Choosing the right shoe for exercise is one of the most important things before engaging in a new sport. Having the right shoe will prevent injury and assist in preventing sore feet and/or knees.

Firstly you need to find out what type of arch your foot has. There are three types of feet; low-arched feet, medium-arched feet and high-arched feet. To see what type of arch your foot has you can wet your foot and step on a normal piece of brown paper. If you can see the entire foot soul you have low arched feet and if you see a portion of the forefoot and heel with a thin connection between the two you have high-arched feet. If you have high-arched feet and cannot find a shoe to accommodate this you can always buy insoles which are high enough.

Secondly you need to know your shoe size. This is not necessarily the size of your day-to-day shoes. Our feet change from birth to old age and should be measured each time before purchasing new exercise shoes. Remember to take your exercise socks with when fitting new shoe. Take both thick and thin socks to see how each will fit.

When your feet have been measured, you have your socks and new shoes on there should be about 1,5 cm between your big toe and the end of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely in the shoe, just be sure that your heel does not slip out while walking. Never be shy, do all the moves you might think you’ll make while exercising to be sure you are purchasing the correct shoes.

Always buy shoes according to what exercise you are planning on doing. Running shoes are for running and may not support the foot when engaging in side to side movements, here you would rather buy cross-trainers. They are less flexible than running shoes but will support your ankle while doing side to side movements. Court shoes are best while doing tennis, squash and basket ball as they are both flexible and supportive while doing sideways movements. Fitness shoes are for those people engaging in group activities for example aerobics. They are much like court shoes but have better cushioning to absorb shock while jumping.

Being active is one of the most important things one can incorporate into day-to-day life. Being active improves general health, reduces stress and depression, improves heart health, reduces the risks of developing diabetes and even some types of cancer, strengthens bones, muscles and joints which prevents old age ailments like osteoporosis, arthritis and muscle disorders. If you would like to get a Super-Boost for your health you can combine exercise, a healthy diet and Ozone therapy. Ozone therapy will assist you in replenishing your body of aches and pains and shortening recovery time after a hard training session or accident. It will also improve blood circulation, improve vitamin and mineral absorption and will give you more energy enabling you to train a bit harder or longer.

What shoe will fit you best?