There are sneakers for everyone and every activity. You might opt for sneakers for matching up your casual looks as you go for nature walks, or you might be planning for your first 5K run. Nonetheless, the process of finding the right pair can be daunting. Other than checking for the right fit and the right quality of shoes, many people want a shoe that looks good. Hence, you need to research before hitting the stores. Finding a perfect pair of sneakers is not rocket science, but many people make common mistakes and end up buying the wrong shoes. Hence, we have come up with some mistakes that you should avoid as you buy your sneakers.
- Buying the wrong size and style for your foot
Once the grailify sneaker news comes out, people rush to get their new pair. But before you buy new shoes, it is best to confirm the right size and style of your foot. This information should be confirmed and known to you as it is a mistake to allow someone to tell you which shoes are best for you. The best thing to do if you are in a retail shop is to try on the shoe, and pace around in the store to have a feel of the shoe. Try as many shoes as you can until you get the one that feels good for you. If you are shopping online, ensure you tally the shoe specifications with yours so that you buy the right size and style for you. Also, avoid buying a very tight shoe, hoping that it will stretch after some time. It is just an assumption people make and end up buying a size smaller. Whenever possible, visit a podiatrist before you buy a shoe to get an idea of your specific foot needs, and they can advise the best shoe for you.
2. Not replacing your shoe often
When you don’t replace your shoe often enough, you may end up using the shoe with a worn-out sole and loose-fitting. It may also cause injury and discomfort to you while using it for various other activities. However, everyone is different, and how often you have to replace your shoes varies from one person to another. For instance, some people have multiple pairs of shoes for various activities and do not need a new pair as often. On the other hand, some prefer to have one pair at a time and need to replace it at regular intervals, such as six months or a year. When it comes to how often you replace your shoes, the rule of the thumb is after 400 miles, especially for everyday shoe wearers and runners.
3. Not considering the activity for the shoe
Not considering the activity for the shoe is a common mistake many people make when they buy sneakers. When you consider the activity, it becomes easier to find the sneakers that are made for performing that specific activity. Thus, you can find shoes for running, playing tennis, walking, or the one that is best for injury prevention. You will come across many other shoes that are manufactured to provide essential needs such as right grip, comfort, sole type, and various other things for specific activities.
In line with this, you must also check the sole of the shoe. Always check the sole if it is fit for the activity that you are going for as soles are made for various terrains. Thus, look for quality supportive shoes with a sole that does not bend easily and have a slight heel. In this way, you will not compromise your sole much faster, especially if you wear your shoe every day as you go out for a run.
4. Not inquiring more about the shoe
When you buy a shoe, avoid the mistake of not communicating and questioning the salesperson. Enquiring about the shoes is essential as there are a few things that you should know before you go out for buying a sneaker. For instance, you should be aware of the type of shoe that works for your feet so that you make an optimum purchase. This is because many people have past injuries with ankles, joints, hips, and knees. Some people’s ankles and feet swell throughout the day, while others have feet issues such as a narrow or a wide foot. You should consider all these things and communicate with the salesperson as you are buying your next shoe. So, be a more educated shopper and know the kind of problems you experience with shoes as you seek the best ones for you. Importantly, if you want a specific shoe, shopping in a specialty store where a specialist will help you will be preferable. You can get your gait monitored from them and get answers to most of your inquiries.
5. Always switching brands
When you get a brand that works for you, it is best to stick to it. Many people make the mistake of switching between brands and end up confused about which type of shoe brand is best for them. As many brands are consistent with how they make their shoes, it is easier to count on them to sell several pairs that you are sure are ideal for your foot. Unless the design changes drastically, it is best not to switch between brands and stick to the one you like. Plus, you can build a sneaker collection around a specific brand.
In summary, even when you are among the people that are first-time shoppers or you are looking for walking shoes and need to get a fitting, ensure that you avoid the above mistakes. Also, ensure that you check the sides and bottom of your current shoe to see if they are worn down. This will tell you how your shoes are aging. If you feel pain in your legs, knees, hips, or back, then your current sneakers may not be providing enough support to your body. Hence, you can opt for a shoe that gives you proper support in the long run. Considering how your current shoes are treating will help you to find all the problems in them. It will also help you to stay away from those mistakes as you shop for the next one.
