Most sports enthusiasts know to buy the right shoe for their favorite activity, but that shoe isn’t always the best choice for other workouts.

A cross-trainer might be a good choice for supplemental gym activities, but there are some things to consider before you buy.

First is the type of activity you’re going to do. Running and walking shoes are designed for forward motion, but they don’t offer much support for lateral movement, the side-to-side action associated with activities such as aerobics or working out on unstable surfaces like BOSU balance trainers, said Yvette Neito, owner of Grindstone Fitness.

For other activities, such as weighted squats, you might require a little more in terms of arch support, and extra padding might be beneficial for activities like jumping rope and kickboxing, Neito said.

For some, buying two pairs of shoes - one for the gym and one for other athletic activities - is a good idea, but Amy Livesay, co-owner of the Starting Block, said current economic conditions make two pairs of shoes cost-prohibitive for some. In this instance, sticking with your running or walking shoes is fine.

"Most of the time, people are not walking into the gym and doing nothing but weight lifting," Livesay said.

Another reason to stick with your running or walking shoe is severe pronation issues that require correction, Livesay said.

Basically, if your feet feel fine at the end of your workout, stick with what you’re wearing. But if something feels off, Neito recommended visiting a sporting-goods store with a knowledgeable staff.

When choosing new shoes, take the time to really try them out, mimicking the actions you make during your workouts to ensure you’re getting the right fit for those movements. Rock your foot forward to make sure there’s no pinching at the toes, and slide your foot forward and backward to make sure your foot doesn’t slip within the shoe.

Don’t rely on customer reviews or recommendations. What works for one person might not work for you.

Finally, be prepared to replace them every six months, Neito said. Look at the wear pattern on the bottoms. If the sole tilts, it’s time to swap them out.

To extend the life of your shoe, limit the amount of time you spend in it.

"I suggest if you buy a high-dollar shoe, don’t wear it out of the gym," Neito said.

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