4. MAKE SURE THE SNEAKERS FIT PROPERLY

Many sports injuries unnecessarily occur for two reasons: 1) you use the wrong shoe for the activity (see step 1), or 2) your shoes don't fit properly. It's important to remember that your shoe size, whatever you ordinarily think it is, should not completely dictate what shoes you wear. A size 10 shoe from one manufacturer might fit you perfectly, while another size 10 shoe will be too small. What's most important is how the shoe feels on your foot.

It's best to try shoes on late in the day, because your feet swell over the course of a day and you don't want a shoe that only fits in the morning. You should also wear socks of the same thickness as those you'll wear during your shoe's intended activity. Remember to check for width, too. If you have an extra-wide foot, get wide shoes (duh!). In North American sizing, the width of shoes is indicated by a letter or letters after the number (D, E, and EEE are extra-wide sizes). Don't buy a shoe that's too long in order to make up for it being too narrow; it may eventually stretch to fit your foot, but your foot will be spilling out over the sides of the soles. Long story short: don't just get a shoe that's a half a size off because they don't have your actual size. You'll feel it in the morning. Merely ask the sales clerk to order you a pair in your size.

Once you've got both shoes on, lace them up and see how they feel. There should be about half an inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe - you can tell by pushing down on the front of the shoe with your thumb to see what's air and what's toe. If you feel pain, you've hit toe. Walk around a bit, and if you're not self-conscious or in too small of an area, try running a few steps or jumping. The shoes should feel comfortable right away. Never mind that nonsense about breaking in shoes - sneakers are designed for comfort, and if they're not working for you right off the bat, they're not the shoes for you. If there's room for your toe, your heel doesn't slip around, and the shoes feel good, they are good candidates for your new sneaks. Again, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO "GET USED" TO YOUR NEW SHOES. If they fit right, you'll know instantly.

And now you're completely ready to go running, play soccer, and cause general sporting mayhem. Break a leg!