This is intended to give you an idea of what type of shoes you should wear. That being said, there are so many choices and when it comes right down to it, the most important thing when choosing is comfort.
Shoe Choices
There are so many choices to consider when choosing a pair of shoes! It is actually quite amazing.
When you are looking for a pair of shoes, there are two huge factors that play the biggest role in deciding what to wear.
Purpose
Comfort
After these two main choices, there are many other choices to make
Brand
Color
Appearance
Style
Build
Shape
Use
Etc.
After you have figured out the first two things, then you can do whatever you want for this second list!!!
What is The Purpose of a Shoe?
Shoes come in all shapes and sizes. Before you decide what style or what color your shoes will be, you need to consider the purpose of your shoe.
You will be choosing a different shoe for hiking than for a wedding. A different shoe for running than for cycling.
When you go to choose a shoe, you need to know what you are going to use that shoe for. Then you will have a selection of shoes made for that purpose.
I know that I don't want to wear a comfortable dress shoe when I'm lifting weights (I also don't want to wear a running shoe either).
Some shoes will have multiple purposes, or they may be used for more than the intended purpose. I use a running shoe for treating patients every day due to the amount of walking and exercise involved!
Why Does it Need To Be Comfortable?
This is the other important thing. Picture this:
You buy a really nice pair of shoes to start working out in based solely on the shoes color or style and never bothered to try them on. After two workouts, your feet are sore and you have blisters.
If you tried on the shoes, you may have realized in advance that this particular shoe was not going to be comfortable on your feet. You would have gone home (or closed your cart) with a more comfortable pair.
Comfort is so individual. What is comfortable on your feet may not be comfortable on anyone else's feet. I suggest you try on a few different shoes that serve your purpose (i.e. running) until you find the most comfortable one.
Should I Try On Shoes After I Find One I Like?
Shoes are always being updated. Every year companies tweak their shoes to decrease weight, change feel, improve handling, etc.. Because of this, after 1-2 years the shoe has a completely different feel to it. You should always try on multiple shoes when new models are released to make sure the new model is comfortable on your feet!
How Long Do Shoes Last?
This question is difficult to answer as it will depend on how often you use your shoes. If you run 5 miles a day 6 days per week, your shoes will need to be replaced sooner than someone that just walking 2 miles 3 days per week. There is going to be more wear and tear on your shoes the more you use them.
In general, walking shoes and work shoes should be replaced once per year.
Shoes for running and working out should be changed every 2-3 months (up to 6 months) depending on your use.
If you play a sport, a new pair every season or two is a good baseline.
Always remember if your shoes are comfortable when you get them, they may not be after hard and heavy use!
Now go out there and get a pair of shoes that do what you want them to and are comfortable on your feet!
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