How to: Find the Perfect Athletic Shoe

Later tonight you’ll most likely be vowing to get more exercise in the New Year. And what’s the one thing that you’ll need to help get you started on your path to wellness? Shoes!

Shoe shopping is, of course, one of the things that ShoesTV visitors know how to do best. But shopping for workout shoes can be a little more complicated than simply picking out a style that looks cute and has an OK fit.

"The most important thing to consider when buying the perfect fitness/walking shoe is fit,” says Dan McCarthy, creative director/designer of Tenevis. “With that said, I believe a consumer should seek retailers that take the time to measure and understand each individual’s foot.”

Make sure that you find shoes that are right for your workout.

McCarthy also recommends trying on a number of different styles and spending some time wearing the shoes around the store before you make your final selection. Some exclusive athletic shoe stores even have treadmills that you can use to audition a potential pair of shoes, but if you can’t find any in-store cardio workout equipment, you can just take a brisk lap or two around the store to get a feel for the shoes.

Tenevis by Good Feet "La Jolla" walking sneaker

And while looks are key to your enjoyment of the shoe and fit is key to your ability to wear the shoe for more than five minutes, Leonard Armato, president of the Skechers Fitness Group, also recommends finding a shoe that gives you support. “You have to look at comfort and support,” says Armato. “[The shoes] should be lightweight and flexible.”

Shape-Ups Liv from Skechers

In addition to flexibility it's also crutial to find a shoe that's designed for your activity of choice. "Running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes--they're all sports specific," says Steven Rosenberg D.P.M. "...and the reason that they're sport specific is because they allow the foot to do certain things."

So give yourself a little extra time to research, shop for, and try on different pairs of athletic shoes this year. Your feet wil thank you for it!