2torial #0519:
Learn2 Choose Athletic Shoes (continued)

Find the right fit

The most expensive shoe in the world, with all the proper attributes for your sport and your feet, won't do you any good if it doesn't fit well. To determine proper fit, keep these tips in mind:

• Shop for shoes in the afternoon or after working out, when your feet usually swell to their biggest size. Shoes that fit at this time will fit best at all times.

• Bring along the kind of socks you plan to wear with your athletic shoes, to further test for best fit.

• If you use orthotics, be sure to bring them along and try them in the shoes.

• Look for a shoe that mimics the general shape of your foot.

• Don't rely on traditional sizing to choose a shoe, as each manufacturer's sizing standard varies slightly. Always try on both shoes to see if they fit.

• Stand to see if the shoes fit properly. There should be a thumb's width of space between the tip of your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. Are arch supports positioned correctly for you, and if not, can they be moved?

• Walk or jog a bit in the shoes, mimicking the motions of your sport--jumps, sudden stops, side-to-side motion, and the like. Most athletic stores will let you take a pair of shoes for a trial jog up and down the aisles.

• Your heel should fit comfortably into the shoe and be held firmly in place by it, with minimal slipping (test this by moving around in the shoe).

• The ball of your foot should fit comfortably into the "ball pocket" of the shoe. It shouldn't be too tight, and it shouldn't slip around.

• If your feet are different sizes, fit to the larger foot (wear a thicker sock on your smaller foot to adjust, if necessary).

• As a rule, athletic shoes that are too tight will not stretch. Never buy a shoe that doesn't fit properly out of the box.

Equipped with these guidelines, you should be able to find the perfect fit in athletic shoes. If you find a brand and a model that fits and wears well, you might want to invest in several pairs. You'll quickly find that a well-fitting shoe can be the foundation of a great game.

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