Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I really need to get back in the gym but I don't have any good sneakers for exercise. Can you recommend a good pair?

Signed,

Stilettos Over Sneakers

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Dear S.O.S.,

Any athletic shoe store employee should be able to help you find a shoe that will work for your workout. But there are also companies like this one that will have you walk and run on a treadmill barefoot to find the best shoe for you based on your movements.

Make sure tell the sales associate what exercises you plan to do while wearing the shoes. Its important for them to know this so they can outfit you with the best style. For example, you may want a cross-trainer if you're looking to use stationary cardio equipment and/or participate in a few exercises classes, or you may want to look for a solid running shoe if your plan is to take your workout to the streets and pound the pavement.

Also plan to replace your workout shoes every 3-4 months, or have more than one pair to rotate through. Wearing the pair that best suits your workout that day will not only increase your comfort but save you unnecessary pain in the long run. Another tip to increase comfort is to buy your exercise shoes one size up so your feet will have room to breath and expand during your workout.

Once you've found a pair or two that you like, look at shoe outlet stores to see if you can score a better deal on the same shoes, or ones comparable to them.

Now that you have the basic information you need, there's nothing holding you back from getting fit with happy feet!

Have a fashion question? Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I just relocated for a job and inadvertently joined the gym that most of my new co-workers use. I generally work out in old college t-shirts and basketball shorts but now I'm not so sure this look is going to cut it anymore. I know there is a large selection of athletic clothing out there, but all I want is comfort with a twinge of coordination just in case I have to run an errand before or after my workout or more importantly, inevitably run into a co-worker.

Do you have any athletic-gear recommendations?

Signed,

Workout Worrier

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Dear W.W.,

There was a time when I would have said that your free t-shirts and old shorts were sufficient as far as workout clothing goes, but that was before I became a convert to moisture wicking fabric.

The major benefit of this synthetic material over cotton is its ability to pull moisture away from the body and keep you feeling cooler and drier during your workout. Most cotton clothing clings at the mention of sweat, creating a moist exoskeleton that can weigh down on the body. It also doesn't help that even a petri dish would cringe at just how much bacteria can grow on cotton clothing worn regularly for exercise.

Do yourself a favor and venture into a sporting goods store and checkout their dri-weave selection. Keep in mind that most of this clothing runs small or true to size, so you definitely want to try on the items to make sure that you have a full range of motion. Look at investing in at least five shirts, five shorts and a full-zip jacket and pants for a post-workout cover-up and/or for cool weather outdoor activities.

And don't neglect south of your ankles. Moisture-wicking socks can be just as important as the clothing. (Did you know that a typical workout produces enough sweat in your feet alone to fill an 8-ounce glass?) And even in a gym setting, your shoes are taking as much a beating as your body, so be mindful to replace your workout sneakers every 3-4 months.

With just a fraction of the time, energy and money you spend on your work appearance, your workout appearance will be in tip-top shape in no time. And once you are properly outfitted, break in your new clothing the best way you know how: by getting physical.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com