Exercise is physically demanding, and most often for the legs and feet. When jumping, running, or even walking, enormous amounts of weight are put on these with the impact of your strides. When running, as much as three times the runner's weight is generated from the impact of landing on the heel. When not properly equipped to alleviate the legs and feel from this impact, the results include pain, fatigue, injury, and other long-term issues. Footwear with cushioning and shock absorption aim to prevent these issues.

Different methods for cushioning are used by different manufacturers, all with the ultimate goal of lessening stress on the lower body upon shock impact. One of these technologies is GEL Cushioning by ASICS, which is the core component of this brand's footwear products. With this technology, a soft material is inserted into the midsole at the forefoot and/or rearfoot. This softens the blow when the foot strikes the ground, bringing comfort as well as reducing the risk for injuries.

Another well-known cushioning technology is the Nike Air. This iconic innovation features pressurized air in a durable, flexible membrane. Upon impact, the air is compressed, then returns immediately to its previous shape, in time for the next step to fall. Not only does this alleviate the impact on your ankles, feet, and legs, but it also rebounds and gives you extra vigour when you take off again. First debuted in 1979, it continues to evolve and be improved.

One last thing to remember: though cushioning is often hyped up like something that's the more, the better, this is not true. More cushioning is required for high-impact activities like running and hiking. However, in daily life, much less is required. In fact, depending on the shape of your foot, the way you walk, and your daily activities, less cushioning might actually do you good. Therefore, don't head straight for the footwear with the most shock absorption without first evaluating whether you truly need it.

Breathable materials, when used in footwear, will prevent the accumulation of heat and moisture within the shoe. As a result, it also prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and reduces the likelihood of unpleasant odors. Breathability depends on two things: material and construction.

Some types of materials are more breathable than others. Leather, mesh, and certain lightweight synthetics are known to be very breathable. They are frequently used in sports trainers to prevent sweaty feet. Thick footwear like hiking boots are generally not very breathable simply because of their thickness. As well, some synthetics like vinyl are not breathable, either.

As for construction, this simply means that the outer design of the shoe allows it to encourage air flow and regulate the temperature inside the shoe. A very efficient and straightforward way to do this is through perforations - meaning holes pierced in the upper. However, the major downside of this is that as much as moisture can escape, it can also come in, rendering the shoes unsuitable for wet weather. Other methods include modification of the sockliner and midsole.

Staying stable on your feet at all times is crucial. Not only does it prevent accidents and injuries, but it also ensures long-term foot comfort and keeps fatigue and foot strain at bay. Not to mention it also makes walking, running, and going about your day a million times easier and more comfortable. This is especially important when exercising. On casual occasions, it's alright to wear footwear providing bare minimum stability (ie. sky-high stilettos) for a short time, but if you're really going at it, you need guaranteed stability.

The shank is the supportive part of the shoe, found between the insole and the outsole. Traditionally, it can be found in mountaineering boots to diminish the shock load put on the feet and calves when ascending, and is made of steel. Today, the steel shank can be found in many hiking boots and heavy-duty outdoor shoes. It improves balance and stability when walking on uneven terrain, and at the same time reduces shock impact.

The outsole tread is also essential and is applicable to all footwear, unlike the steel shank. Tread pattern, the material of the outsole, and overall design determine the slip-resistance and grip of the shoes. First of all, a multi-directional tread pattern (eg. pentagon and hexagon shapes) are much more reliable than plain zigzags because they prevent slip in all directions. What's more, look for a deep tread that will now wear down quickly.

It is also advised to pick a shoe with an open, interlocked tread pattern (aka no closing off the pattern at the border of the outsole) that doesn't trap in liquid when you step onto it. This way the liquid can be channelled away and allow for more outsole contact and slip resistance.

Durability refers to how wear-resistant a pair of shoes is. Very durable shoes can serve the wearer well for years, while their less-durable counterparts might fall apart after just a few months. Durability ensures that you get the ultimate bang for your buck - as we mention in our next criterion - but also that you get to make the most out of your pair and the features offered.

Starting with midsole material: most midsoles are made using either EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) or PU (polyutherane). The first is lighter in weight and has a more cushiony feel, and is therefore used more often and seen as more effective. However, because it is not very dense, it will lose its bounce through time. PU, on the other hand, feels less effective at first but can last much longer thanks to its density. Therefore, what seems to offer maximum effectiveness right now might not keep it up for long.

Another factor that affects durability is the manner in which the sole is attached to the upper. The cheapest, simplest method is to just glue it on. However, this creates a poor seal that can easily degrade and could result in the sole peeling off from the shoe. The more durable option is Goodyear Welting, which is when the sole and the upper are sewed onto a strip of leather along the shoe perimeter. The extra layer of leather results in more support and water-resistance. As well, it renders the soles easily replaceable. This second method costs more than the first, but will also cause fewer headaches

No matter how high-quality, attractive or useful some shoes are, they won't be any good unless you can afford to give them a try. That's why the items on our list are rated based on their affordability - the higher the score, the less money you'll have to spend. But at the same time, you want to ensure that the pair you purchase isn't too cheap.

More often than not, the price of footwear is relative to their quality. The latest innovations and the highest quality materials tend to also be the priciest. When used in a pair of footwear, it guarantees more durability and better performance - but it also hikes their price up. Sometimes, shoes are also pricey just because the brand has a good reputation and knows that customers will purchase it regardless, but that happens more often with fashionable footwear rather than practical athletic footwear.

Because pricier technologies often mean more durability, this means that by purchasing the more expensive pair, you might ultimately save yourself some pennies. The expensive pair might last you for five years and be just fine, while the cheaper pair might wear out after a year and force you to buy a second pair. The price of those two pairs might exceed the price of the expensive pair. Not only that, you'll have to make time to go shopping and go through the picking-out and trying-on process all over again.

In conclusion: inexpensive footwear has its obvious benefits, but pricier options can sometimes be the right decision in the long run. Choose wisely, because if you spend now you might save later!