Consumer reports how many pairs of shoes

Despite a preference for flats, one quarter have worn heels four inches or higher on at least one occasion. Women take precautions for the pain as 61 percent have carried a second pair of shoes to a party or event to change into. The Taming of the Shoe Forty-eight percent have had a shoe-related injury blister, break, sprain, etc. Thirty-five percent of women had an evening ruined by an uncomfortable pair of shoes.

Twenty-four percent have fallen because of their shoes. For more information, go to www. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

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The telephone survey found women on average bought four pairs of shoes a year -- with 13 percent admitting to hiding a purchase from their partner. Six out of 10 women regret at least one shoe purchase and on average women have worn a quarter of their shoes only once. Forget indulging in a chocolate sundae and go buy shoes for a quick little uplift.

We've tested them on pavement, in gyms, and in our labs, too. We've checked whether the front of the shoe flexed enough to let you push off easily with the ball of your foot. And we've measured stability control of ankle motion , shock absorption at the forefoot and heel where the impact is greatest , and breathability the ability to dissipate moisture.

Weight also matters. The lighter the shoe, the better--as long as cushioning and stability don't suffer. Most people buy running and walking shoes at department, discount, specialty-athletic, sporting-goods, and family-footwear stores. You'll probably pay more at a footwear store that caters to serious runners, but you're also more likely to find a seasoned sales clerk who can answer your questions and help you find the right model for your gait and type of workout.

A fairly recent offering by shoe manufacturers is a "barefoot" or minimalist shoe. They have much thinner soles, less cushioning, and more flexibility than traditional athletic footwear. They're designed to provide a small amount of protection yet allow the foot to function naturally with an unrestricted motion while walking or running.

The following guide addresses traditionally constructed shoes. Analyze Your Gait Manufacturers offer running and walking shoes for every type of gait. If your feet roll inward alot, or overpronate, a stabilizing or motion-control shoe might ease the problem. And if your feet land mostly on the outside edge, or oversupinate, a cushioning shoe that emphasizes shock absorption might be best.

Overpronators typically have a low arch while underpronators a high one. If you have well-worn running shoes, take them with you when you shop. Their wear pattern might help an experienced sales clerk analyze your gait and recommend the right shoe. Get a Good Fit The first rule of shopping for athletic shoes is that fit counts more than anything. A bad fit can cause discomfort and fatigue, or even painful foot and joint problems. And it can make features like motion-control or cushioning less effective.

Your feet tend to swell toward the end of the day, so shop late in the afternoon, and wear the kind of socks you would wear while using those shoes.

Feel the inside for seams, bumps, and rough spots. Athletic shoes should feel good right out of the box, without having to break them in. Take a Test Run Buying shoes without trying them out is like buying a car without test-driving it. Jog or walk a little in the store, and ask if you can take the shoes once around the block. Better yet, ask whether you can buy the shoes, walk or run briefly on a treadmill at home or at a gym, and return them if they don't feel right.

Think Twice About Orthotics If your feet become sore from running or walking, you might be tempted to try orthotics—custom-made shoe inserts that take the place of insoles. But orthotics can be expensive and might reduce a shoe's cushioning. Consider whether your problem could be solved with new shoes or a different category of shoe cushioning, neutral, or stability.

You can move comfortably in just about any shoe that fits correctly, including walking, running or cross-training shoes, all of which provide cushioning and stability. But different sports make different demands on shoes. The type of athletic shoe for you depends on what you plan to do when you lace up. Below we walk you through your choices.

Running Shoes Running and walking shoes might look similar, but there are important differences. They should also provide easy flexing at the ball of the foot and enough stability. And the outsoles should be durable and provide good traction on pavement or dirt. Shop Running Shoes on Amazon. Walking Shoes These are best for people who walk for fitness or who want a casual shoe for everyday walking.