Shoes

Specific Activity
Look for specific shoes for your activity. Only shoes designed for your activity will provide necessary cushioning and support. Some shoes may provide more support around the ankles, others may provide more shock absorbancy to protect against tendonitis and other injuries. For example, basketball shoes are best for basketball, aerobics shoes are best for aerobics and soccer shoes are best for soccer. Running shoes and cross training shoes are exceptions. Running shoes can be used for walking or jogging because of the support they provide. Cross training shoes are versatile and can typically be used for a majority of activities.

Shape of Your Foot
What kind of shoe does your foot need? ReebokTM recommends doing the wet footprint test. Wet your feet, and stand on a piece of brown-bag paper to leave footprints. The imprints will tell you whether your foot pronates or supinates, which indicates the kind of last your shoes should have.

A crescent shape, with very little footprint on the outside edge means your foot supinates or has a high arch. You need a shoe with extra cushioning to absorb shock, and a curve-lasted shoe with a sole that is bent, not straight, to absorb shock and allow the foot to pronate.
A wider margin of footprint along the outside edge, means you have a normal, or neutral, arch and foot. Look for shoes that provide moderate cushioning and a semi-curved last.
A nearly solid footprint means your feet have low arches, and may tend to overpronate. A low arch absorbs shock better than a high arch. Choose shoes that have "motion-control," or that minimize pronation, provide adequate cushioning and more arch support.

Size of Your Foot
The best shoes in the world won’t help if they are too big or small. They must fit properly.
To get an accurate fit, visit a reputable athletic footwear or sporting goods store. Wear athletic socks, not thinner hosiery. Try on several pairs and walk, run, jump or step in them right in the store. Below are more tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

Bigger is better. Ask the salesperson to measure the length and width of both your feet. Then buy shoes that are suited to your larger foot. If one foot is considerably larger than the other, an insole can be added to the shoe on the smaller foot.
Make room for expansion. Shop in the afternoon or evening when your feet are swollen and at their largest.
Insist on a good fit. Your heels should feel snug but comfortable, and not slip. When you're standing, there should be a thumb’s width of clearance between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The toe box should be wide enough for your toes to fit comfortably all around without being pinch or squeezed.
Get frequent size checks. The size of your feet may change as you get older, gain or lose weight, or have children.
Don't try to "break in" shoes. If they feel tight, don't buy them. They may stretch, but your feet will go through pain and damage in the process.
Don't choose by color or style. Above all, think comfort.