CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
Most of us buy a pair of running shoes for working out, walking or just plain comfort, but are you purchasing the right pair?
The proper pair of shoes can be the foundation for anyone looking to get in shape.
"It can be a tricky process," said Mari Marlow, manager of Fleet Feet, a store on Everhart and Alameda. "There's definitely a lot of shoes out there."
If you think you know where to start, Marlow said to speak with a professional first.
"We'll watch the way you walk," Marlow said. "Watch the way you run, and make sure we get you in the right type of shoe."
Marlow said the proper shoe provides comfort, balance and can prevent injuries, such as plantars fasciitis, which is probably the most common. The right shoes can even prevent achilles tendonitis, knee pain, hip pain and back pain.
She demonstrated on her co-manager, Richard McDermott, how to evaluate for the right shoe.
"Richard over pronates a little bit, so his ankles do roll in," Marlow said. "So you might see it when he's running."
Several shoes were selected. Marlow stressed that there is no "better" or "best" shoe.
"It depends on the person. So whatever shoe works best for them is going to be the best shoe," she said.
After alternating shoes on each foot, McDermott walked and ran to see which one felt right, trying to narrow it down.
Before heading out on that big run, Marlow said to first pick out a pair of moisture wicking socks, break in your new kicks by wearing them around the house and most importantly, after four or six months, depending on use, you need to replace them.
Think of your shoes as tires, Marlow said.
