Q: I want to start doing group fitness classes and am wondering what the best brand of shoe to buy is. - C.B., Long Island, NY

A: Brand is not as important as fit and comfort. Look for a shoe that gives you great forefoot cushioning and lateral support for those side-to-side movements. There should be plenty of room for your foot to spread out as you put your weight on it, and your toes should not hit the end of the shoe. The shoe should fit snugly to your foot, but not be constrictive.

When you try on shoes for group fitness classes, look for a sturdy indoor court cross-training shoe or a total body fitness shoe. Ask to try the shoe on a non-carpeted surface. Many stores will let you use their back room, which is usually concrete, to try your shoes out. Do moves similar to those you will be doing in classes, like high-impact jumping jacks, jogging, side-to-side moves, and pivots.

Do not be shy about trying on several pairs until you find the perfect shoes for you. Once you think you've found them, ask the store about their return policy, just in case. Most will let you return shoes as long as they have not been worn outside, worn for extended amounts of time, and are still clean and new-looking.

Source: fitlinxx.com