This post has been sponsored by Nuffnang and The Athlete’s Foot.

It’s an almost-Christmas miracle! I have a new pair of shoes, which are giving me a spring in my step as opposed to the usual – aching shins. Of course, I cannot take any all of the credit for this achievement because I’ve realised that seeking the right advice makes finding your fit, a whole lot easier!

Just over a year ago I wrote about the fact that I needed new shoes. I’d just started exercising after a long hiatus and decided my new workout regime deserved some decent shoes. Of course – although I KNEW I should get properly fitted – I didn’t, instead just visiting large discount chain where I bought shoes that I have now discovered were COMPLETELY WRONG!

I’m a supinator (or under-pronator) you see. I tend to roll outwards on my feet. In fact, sometimes I’m so extreme I completely lift the insides of my feet off the ground when lunging or squatting. And because I’ve been wearing the wrong shoes I’ve suffered a myriad of problems: from numb toes in Zumba classes; to shin splints (predominantly on the outside of my calves) when walking; in addition to recurring plantar fasciitis. All of this I better understand now, as I’ve finally been fitted for shoes by people who know what they are doing.

To celebrate the release of a new Asics range at The Athlete’s Foot, I was provided with the opportunity to experience the store’s professional shoe-fitting experience first-hand and to take home a pair of shoes that actually fit me properly.

The Bundaberg store in Queensland (one of 130 stores in Australia) is closest to my new hometown and the roadwork-ridden trip there VERY worthwhile given the excellent service I received in-store.

Manager Joanne, looked after me and I appreciated that she didn’t roll her eyes when I confessed to buying ‘whatever was on sale’ rather than something that actually suited my foot.

We looked at the worn outer sole of my old shoes and she pointed out why they were so very wrong for a supinator like me.

The in-store foot scan (which uses Fitprint scanning technology) confirmed that I put a lot of weight on my heels and the outsides of my feet.

Indeed as I strolled around the shop Joanne and her team (Katie and Megan) noticed that I plant my heel very strongly with each step (which obviously led to my successful – albeit brief – race walking career!).

Joanne informed me that I needed some serious cushioning in the heel of my shoe. (She also provided me with some “Memory” comfort insoles which remember / form to the shape of your foot and some Experia socks with extra padding in the heel and toe.)

Joanne had me try a number of shoes, including the new Asics GT 2000, which along with the Asics GT 1000 and Asics Kayano 19, are currently available exclusively at The Athlete’s Foot.

It blew me away that the staff were able to watch me walk and easily pick which shoe suited. After a couple of laps of the store everyone agreed that the Asics Gel Cumulus 14 offered this not-so-little supinator the best support.

I wasn’t surprised however, when the women’s shoe I was wearing proved a little tight and Joanne suggested we switch to the men’s shoe, which offers a slightly wider fit. (Have I mentioned that my feet – like the rest of my body – are not petite?!)

I was slightly sad to be removing the bright blue, pink and lime shoe, but mollified once I saw that the men’s came in red and lime.

As soon as we had the men’s shoes laced I noticed the difference. And with the memory insole thingy I felt like I was walking on air.

Once back home and with an added motivation to exercise I headed out on my morning walk. I have to admit the new shoes took some getting used to. My oldies are well-worn and familiar BUT suddenly I had a spring in my step. The new shoes are much lighter and I can certainly feel the extra heel support.

Oh, and did I mention they are red!?

And while I’m continuing to enjoy my new shoes, I’m very excited to be able to share with one of my readers the chance to experience the in-store fitting so you too can ‘Find your fit’.

I’m giving away a $100 voucher to The Athlete’s Foot and all you need to do is leave a comment telling me why YOU need new shoes this summer?

Perhaps like me you’ve been wearing the wrong ones. Or maybe you’re just in need of some new shoes for your chosen sport or activity.

The Athlete’s Foot will choose the most interesting or ingenious answer!

This competition closes at midday Australian Eastern Standard Time, 29 November 2012 and is open only to Australian readers. (Naturally, readers from other countries are more than welcome to leave a comment and I’d encourage you to pop into your local The Athlete’s Foot for your own shoe-fitting experience!) Full terms and conditions are available here.

NOTE…. THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO THOSE WHO ENTERED.