There are a ton of styles on the athletic shoe market, and with people realizing more and more that their health is not something to be taken for granted, it’s no wonder that the footwear industry has leapt forward to meet popular demand. So what do you need to consider when buying the best treadmill shoes for you? Take a look at some of these factors:

Comfort

You would be surprised at how many people are walking around with the wrong sized shoe, and the same holds true for treadmill shoes. Often times, especially when in a rush and not in the mood for crowded athletic shoe stores, otherwise savvy consumers will scoop up the first pair of running shoes they see. If you have any doubt at all about your correct size, then get fitted by one of the trained salespeople you see milling around. This way you’ll be certain that you’ve made the right purchase.

Cushioning

This factor cannot be over-emphasized, especially if running is your activity of choice. Cushioning may not seem like much, but it can make all the difference in the world to aching heels and arches. The right amount of cushioning will support your running stance, and because you’ll have less soreness the day after, you’ll be more likely to step back on the treadmill and stick to your exercise program.

Traction

A lot of exercise beginners erroneously believe that any old pair of sneakers will do on the treadmill, but that just isn’t so. Just like you wouldn’t substitute eggs in a recipe that calls for milk, it’s best to use the appropriate shoe. Remember, running shoes are specifically designed for running, so you’ll want to take advantage of that kind of technology.

Know Your Routine

Decide, before going shopping, if you’re going to be running or doing intervals of running; that is, walking for five minutes and then running for five. There is evidence that interval training helps you torch more calories. So share this goal with the salesperson since he or she will be able to direct you to the running shoe that best meets your needs.