No matter what your preferred workout activity is, wearing the right kind of shoe can save you from a lot of pain and trouble in the long run. Your back, legs and feet are all affected by your choice in footwear, so read on to learn how to choose the best shoe for your workout. 

What’s Your Prefered Workout?

There are hundreds of brands of sneakers available, each with their own set of advantages. The best place to start is by determining what type of activity you’d like to do in these shoes. 

• Running – running shoes should be light and breathable. Know where you’re running, as road running and trail running shoes offer different features. Look for shock absorption to avoid shin splints, stress fractures, and heel pain. 
• Walking – walking shoes should be lightweight and sturdy, with lots of support in the heel and ball areas. Walking shoes tend to be more rigid than running shoes, as you should roll off your toes when walking as opposed to bending them while running. 
• CrossFit – high intensity workouts like CrossFit require shoes that provide lots of support and stability. Because you’re often moving in all directions, you want to look for shoes with traction and flexibility. 
• Court Sports  – tennis, basketball, racquetball and volleyball require shoes that can take a lot of abuse. You’re moving rapidly in all directions, so a shoe with a great sole is perfect for court sports
• Cross-Training – cross-training shoes can be used across multiple sports, so they tend to combine many of the features above. 

Get the Right Fit

Did you know that your feet tend to be bigger at the end of the day? Swelling in your feet can really affect how your shoes fit, so it may be better to try on shoes at the end of the day. And don’t forget that the shoe you buy should be dependent on the width of your foot, not just the length. Don’t simply go buy the size you always wear. Get your feet measured!

Once your feet have been measured, you may find that one foot is bigger than the other. Always buy your shoes based on the largest foot. When trying on shoes, wear the socks you normally wear when working out to make sure they feel comfortable. 

If Problems Arise…

If you experience pain in your foot or ankle, sometimes a simple shoe adjustment can help. Adding a heel cup can relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, while orthotics can help with arch pain. However, if the pain is intense or long-lasting seeing a doctor or podiatrist can help to diagnose any serious problems before they get worse. 

And don’t forget to replace your shoes. Running shoes won’t last for more than 500 miles, and your workout shoes should be replaced after 300 hours of exercise at the most. Worn out shoes don’t offer as much support and can be the cause of your foot pain. 

If you’re looking for athletic shoes in Alaska, visit any of our three convenient Anchorage locations. Our experts will help you find a properly-fitting, comfortable shoe to help you maximize your workout. 

Alaska is well known for its spectacular nature and breathtaking landscapes. Traversing the many isolated trails gives hikers the opportunity to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of modern life to truly appreciate the beautiful world that we live in. When you have the chance be sure to head out to the trails and soak it all in, keeping in mind our 5 most incredible hikes near Anchorage.

1. Byron Glacier

This short trail is perfect for a leisurely walk with the family. It is a mere 1.4 miles long, flat, and well maintained enough for you to take a stroller. Rugged views of the mountains and Byron Glacier will make for a peaceful walk. If you want to make it a bit more challenging, you can hop along the boulders to get a closer look! 

2. Portage Pass

Up an old gravel road is the tiny trailhead for Portage Pass. This seemingly insignificant trail leads hikers on a 1.5-mile path to the elusive Portage Glacier. Twenty-five years ago, you were still able to see this glorious glacier from the visitor center in Portage Valley. Sadly, over the past quarter-century, the glacier has shrunk out of sight. By taking the Portage Pass trail, you will get an up-close look at this stunning piece of nature and have a chance to marvel at its beauty. 

3. Bird Ridge

Bird Ridge Trail is a steep 2.5-mile hike; it is an intense climb but completely worth it when you reach the top. You will witness sweeping views over the Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet as eagles soar in the distance. If you are not exhausted from the hike up, you can extend your walk by following the ridgeline for a couple of miles deeper into the mountains. 

4. Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake Trail is a 9.4-mile trail that receives a moderate amount of traffic during the summer. You will stroll along the rolling tundra to the well-named Hidden Lake. Rocks that look like they are from another planet have rolled down from Hidden and O’Malley peaks to litter the ground, creating a unique and jaw-dropping landscape. Hidden Lake is sunken deep into the tundra well, living up to its name, making it easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. 

5. Crow Pass

Not for the faint of heart, Crow Pass is one 26-mile segment of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. Perfect for long day hikes or multi-day trips, this trail is ideal for fit individuals who love escaping into the great outdoors. You will see sparkling glaciers, vast open fields, old mining ruins, and gorgeous mountain views. Make sure to check weather reports before heading out, as you don’t want to get caught out in severe Alaskan weather. Are you ready to explore the magnificent wilderness that Alaska has to offer? Strap on a pair of quality shoes, grab a map and be on your way to experience the 5 most incredible hikes near Anchorage.