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Your feet were made for running

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Choosing the perfect pair is not a one-size-fits-all. 

Running, walking, trail running… it’s all basically the same thing, right? Wrong. You may think that you can choose any athletic shoe to do all of the above, but random lace-up shoes for different exercises can wreak havoc on your foot health and cause discomfort. 

Choose the right shoes to get the most out of your preferred exercise and prevent injuries, blisters and callouses.

Find the right fit 
Fit is everything. Forget, "breaking in your shoes", because athletic shoes should feel comfortable right away, whether you’re walking or running. Shop for your shoes as late in the day as possible, when your feet will be swollen to its biggest.  

Wiggle your toes
Between the front of your big toe and the end of your shoes, there should be about a thumb’s width of space. Your heel should be snug and definitely not slip out as you walk. The top part of your shoe should fit tightly as well. You should at least be able to wiggle your toes when wearing your shoes. 

Wear your own socks 
When shopping for your new kicks, wear your own socks or bring along a pair to slip on. The wrong pair of socks could mean choosing the wrong size and prevent you from seeing problems with the shoe. For example, if your socks are too high-cut or fluffy, you might not notice if the back of your ankle will feel comfortable with a low-cut sock.

Trade in and trade up
Yes, the fit is perfect and it looks so good on you, but know when it’s time to trade in your shoes for a new pair. Running or walking in worn-out shoes may lead to injury. A pair of athletic shoes only lasts up to maximum, six months. 

Check the return policy
The worst case scenario would be getting home, or using your shoes for the first time and finding that they aren’t the right fit. Before buying, ask about the return policy to find out how long you have to return them and what reasons will be accepted.

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