In My Closet: Runners Shoe Choices for Everyday

Running is known to take a toll on the individual’s body. Now, I am not saying that you shouldn’t pick up running. Running is a fantastic sport that you can practice on your own, as part of a team or both. But, it is important to remember that if you are going to take up running regularly, you should find out how to run. Sure, just wanting to head out the door is important, but you do need to have a proper runner’s gate, work on a proper heel strike, etc…otherwise you will quickly suffer foot pain – trust me, been there, done that! Some other ways to minimize foot pain are as follows:

• work on your core (yes, work those abs!) that will help your posture, which will in turn help the way you run.
• make sure shoes fit correctly, both running shoes and everyday shoes
• increase your mileage gradually. Don’t start day one running 5 miles at top speed, get your body accustomed to the new activity. Try the Couch to 5K program from Cool Running, that’s how I went from zero to half marathon runner in less than a year
• Don’t live in high-heels, they may be cute but not great for your feet

I’ve become very particular about point number 2 above. My everyday shoes and running shoes have to be super comfortable. The image above shows some of the shoes that make up my everyday life and though all functional, they are all also very cute!

1. Best shoe for looking good at the gym: The SubLite Train 1.0 from Reebok comes in a variety of colors and stabilizes the foot, which is important in the gym. A training shoe with solid construction, but still moves with your feet.

2. Best sport shoe to suit only YOU: In NYC as I am sure in most big cities, we women walk alot! Us mamas, I think we walk even more, this prompted me to be on the lookout for high top shoes that would make all the walking ok for my feet while able to be easily paired with lots of my outfits. I’d checked out quite a few brands before I decided on these Nike Shoes that you get to customize yourself online. Note that if you decide on these bad boys it takes up to 4 weeks for them to arrive in the mail, and that the web colors are a little duller than they will be in real life. I have to admit though, that even though these are brighter than I thought they’d be, I love them! You get to choose everything from shoelace color, to the sole color and even customize a 6 character word on the tongue. I  added NZ and USA (the countries my kids were born). You can visit Nike ID to choose from a variety of styles to customize.

5. Best flip-flop: The flip-flop is still my shoe of choice for the beach, as well sometimes I need a light open shoe to relax my feet in after a run. This is where my beloved red Crocs come in super handy. Much better support and durability than your average flip-flop.

So, what shoes are in your closet?

disclosure: Though all opinions are my own, I did receive 2 samples from the FITNESS Magazine Meet & Tweet.