This is not a sponsored post. A huge thanks to Fleet Feet Sports for giving me a discount on my first pair of running shoes. All opinions are my own.

**Want more deals? Find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

**Like it? PIN IT**

I’ve started doing something I never thought I would! I’ve recently started running. The crazy thing is there isn’t anyone chasing me, nor am I running away from anything. I’m running for my health! Last year I started to share a little about my weight loss journey here on my blog and while I’ve had ups and downs I feel stonger than I have ever been.

My trainer, Suzy from Your Best Fitness Friend has been after me for over a year to get a good pair of shoes for the gym. I kept putting it off but recently decided it was time to step it up and find a pair that could support me and my goals. I really had no idea where to turn until my friend, Holly suggest Fleet Feet Sports in Westlake, Ohio (they also have stores in Northfield and Pepper Pike).

I’m by no means an expert in running in fact I’m quite a novice but after stopping in at Fleet Feet Sports in Westlake, Ohio, I can say that I learned quite a lot.  If you are just starting out or even just thinking about running, here are 5 tips for finding the best running shoes.

#1: Go to a specialty store:  For years, I’ve been wearing shoes that I’ve purchased at a local discount store. No one helped me pick out the right type of shoe, in fact I even guessed my size even though I hadn’t been measured in years. Even a newbie like me knew that this was not the type of store to buy shoes in but it was where I felt most comfortable. Man, am I glad I went out of my comfort zone.

As soon as I walked into Fleet Feet Sports, I was greeted with a smile and asked what I could be helped with. All of my fears of not being “fit enough” for this type of store went right out the window. There was no judgement at all. In fact, Jody, who helped me out that day, felt more like an teacher than a sales person. Before fitting me for shoes, he watched me walk, measured my arch and asked a lot of questions. There was none of that at any other store I had visited in the past.

#2: Ignore fashion: I know it’s a little strange coming from someone who doesn’t leave the house without lip gloss and a pair or cute earrings but when talking about the health of your feet, fit comes first. At Fleet Feet Sports, I was reminded several times to consider the feel of the shoe and how it felt while walking. This little reminder helped tremendously when choosing the shoes that were best. Comfort factor aside though, I was given so many choices of shoes that try on and each one where either a nice color or had a fun design. What more could you ask? Cute and fuctional.

#3: Try before you buy:  I tried out a lot of different shoes before deciding which ones to buy. Each time I put on a new pair, Jody, suggested that I walk and even run around the store. While it seemed silly at first I’m glad I did what was suggested. In fact, not only did I run around the store but I also did it with two different pairs of shoes. This gave me a much clearly picture of which shoe fit best.

#4: Wear the right gear: Before picking your shoe, be sure to have ask if your foot type is in need of inserts. Inserts can help create balance from the ground up which takes off pressure from the knees, ankles, hips and joints. Not everyone may need this but the guys at Fleet Fleet can let you know. Also before you leave, be sure to check out the other running gear that they have. I was in desperate need of new socks (really ANY socks) since I always wore my hubby’s which were way to big for me. Starting with a more supportive sock and insert can really make a huge difference in your running or walking stride.

#5: Be willing to invest: You know that I’m as frugal as they come, but I also feel that some things really are worth investing in.  My health is one of them which includes a quality pair of workout shoes. I’ve been buying cheap shoes for years but I can tell you this, I’m never going the cheap route again for running shoes. I have realized that comfort and fit are worth spending a little more on. Plan on spending around $100 on a good quality pair of shoes. I promise your feet, knees, and back will thank you.

In the end, no matter where you are on your ouw healthy journey, I want to encourage you that you can do this! At my heaviest, I was worn out, discouraged and felt completely hopeless. Once I made the decision to make changes (very small changes at first), I immediately saw the difference it made for not only my weight but also my health. If you are struggling, be sure to join my new Facebook group, called, Getting Healthy with Rachel. I share tips, food choices and what I’m doing to get active. I’d love the chance for us to encourage each other!