Every Girl Loves Shoes

My first question (one that I get a lot):

Jamie

K, I need a new pair of shoes for fitness. I'm hoping to walk through suburbia with a stroller, go to metro parks that have paved and unpaved roads and lastly, might want to enjoy the treadmill that we will moving out of storage soon. Any suggestions on style or brand name?

M.G. 

M.G. I get this question a lot, and it is a FANTASTIC question. This probably wont be my only post on choosing the right shoe. 

1. First things first- what kind of activity you're doing is a big deal. In MG's case she is going to be in the market for a pair of walking shoes. Walkers put more weight on their heel. You are going to want a shoe with good heel support.
2. If you're in the market for running or walking shoe,s like MG, I always recommend going to a running store and getting your gait checked. STOP! Jamie- you spelled gate wrong! Your gait is your pattern of movement when you walk/run, what your feet and your legs do. This is important!!! In my experience this is will help prevent injury and help your workouts last longer and stronger. 
3. CONFESSION I have done this, and because of the price of the shoe at the running store at the time I did not buy it- I found it elsewhere on sale months later. I paid the price during those months. BUT if you're on a tight budget this might be the way to go.
4. The next best suggestion don't wear your shoes longer than they are good for. I am GUILTY of this... for runners/walkers it's recommended to change them out every 300 miles or 1 year. If you're not mile counting and not wearing your shoes for anything but exercise change them out every year. If you're a walker and you wear your shoes for more than just exercise every change them out every 6-8 months.
   - This is where my recommendation comes in for those of you who don't have exercise specific shoes. I find it more budget friendly to buy a pair of workout specific shoes AND cheap casual sneakers. Since you're more than likely to spend the bigger bucks on your workout shoes, buying a pair of cheaper casual sneakers will keep you from wearing out your more expensive pair. 

MG I love Brooks for walking. They are a very sturdy brand and very versatile. I hope this helps! 

Keep those questions coming!!