I won’t try to persuade anyone, but I would like to explain how I made my younger brother (7 yo) play sports and what most importantly, love sports.

My lil' brother tried a variety of sports since his small stature, lack of speed and awkwardness made him a poor fit for many “popular” sports like soccer, football, and basketball. He ultimately found himself in the running niche where could advance at his own pace.

Numerous research has proven that our health habits are established during childhood. But once these habits are well established, they are VERY difficult to change.

It all started with one purchase, no matter how trite it may sound. We strolled along the shopping center and accidentally ended up in the shoe department. I asked if we would run together if I bought him the sneakers he liked. He answered in the affirmative. Of course the next day he had already forgotten about his promise, but I hadn't. So we got outside every day for jogging and playing together, soon began to compete in running, who will reach the checkpoint first, who will reach it faster. Еhen we somehow learned about the marathon that took place in the city and decided to participate.

And now I would like to tell more about the importance of good shoes while you running. Having good shoes that fit and meets your desired needs is what all runners want. But getting them becomes another different thing. Picking the perfect becomes so hard probably because you did not figure in some factors prior to buying the running shoes.

Sometimes you can purchase a pair of shoes but find it doesn’t meet your expectations. The following list was specially made for you so that the next time you think of purchasing a new pair of running shoes you will use it as a guide.

1. Location

Finding experts to help you is rare unless you buy in a special retailer dealing with running shoes and gear. They are people trained by the store or the brands themselves to equip you with the best running shoes.

However, if you cannot get access to a special dealer you can head to a big trusted store armed with research and you can be sure that your knowledge plus that of the attendants will guide you to the best running shoes.

2. Sales Associate

The person responsible for fitting you should be well equipped with knowledge. Trained to analyze your running and walking style and come up with the best running shoes for you. You should not only accredit trust to the old associates only.

A young student who has spent some summers working in a store may be an asset for you. Do not shy asking for credentials having in mind that your health and fitness is at stake.

3. Possible Questions

The salesperson will obviously need to know some things from you. As you go shopping carry out a pre-interview and ask yourself some questions that are most likely to be repeated. The questions include: How often do you run? What is your weekly mileage? What are you training for?

4. Your Previous Shoes

If it isn’t your first time, carry the old ones with you. A skillful attendant will be in a position to analyze them if the shoe you had is your best option. Consequently, he can analyze and add on some factors that you felt lacking in the previous shoe.

5. Color

A while ago there were great limits to the choice of colors. However, currently, companies are offering a myriad of options for almost all models available. This means that after you have fitted in the biomechanical factors, you can now choose a color of your choice. One that’s pleases you or increases your confidence.

6. Long-term preferences

At times you go to the shop and get carried away by first impressions. You can wear a shoe and feel like it’s making you walk on the clouds as at that time. However, reality dawns on you after a while, when you realize you made the wrong choice. Always take time in choosing the best shoe. You can take time to go through shoe reviews before the actual purchase.

7. Return Policy

Having followed all the tips above, you purchased your shoe but here comes trouble… The shoe is rubbing you in all wrong places. You hate the shoe.
Worry less. If you need more than the hour you spent choosing the shoe then consider a retailer who will let you buy and try. Some stores offer up to 90 days of trial. If you don’t love it you can return for another pair.

A good return policy is not limited to the big box running stores; you can find similar programs at your local retailer offering up to 60 days of trial.

With so many different sports to choose from (soccer, tennis, football, lacrosse, track & field, basketball, swimming, dancing, gymnastics, martial arts, golf, and horseback riding just to name a few), it’s easy to find at least one physical activity that a child would enjoy. Though I don’t expect everyone to require their children to join a sports team, I do hope that after reading this post you might be encouraged to at least share the idea with your child or perhaps play some sports recreationally as a family. There is so much to gain!