You've finally had to throw out those cross-trainers. They've been your companions through miles of workouts and it breaks your heart to have to dump them. It's been so long since you've had to purchase a new pair, you don't know where to begin. Here's a short guide to help you decide which pair to buy next.

When shopping for athletic shoes, you should already know what sport you will be using them for. Will you be using them to train for a marathon, or will you wearing them to basketball practice? Running shoes are designed differently than, say, tennis or cross-training shoes, and choosing the right shoe can help your performance and help you to avoid injuries.

Athletic shoes fall into different categories. For example, there are sneakers which are appropriate for running on a track or road, and they are those models which are designed to give you traction when trail running. Likewise, tennis shoes are designed to allow the wearer to get the best traction while running and making those quick turns on the court. Baseball and soccer shoes, or 'cleats,' are usually spiked to let you run in soft grass and mud.

Once you've decided on which type of shoes you want to buy, it's time for you to try them on. It is important to try on the shoes, at the end of the day, when your feet are their largest. It may sound strange, but your feet swell during the course of the day, so if you want to get the best fit, you should try them on towards the end of the day. It is also very important to remember to bring the type of socks that you will be wearing with them, to guarantee a proper fit. When you have them on, walk around. This will give you a better idea as to whether they really will be comfortable or not. And remember, the shoe should not slip or slide on your foot when you are wearing them.

Purchasing your next pair of sports shoes should be fun and with a little bit of planning, they should last for a long time.