Shoes, She is Writing about Shoes???

Wow - time really got away from me last week!  Sorry- I see that I haven't posted since Tuesday. 

We are in the home stretch in getting ready for our 5K next Saturday.  I have been walking the distance 2-3 times a week for the last couple weeks.  I printed out a map of the course so that I could see where the major landmarks (1/2 way, 3/4 of the way....) will be so that I will know how we are doing.  I am so used to doing the same route that I think a different route will feel endless. 

I also got out my new walking shoes today.  I really need to break them in so that they are ready for Saturday.  In the past (kind of like the dark ages but not quite so far back), I learned that you really need to be careful and change your exercise shoes every 3-4 months.  I have not changed my in awhile and it really shows.  I think that my feet will feel much better (along with my legs and back). 

I have hesitated to change shoes because the style that I have been wearing for the last few years has been discontinued.  I hate that!  I really love the style - it has great support and comfort.  I suppose I should look at it differently.  I should think that the new model could be EVEN BETTER.  I know that they cost a lot more. 

Your exercise shoes can look just fine on the outside but they break down on the inside and need to be replaced so that they will offer the proper support.  

When you are diabetic, you really need to be careful about your feet.  When Silent Sam goes to the doctor, they check his feet every time.  SS changed to new shoes a few weeks ago so that his will really be broken in for the walk.  The slightest cut can take a long time to heal and can easily get infected.  Fortunately, SS has never really been one to go in his bare feet or even sandals. Still, if he stubs his toe, I just cringe.  Of course, at some level, I cringe when I think about anyone stubbing their toe - especially me.

I know that everyone has their own way of shopping but I will share our athletic shoe shopping method.  We go to the small store in town that sells athletic shoes.  They really know what they are doing and know the shoes.  They do a great job fitting the shoes and even will evaluate how they work for you while you are walking or running. (They actually have you run down the street in front of their store)   Of course, the shoes cost the list price.  We buy the shoes from them - the first time.  They deserve to be paid for their work and knowledge.  Then when we need to replace them, we do an internet search to find the best price on the model that we had carefully fitted.  We have found a site that seems to work pretty well - www.holabirdsports.com.  Of course, I just checked and they don't have the new model of my shoes.  Great.....

How do you shop for your athletic shoes?

Thanks for reading!