The Perfect Shoe

Mom's, did you know you could be jeopardizing your workout before even stepping one foot out your front door? If you don't have a properly fitted shoe for your foot shape and size, your entire workout could be ruined, even before you leave the house.

Shin-splints, and rolled ankles are just a couple of the issues that you can run into with poorly fitted shoes, and they are no laughing matter.  I know first hand the debilitating pain they cause. Shortly before becoming pregnant I invested in new running shoes, and while pregnant I was put on modified bed rest. No more running or jumping, or even more walking than was necessary! It was hard not getting out and being active, but as soon as I could after delivering my precious baby, I put those practically brand new shoes back on and hit the road. Ouch! Ooh, the pain! No, not in places I would have expected shortly after having a baby,  but in my feet and shins. I wanted to work out, but it was too painful to take even a few of steps in my practically brand new running shoes.  I was mystified, why would these shoes that had fit so perfectly only a few months year before now be so wrong?  I consulted my fitness instructor and learned a very important lesson that I'm going to share with you here:  Mom's, you're feet change size and even shape during and after pregnancy! I know, because your body hasn't gone through enough changes as it is.  But your feet change too? All that money, the emotional investment, in all your pre-pregnancy shoes might as well be thrown out the window. So, if you are wearing the same running shoe as you did before becoming pregnant, it is time for new shoes! Inserts may also be your saving grace, like they were for me. My feet had changed so much those shin-splints weren't going anywhere without the help of those specially fitted inserts, even with the right shoe. I spent more than I ever had before on shoes, but it was worth every penny.  If you haven't done so already, invest in yourself by investing in your shoes! Your workout will thank you.

Fleet Feet is a great place to get fitted if you have yet to see what damage was done to your feet from your pregnancy. It is great place to get fitted, not just for shoes, but for sports bra's as well (another crucial area to have the proper fitting support for your workout!).  As they say on their website:

"Whether you walk, run, or simply need a good fitting pair of shoes, the experts at Fleet Feet Sports will work with you to evaluate your foot’s gait and natural biomechanics to help you select a shoe that offers the best fit and function for you."

Check out this article over at Fitness Magazine to help you in the search for the right shoe for you, "Lace Up: The Best Walking, Toning, and Hiking Shoes."