotten shoes before that have fit when I have tried them on, or so I thought, but after a use or two have become very uncomfortable. Here are some ways to tell the best shoe for you as well as the best time to go shoe shopping!

When it's time to go shopping for a pair of gym shoes intended for running, jogging, or walking, don't go shopping after you've been walking for hours, or for sitting down for long periods of time. Both of these will lead to swelling in your feet and it could cause you to purchase shoes too large. If you intend to walk or run long distances in your shoes, it's good to know ahead of time that your feet will swell and your socks will soak up your perspiration. Buy your shoes a half size larger if you plan to run a half-marathon or longer in them.
Bring your socks you plan to run or work out in when you go as well. This way, you will know how they will fit with the socks.
For ladies, it would be best not to purchase socks when you are retaining water. This also makes your feet swell, so then the shoes will be larger than necessary.
Wear your old shoes when you go shopping for a new pair. This way you can compare the cushioning and support from your old pair to any new pairs.
Remember that your feet do grow longer and wider as you get older, especially if you start to put on weight. Be prepared when you go to shop that you may not be the same size as the last time. This is completely normal!

Most people have one of these two types of feet. Depending on what type of foot you have depends also on what kind of shoe you will need. If you do not know which type you are, then do this simple test! Wet your feet and walk across something with a smooth surface. If you foot print is only missing a portion of the inside of your foot, then you have a high arch. If you can see your whole foot, then you have what is called "flat" foot. Each has a specific type of shoe.

High Arched foot types should have a flexible shoe with good cushioning. Comfort is what this foot type is all about! Most types of shoes are good for this foot type.

Flat foot types should have greater stability and arch support. If your feet roll inward at the top of the arches, this is called pronation. People who have pronation also need shoes for supporting the arches because as you run and jump, body weight squashes the foot and accentuates the in-rolling.

As an extra tip, the way to know when it is time for a new shoe is when the shoes have lost the outer grooves or patterns and become completely smooth. Also, when you can tell there is less cushioning or support in the shoes. This can be felt by increased pressure, ache, or even pain under the balls of your feet or arches.