As I laced up my sneakers I knew I couldn't put it off much longer, I was up for another $250 to replace the old dogs.

I had recently given up running and wondered if I could get away with a cheaper pair for walking?

"You don't need expensive runners," says podiatrist Darren Barclay who asserts if a shoe has features that suit your feet and gait then it will be good for you, irrespective of cost.

"Each individual when they wear a shoe, that shoe will respond differently to that individual so... features are better than cost," he says.

Tailoring your shoe to your physiology and the kind of physical activity you do is also important to avoid injury says Barclay.

"So if I was to wear running shoe on a squash court I think I would be putting myself at risk of ankle sprain and similar for other kinds of sports... because the mechanics are different," he says.

For those who play a lot of sport or engage in high-intensity sports spending a few extra dollars could mean your shoes last a bit longer says Barclay.

Minimalist and barefoot

Over the past few years there's been a lot of interest in barefoot running and those shoes with 'fingers' - like a glove for your feet with a rubber sole.

For those planning to try out a minimalist shoe or to include barefoot running in their sports routine, Barclay recommends transitioning slowly.

"Podiatrists would advocate that if an individual wishes to transition to minimalist or barefoot running that it is done with caution and it is done in small increments so that the potential for injury is reduced," he says.

Whether you are running barefoot or in top-of-the-range trainers, it is important to get your gait right to reduce your risk of injury adds Barclay.

"Running form is more important that what shoes you have on your feet,' he says.

Get more of Darren Barclay's sports shoe tips by clicking on the audio link at the right.