How to Choose the Right Shoe for Your Feet and Lifestyle

by Dylan Hansen

Unlike a pair of socks or a baseball cap, our shoes are not one-size-fits-all. Modern trends or marketing claims lead one to believe that there is a best type of shoe, but this is not the case. Research suggests that the “best” shoe is actually specific to the individual, activity, and comfort level.

Comfort Matters

Your body is highly capable of detecting what feels natural. Shoes that feel uncomfortable may alter the way you walk, run, or stand, which can lead to unnecessary stress on your muscles or joints. Comfort doesn’t have to mean the softest or thickest shoe; you may prioritize cushioning, while another may prefer a minimalist design.

Try on shoes later in the day (your feet naturally swell throughout the day due to gravity)
Walk around in them before purchasing
Don’t ignore pressure points or rubbing

Match the Shoe to the Activity

Different activities place different demands on the body. This is why shoe retailers have a variety of selections such as running, court, hiking, or strength-training shoes. When deciding on which shoe is best for you, it is important to match the shoe to the activity.

Running shoes: Designed to accommodate the increased forces placed on the body, offering greater support and cushioning.
Court shoes: Designed for sports involving frequent side-to-side movement with a durable outsole, such as tennis, pickleball, and basketball.
Strength-training shoes: Provide a firm, stable base for exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and other resistance-training activities.
Hiking shoes/boots: Offer additional traction and protection for uneven terrain and outdoor activities

Fit and Shoe Shape Matter More than Trends

Shoe selection should be based on how the shoe fits your individual foot. Shoes that are too narrow may compress the toes, others that are too loose may reduce stability, and shoes that are too small may alter walking mechanics.