So long, 2017! If you're headed into the new year with a "new year, new me" attitude, we salute you! If your resolutions happen to involve improving your mental or physical health, exercise is a key component of making those improvements. From a daily walk to scheduled gym visits and everything in between, the right footwear is going to ensure that your exercise routine is safe and comfortable so you're able to keep up with it. With the importance of proper footwear in mind, we have five athletic shoe recommendations that will help you keep your New Year's resolutions this year.

New Balance Women's 1260v7

The New Balance Women's 1260v7 in Steel/Poisonberry.

Pound the pavement with the perfect stride in this running shoe designed for overpronators, those runners whose feet tend to roll in as they strike the ground. Overpronation is one of the most common issues runners face, but the New Balance Women's 1260v7 is a cool and comfortable choice for combating that issue. A nitrogen-infused midsole (the layer of material above the sole) is both firm and springy, and when combined with a blown rubber sole you get serious shock absorption. The mesh fabric of this shoe allows air to cool down your feet on long runs. As an added bonus, the standout function of the 1260v7 is nicely complemented by the standout hot pink and lime green color scheme of the shoe.

The New Balance Women's 1260v7 is $159.95*.

Under Armour UA SpeedForm Slingride

The Under Armour UA SpeedForm Slingride in Glacier Gray. 

Hit the road and never slow down in this sleek and durable shoe. The Under Armour UA SpeedForm Slingride is a running shoe intended to provide unparalleled precision fit for your feet. Dyneema® fibers, the world's strongest fibers, are woven into the fabric of this shoe for flexibility and durability while a rubber sole lends superior shock absorption and support. Inside, a Charged Cushioning® midsole combines a top layer of plush foam and a bottom layer of dense foam for ultimate comfort and stability.

The Under Armour UA SpeedForm Slingride is $99.95*.

Naot Kumara

The Naot Kumara in Vintage Smoke/Black Raven Leather. Also available in Black Madras/Black Suede, White Leather/Soft Gray Leather, and White/Silver Threads.

If running isn't your speed, the Naot Kumara is for you. The Kumara is built for leisurely strolls, so if you're seeking some laid-back exercise this leather shoe is the perfect companion. The tongue and heel are both padded for stability and comfort, and the lightweight polyurethane sole is durable and slip-resistant. The inside of the Kumara features a technical lining that absorbs moisture and, again, is padded for increased comfort. Like all Naot footwear, this shoe features an anatomical cork footbed designed to mold to the foot with each wear for increasingly individualized comfort.

The Naot Kumara is $184.95*.

Merrell Men's Bare Access Flex

The Merrell Men's Bare Access Flex in Citronelle. Also available in Black/Silver.

For the adventurers who don't want to be confined to the pavement, the Merrell Men's Bare Access Flex is a versatile running shoe built for the road, the trail, and beyond. The Bare Access Flex is one of Merrell's FLEXconnect® shoes, a line that features Hyperlock™ heels to keep your feet secure in the shoes during descents or sharp turns and M Select™ GRIP+ soles grooved for sticky traction on wet or dry surfaces. The FLEXconnect® shoes are also designed for multi-directional agility and stability on uneven surfaces. The breathable mesh construction is perfect for keeping your feet cool and comfortable. 

The Merrell Men's Bare Access Flex is $89.95*.

Vionic Women's Sierra Active

The Vionic Women's Sierra Active in Black Charcoal. Also available in Dark Purple Pink and Navy.

Running errands definitely counts as exercise: it helps you get your 10,000 steps and it includes the word "running" right there. A jack-of-all-trades shoe, the Vionic Women's Sierra Active is designed for work, play, and every day. The engineered knit fabric is breathable, and the rubber sole is grippy and durable. Vionic's active footwear features Advanced Motion System (AMS) technology that combines athletic features with a podiatrist-designed orthotic insert for superior support and comfort. 

The Vionic Women's Sierra Active is $129.95*.

Get active in the new year. Whatever your exercise goals might be, the right pair of athletic shoes will help you reach them. Having trouble deciding what style of athletic shoes are right for you? We've got a guide to determining which type of athletic shoe best fits your needs! If none of these recommendations end up fitting your needs, no worries. We have plenty of athletic shoe options for you to browse at englinsfinefootwear.com.

*All prices valid as of the posting date (12/29/2017)