When I decided to lose weight and exercise regularly, my Mom told me that I should go to my local athletic shoe shop down the street from where I work, fork out the dough, and get a really good pair of shoes to work out in. I was reluctant because I'm an intermittent tightwad (I have a tendency to grossly overthink "important" purchases). Well, she told me so. I went to Gazelle Sports in Kalamazoo, Michigan and let them work their magic. I did check some out online that I wanted to see, but I decided ultimately to not look at any price tags, be open-minded about how the shoes looked (I always opt for vanity over practicality), and let the good people at Gazelle guide me. They asked what I was looking for, watched me walk, asked what size I needed, and brought me out options. I tried on a fair few pairs of shoes, and ended up trying on one that just felt like heaven. I had no idea that shoes were supposed to be a bit loose, and that your arches are actually located directly below your ankle bones - not in the middle of your feet like I'd assumed. I've been so used to "making it work."
I ended up spending $125 of my tax return on these babies, but it was worth every penny. They're still in good shape, but I might get some insoles to perk up the soles of my feet again. I can't believe the difference they made. I took the dog on a three mile walk a few days after I got them, and my arches burned for a little bit, but then it made everything better. My back wasn't as sore, my feet didn't get tired and cramp up or fall asleep, and it was great.
Honestly - investing in a really good pair of properly fitting workout shoes is one of the best things I could have done. And, really - what better to invest in than making sure I have good tools to get healthy?
My advice... Find a place in your area that knows what they're doing, and take the plunge. It might seem crazy spending that much on a pair of tennis shoes, but it will be worth it!
So, I got really lucky. I'm totally on board with this. I've learned to spend out on athletic shoes the hard way. I needed a new pair this year and the pair that seemed like the best fit are normally about the same as what you paid. I managed to find them online at amazon for 35 gbp. Total score. A little perseverance and maniacal bulldog like refusal to give up can sometimes pay off. If it doesn't it's still totally worth taking the plunge.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have two bad knees and Fred Flintstone feet so a fitting was pretty much necessary for me but the sneakers are so worth it!
ReplyDeleteI had to go with an orthopaedic sneaker so they were super expensive and ugly but they make such a difference!
Yeah, couldn't agree more, ladies. And good call, by the way - I'll have to search for these online once it's time for a new pair! I'll probably end up going to Gazelle's again, though. With all this weight off me, I might need to adjust the shoes I get, and they'll set me straight!
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