Let’s face it. Choosing sneakers is a process that is unique to each individual.
“Although the majority of shoes that come out every year have pretty much the same context, the shoe that fits best on your foot is what you should choose,” says Dr. Robert Weiss, DPM, a board certified surgeon known as “the running doctor,", and co-founder of The Foot & Ankle Institute of Darien.
If your sneakers don’t feel great, your workout will be hampered. Not only that, but ill-fitting sneakers can possibly lead to long-term foot problems. So, how do you make sure you pick the right shoe?
Dr. Weiss explains that every foot starts in a supinated position (weight is on our outside heel and forefoot) and rolls inside as we walk, forcing all of the weight off our big toe. “If you have a high arch, make sure your entire arch feels supported,” he recommends. But if a sneaker pushes your arch up too high and makes it uncomfortable to walk, it’s not for you. In summary, if you’re doing a lot of walking or running you need a sneaker with good arch support and cushioning. The thinner, pared down sneakers are fine for just casual walking around.
Dr. Weiss’ sure-fit tips:
Try on after noon: Most people’s feet have a tendency to swell during the day, so try shoes on later in the day to get a true fit.
Know that bigger is better: Never buy a shoe that constricts.
Trust your gut: If the shoe fits and feels right the first time you put it on, that’s the shoe for you.
Now that you know how to get a proper fit, here’s a rundown of what sneakers to look for — no matter your sport — recommended by the best stores in Fairfield County.
Running
Asics Gel-Kayano 19 ($150): By far the most recommended running shoe by our experts. Boasts excellent arch support and includes the Impact Guidance System with extra gel in the heel for shock absorption. Available at all stores.
Asics Nimbus 14 women ($140): Great for long distance runners, super soft. Sports Authority
Brooks Glycerin 10 ($140): Overall great feel and plush cushioning. Designed for those with higher arches. ASF Sports.
New Balance 860 for men and women ($115): Combines good support and cushioning for a reasonable price. Runner’s Roost.
New Balance 940 for men and women ($120): New Balance offers their running shoes in various widths to accommodate narrow or wide feet. NB New Canaan.
Nike Air Pegasus ($79.99): Great running shoe with traction, cushioning and arch support. Sports Authority.
Saucony Hurricane 15 ($140): A high-end support shoe that provides lots of arch support.
Saucony Kinvara 4 ($100): A minimal-style running shoe with a lower profile. Makes you have more of a mid-foot strike when running so you don’t pound on your heels, i.e. allows for a more efficient way of running. ASF Sports.
Saucony Triumph 10 for men and women ($130): A great cushioned running shoe, but minimalist, with little arch support.
Gym Training
Asics Blur 33 Trainer ($85): A substantial, supportive shoe with great cushioning for both men and women. Athletic Shoe Factory New Canaan.
Brooks Trance 12 ($150): Very stable with a high heel and lots of cushion and arch support. Runner’s Roost.
Inov8 F-Lite 240 for men, Inov8 F-Lite 215 for women (both $130): Light, low profile, very flexible. Great for gym training. ASF Sports.
New Balance women’s 1211 ($130): Gives excellent support for lateral motion. NB New Canaan.
New Balance Minimus (Any model number, $110): This line of shoes is made low to the ground so you have a lot of control when doing lunges, sprints, or weight training. ASF Sports.
Nike Free Trainer Fit 3 for women ($95): A low profile, great cross training shoe; comes in a variety of different colors. Athletic Shoe Factory New Canaan.
Nike Free Trainer 5.0 for men ($95): Offers decent support and cushioning, plus we love how it looks! Athletic Shoe Factory New Canaan.
Saucony Guide 6 ($110): Good for women with a narrow heel and a wider toebox. Runner’s Roost.
Women’s Asics Gel 180 Cross Trainer ($59.99): A basic shoe worn best a few times a week for moderate activity, or as a walking shoe. The thin sole prevents ankle turning. Sports Authority.
Casual
Nike Air Max 2013 ($160): Good for people who are on their feet all day. A 360-degree “air bubble” around the sole provides maximum cushioning and support. Versatile and stylish. Sports Authority.
Nike Dunk Low LR ($80): Fun, men’s casual shoe with retro “skater” overtones. ASF Outdoors.
Nike Free Run 5.0 ($100): Built for barefoot runners who land ball-heel, as opposed to the normal heel-toe. Minimalist, with moderate arch support, but with considerable cushioning. Lightweight and flexible, with a mesh upper. Comes in a variety of different colors and the darling of “hang out” shoes. Some say it fits “like a slipper.” Available at all stores.
Nike Lunar Glide for men and women ($110): A breathable, great looking, kick-around sneaker. Athletic Shoe Factory New Canaan.
North Face Hedgehog Guide GTX ($130): Wears like a sneaker but is lighter, and has North Face’s new technology Cradle Guide, so feels great on your feet. Gortex makes this shoe super- breathable and durable. ASF Outdoors.
Saucony Kinvara 4 ($100): Also in our running category. Nice and lightweight with a fair amount of cushioning. Athletic Shoe Factory New Canaan.
The Stores
ASF Sports, Westport: 1560 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880; 203-254-9246; www.shopasf.com
ASF Outdoors, Westport: 1554 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880;203-254-9246; www.shopasf.com
Athletic Shoe Factory New Canaan: 3 Forest St New Canaan, CT 06840; 203-966-3114 ; (Website under construction)
New Balance New Canaan: 128 Main Street, New Canaan 06840; 203-801-0050; stores.newbalance.com/newcanaan
Runners’ Roost, Darien: 425 Post Road Darien, CT 06820; 203-655-9937; www.runnersroostct.com
Sports Authority Norwalk: 444 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854; 203-838-2583; https://ct.norwalk.sportsauthority.com/sporting-goods-norwalk-152.html