Working out can get pricey. Maybe you pay for a membership at a gym or studio. Maybe you need high-dollar equipment to do your preferred activity (any surfers or golfers out there?). Whatever’s racking up your fitness bill, we feel you. You want to do right by your body, but you don’t want to bust your budget doing it. 

That’s why it’s such a bummer that good training shoes are usually far from cheap. That often-three-digit price tag has us wearing our old shoes way past their prime. And why not? They still work, right?

Actually, turns out old, worn-out shoes or improper footwear can really get in the way of your fitness goals.

Why good shoes matter.

How often do you think about your feet? Unless you live with foot pain, the answer is probably: not that often. But your feet are workhorses. They bear your weight all day, help you get wherever you’re going, and absorb shock with each step you take. And that’s all just if you’re walking around normally.

If you’re engaging in physical activity — whether that’s running, tennis, weight lifting, etc. — things get more serious for your feet. They’re taking more weight and absorbing more shock. That’s a lot of work.

Fortunately, the right shoe helps lighten that load significantly. Buying training shoes designed to support your preferred type of workout makes a big difference. Running shoes, for example, are designed to help your foot absorb the shock of your increased pace. Basketball shoes protect your ankle, while tennis shoes help your body accommodate the quick side-to-side motion of the sport. Heck, even good walking shoes can help your body since they’re designed to be lightweight.

When to replace your shoes.

All that said, if you want to avoid injury and perform your best, good training shoes go a long way. Just don’t forget to upgrade them as needed. Once your shoes start to wear out, they don’t offer the support you need. (Runners, this is usually about every 350-500 miles.)

The trick is to check your shoes on a regular basis. Is the sole getting thinner? Are the laces worn? Once your shoes show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to start thinking about a new pair.

Get the right shoe and you get a support system every time you work out.