Do They Make Stiletto Athletic Shoes?

I want these....

 


I believe in moderation in all things. Except for shoes. I can never have enough shoes. Shopping for shoes is one of the greatest pleasures in life. (And a shoe sale can be, well, dare I say, orgasmic?)

So why is it that I hate to buy athletic shoes?

I'm notorious for wearing my workout shoes long past the time when they should have been demoted to the lake or the garden.

...Not these.

The wrong athletic footwear can lead to a host of problems such as calf and knee pain, heel spurs, shin splints and stress fractures. I don't want to be sidelined so I'm heading out this weekend to find a pair of shoes. And I promise they won't be the kind with stiletto heels.

Before I go, I did a little research and here's what I found out.

• Shoes don't multi-task. A shoe built for running isn't a good shoe for Jazzercise. I'm going to look for a crosstrainer, a shoe that provides support for side-to-side movement.
• Get some help. A knowledgeable sales person can measure your foot and help you match the shoe to your exercise routine. WebMD reports it's a myth that your foot stops growing in adulthood so measurements are important. Also, your feet swell during the day so shop in the afternoon when they're at their largest.
• And while I'm on the topic of size, different brands run differently so judge by how they feel, not the number on the box. And bring your own socks.
• Know your foot. I have high arches and my feet tend to roll outward. My shoes show wear on the outside heel. Someone else's feet may roll too far inward. Each condition requires a different type of support. Again, it's another good reason to find a store with a knowledgeable staff. 
• Don't wear your workout shoes for any other purpose like running errands after class. It causes your shoes to break down faster.
• And replace your shoes often. The length of time varies depending on the source but I read workout shoes should be replaced after anywhere from 60 to 100 workout hours or 350 to 400 miles of use. At least every six months.
• And that's a lot of shoes. Cha-ching. Which brings me to price. According to WebMD, you don't have to buy a shoe with all the bells and whistles. A $15 shoe isn't a good choice but paying extra for a pair endorsed by a celebrity isn't necessarily the best shoe either. 

So. I'm off into the brave new world of athletic footwear. It's not exactly the same thrill I get from stepping into the back room at Von Maur's  or making the trek to DSW. But, who knows? Maybe I'll stumble on a shoe sale. 

Next week, I'll report on my success!