For exercise, put your best shoes forward

For exercise, put your best shoes forward

One size doesn't fit all, and one shoe doesn't fit all when it comes to picking out the best running, walking, hiking or other workout shoes. USA TODAY's Nanci Hellmich asked several top names in the fitness world to share how they select shoes for their workouts and when they know it's time for a new pair.

Miriam Nelson

Nutrition and physical activity researcher at Tufts University in Boston and author of The Social Network Diet.

"I do a ton of different physical activities including running 25 miles a week. I have tried lots of different shoes. I wear Adidas Supernova running shoes. I have a narrow foot and narrow heel but need a big toe box so for whatever rea son this shoe works for me.

"I don't think any brand is better than any other. It's finding that right shoe for you. One thing a lot of people do wrong is they wear shoes that are too tight. They don't get properly fitted shoes."

"I always have at least two or three shoes going. I wear the newest pair for my longer runs, and if the trail is muddy, I'll wear an older pair. When shoes no longer have any life to them, you feel it. Then I'll use them for gardening."

David Zinczenko

Editor-in-chief of Men's Health

"I'm a pretty big guy, so my lower body can take a pounding when I run. I find that Asics, Nike and New Balance have models that support me well and give me a good shock-absorber effect. And I always make sure I wear good moisture-wicking socks, because they keep my feet healthy and blister-free.

"Every time we do an article about what style points women notice most in men, they always mention shoes. Same for HR (human resource) directors. So I consider shoes a major investment. You want to go for absolute quality, because they'll keep your feet happy, look great, and last forever.

"In the time you would have to shop for three pairs of cheap shoes, you could keep on wearing one pair of high-quality ones. In the long run, you save."

David Willey

Editor-in-chief of Runner's World

"Since I'm one of Runner's World's 350 wear-testers, I rarely wear the same pair of shoes on successive runs. (In the wear-test program, runners of all levels give their subjective feedback on shoes.)

"I've been working on improving my running form, so I've been running more in minimalist shoes for certain workouts to help strengthen my feet and promote a forefoot strike, but opting for something with more cushioning for my long runs.

"I do a fair amount of cross-training, so if we go on a family hike, I'll wear trail-running shoes, and I wear cycling shoes that are compatible with clip-less pedals when I go cycling. And I almost never wear dress shoes. The editor of Runner's World can get away with wearing running shoes at the office most days a nice perk."

Barbara Ainsworth

President of the American College of Sports Medicine and a professor in Arizona State University's exercise and wellness program in Phoenix.

"Most weekends I go for a one- to three-hour hike, depending on the location. I also spend about four hours in the yard mowing one acre of lawn with a walk-behind mower, turning the compost pile, cleaning the horses' stalls and chicken coops.

"During the weekdays I usually walk for about 45 minutes. I park my car so I have a 10- to 15-minute walk to the office in downtown Phoenix and then go out of my way to walk around downtown for about 30 minutes during the day. I wear walking/running shoes for those walks.

"I try to find the right shoe for the task. I walk and hike a lot in the mountains around Phoenix.

"For day hiking, I like to wear a low-top, hiking shoe that is lightweight but has a sturdy sole for walking over rocky areas.

"For backpacking I wear ankle-top boots because they are a bit heavier, with a stiffer sole. The last thing I want to do is twist an ankle. I usually wear Merrells as they do the trick.

"For walking on the street, I wear comfortable walking or running shoes."