If you're like over 20% of the average population, at least one of your New Year's resolutions calls for losing weight, eating better, or improving your fitness routine in the year to come. However, planning to make some serious progress when it comes to your health and overall fitness level is one thing. Actually meeting your goals is another.

Preparedness is the key to success here, and that means having the right gear in your corner from day one. Start with a fantastic pair of athletic shoes that will really help you go the distance. Let's take a closer look at how you can snag a pair that's everything you need it to be.

Aren't All Athletic Shoes the Same?

If you're new to fitness, it only makes sense that you'd wonder whether there's really a difference between one athletic shoe and another. However, it's vitally important that you select a shoe appropriate for the activity at hand. Making sure you choose the right shoe:

• Helps you lower the likelihood of sustaining an injury.


• Maximizes personal comfort so that you don't wind up with sore feet, aching joints, and steaming toes.


• Ensures that you get the absolute most out of your workouts performance-wise.

Keeping that in mind, it's best not to make your athletic shoes multi-task. A shoe that's just right for walking probably won't be suitable for running, cycling, or doing aerobics and vice versa. Consider the following suggestions as far as great shoes appropriate for a number of popular fitness routines.

For Light Activity Like Walking

Naturally, marathon-level training and grueling gym workouts aren't for everyone. However, any little bit of activity added to your routine can make a huge difference, including light walking. Start by resolving to take a quick jaunt around the block after dinner or breakfast and take things from there.

While there's certainly nothing wrong with investing in a pair of cross-trainers to get your new walking routine started on the right foot, many people are more comfortable with a fantastic pair of sneakers that are built with walking and light activity in mind. Try an option like the Go Walk 4 Achiever from Skechers. The Go Walk 4 Achiever features an innovative and highly responsive 5GEN midsole for extra comfort and cushioning, and its casual style makes it perfect and easy-to-wear with just about any outfit.

Plus, you'll look every bit as good as you feel, so you'll want to wear these shoes everywhere. Slip them on for a quick trip to the store, playtime with the kids, or a family road trip to a favorite amusement park.

For Getting Back to Nature

Some people find it easier to stick to their New Year's fitness plan when that plan also involves getting back to nature, and with good reason. There's nothing like a day spent hiking with the sun on your skin and fresh air in your lungs. However, serious hikers need a supportive shoe that's capable of standing up to the rigors of the trail.

Choose a hiking shoe like the Siren Edge from a high-performance brand like Merrell. Merrell, in particular, is well-known for creating quality element-resistant footwear. Features like a bellows tongue and a breathable mesh lining keep out dirt, debris, and moisture. Molded arches and shock-absorbent air cushions ensure stability and comfort from the first step of your hike to the last.

For Running and Jogging

When you picture the ideal workout routine for you, do you see yourself running or jogging with the wind in your hair? Or perhaps you're thinking about signing up for that new Zumba class all your friends have been raving about, instead. Whichever the case may be, you need an athletic shoe that can keep up with you when it's really time to spring into action.

Try an option that looks good and performs well when it comes to fast-paced activities like the Skechers GOrun 400. A light, comfortable design won't weigh you down when you're really in the zone. Superior ventilation helps keep your feet cool, dry, and completely comfortable, no matter how intense your workout might get. The GOrun even comes complete with special sensors that take things to the next level when it comes to traction and road feel. Try it today!