Even if you buy your shoes from the best shoe stores in Houston, all shoes tend to wear down after about 300 hours of workouts. In fact, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society says that wearing the wrong type of shoe for an activity or one that fits badly can actually lead to foot and ankle problems. They also say that many ankle problems actually originate at the foot. Such problems can be avoided by using arch supports, cushioned inserts, stiff heel cups, etc., but the best way to prevent injury is to choose the right kind of shoes. This is especially true for people who like workouts.

What to Look for in Shoe Stores in Houston

Most people spend more time packing their favorite music and gym bottle before they leave for a workout than focusing on their shoes. Shoe stores in Houston offer different shoes for the different types of exercises you are likely to perform at the gym. Here are some tips on how to choose ones that are suitable for you:

 * Sport-specific shoes – The world of footwear has come a long way since the first sneakers were launched. Today, sneakers are specifically manufactured to provide necessary support for running, jogging, tennis, aerobics or any other exercise routine that you can think of. Each type of exercise places specific demands on the body, and shoes are manufactured keeping these needs in mind. For instance, a person is likely to land on his forefoot while running, so footwear for running should address this issue.

 *  Specific characteristics to look for – Choose footwear that is lightweight, has a firm or fixed heel and provides the right kind of support for your foot and ankle. This means that you shouldn’t have extra weight on your feet, and the shoes should not bend too easily---unless, of course, you are looking for comfortable shoes for dancing!

 * Use the footwear only for a specific purpose – This means that you should avoid using your workout footwear as something comfortable to wear while you do your errands. Footwear is prone to easy wear-and-tear. Therefore, shoes that you use for your workouts should not be used as running-around-the-city footwear.

 * Replacing worn out footwear – Don’t wait till your footwear looks ready to fall apart before you replace it. Experts usually suggest that serious runners should replace their footwear every 300 to 500 miles, since the effectiveness of the footwear breaks down before the shoes begin to look old and worn. A good policy is to replace your workout shoes once every year, especially if you workout regularly.

So, the next time you are shopping at shoe stores in Houston, make sure you keep these things in mind.