JULIET DUFFUS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Finding the ideal athletic shoe isn't as easy as it used to be. The once popular canvas sneakers of the past have been replaced with hundreds of new high tech versions which can make finding just the right shoe overwhelming. To avoid this confusion and frustration, experts suggest some shopping guidelines. First, determine your specific activity. There are shoes designed especially for walking and running, to basketball, tennis, hiking and aerobics. Next, consider your foot type.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have wide and short feet so I look for something with a wide foot in the ball and something with a lot of cushioning in the heel.</s>DUFFUS: People with high arched feet need a shoe with greater shock absorption while people with a low arch or flat foot should look for shoes with less cushioning and greater support and heel control. To ensure comfort, experts suggest shopping for shoes at the end of the day when your foot is generally at its maximum. Allow about a half inch or the width of your index finger between your toes and the end of the shoe.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, it is a fashion statement. I am very into color. I like shoes to come in different colors. But it wouldn't be a fashion statement if they weren't comfortable. I mean I would not, I wouldn't sacrifice comfort for fashion.</s>DUFFUS: Since shoes tend to lose their cushioning after three to six months of regular use, be sure to replace them regularly to avoid injury. And while costs can range from as little as $20 to well over $100, choose a shoe that best fits your foot and budget. For "Feeling Fit," I'm Juliet Duffus.
Feeling Fit: Choosing the Right Athletic Shoe