One of the struggles to effective weight-loss and getting fit is getting cardio in. Treadmill running, DDR, biking, whatever it takes, you need some. I often use the treadmill.

And one of the important parts of running is having a good shoe. If your lower back is hurting, or your legs are killing you, one reason may be a bad shoes.

After a new pair of running shoes hitting the treadmill for 20 minutes didn’t bruise me up nearly as badly, and I learned quickly that new shoes are important.

Runner’s World has a great article on how to choose a good shoe:

It’s important to understand that if you plan to run, you need to buy a shoe specific to running. Not a sneaker, tennis shoe, cross-trainer, aerobic, basketball or walking shoe. But a running shoe made for running and only running.

The best way to get a high quality running shoe that fits you properly is to go to a running store. There are plenty of sporting goods chain stores that carry running shoes, but only running shops carry a wide selection of brands and models and have running experts who can put you in the best shoe for you.
If you don’t know of a running store in you area, ask a runner you know. Chances are pretty good he or she can recommend one. Or you can use this website to find one in your area. Go to Shoes & Gear and then click on specialty running stores. They are listed state by state.

Shoe photo by Moe