How do I choose the best athletic shoe?

Question

I go to the gym 3-4 times a week and walk (3.5-4.5 miles) right now (mainly gravel and dirt roads, rain or shine, some early morning icing in the winter), but hope to begin a walk/run program soon.

I have heard cross- training shoes are not good for running, and that running shoes are not recommended for distance walking. Is there one type of shoe that would fit all my needs, or perhaps it would be best to buy two pair of shoes?

Answer 1

Cross trainers are more versatile -- it's sounds like you're not doing any intense running, so it will work fine for your walks. By the way, why not run? Anyway, if you buy a running shoe, just be knowledgable about your foot strike. Some people are pronators -- they tend to walk on the insides of their feet and others may be supponators -- walking on the outside. Stability shoes are made for pronators. Look at the wear on your current shoes and your foot strike should be evident.

Answer 2

I've never heard that a running shoe was not good for walking, so I'd double check your source on that. They may have been talking about racing flats, which are only good for short distance races.

Most running shoes are heavily cushioned and designed to protect your feet. As to why they wouldn't be good for walking rather than running is a bit of a mystery to me.

If you do take up running, do not shy away from the price. They can be expensive, but I find they are worth the price. To find the shoe that best fits you, go to a local running specialty store. They know their product better and will probably take a good look at your feet to determine how your feet strike and suggest a shoe that will work best.

I swear by New Balance (http://www.newbalance.com) and I've recently gotten into Brooks (http://www.brooksrunning.com). Both are high quality shoes that support any activity you do.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Get Champion shoes

Answer 4

go to a good shoe store get one of the one to help you with what you needed.