Accomplish your New Year’s fitness resolutions while supporting the world around you. This selection of athletic gear is made by socially responsible and environmentally friendly brands.

The process of shopping for shoes can be difficult and overwhelming. Every day, more options are added to store walls and webpages, with new differentiators and trends to decipher. While it doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating, it is important to understand how to find the right shoes for you.

From the moment you get out of bed, your feet balance the entire weight of your body. They absorb impact, provide joint stability, and keep you upright. While the biomechanics of each person are different, there are typically 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons and ligaments in your feet. Many animals have paw pads for cushion and support, but human feet are delicate. No matter what pace or distance we’re going, they are constantly absorbing force that echoes throughout the rest of our bodies. What’s more? Localized forces may be as high as 13 times your body weight while running, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Across the board, experts agree—the two most important things to look for in a shoe are support and fit. “Worst-case scenario, improper footwear can contribute to injury,” says Thomas Neuberger, editor and founder of online running resource Believe in the Run. Neuberger and his team have reviewed countless shoes, and report that the questions they get most often are injury recovery and prevention-related. With ill-fitting shoes, you could end up with anything from lost toenails or shin splints to stress fractures or tendonitis.

In addition, when you have properly fitting shoes, you increase your comfort, making the entire experience more enjoyable. “Running can transform people’s lives, and the right gear makes it even better,” continues Neuberger. “I often compare it to wine. I can’t tell the difference between high-end and good boxed wine, but when a chef and sommelier pair food with wine that compliments and opens the flavors of a dish, I understand how and why the wine choices are important to the experience.”

There are plenty of local experts who can help you find a pair that will suit your needs and complement your running experience. “Each persons’ fit and foot mechanics are incredibly individual,” says Lizzy Peper, senior marketing manager and run coach with Charm City Run.

Most local running stores offer free and easy fit tests that help you through the process. When going in for a test, bring the shoes you’re currently using and share what works and doesn’t work. An expert will discuss your needs and goals, ask about current or recent injuries, and review your gait and pronation.

While it seems intuitive to get the same size as your casual shoes, Peper says that most runners should try at least a full size higher. Common discomfort and injuries are often simply a result of having the wrong size shoe.

“I typically buy my shoes 1.5 sizes bigger than what I normally wear to accommodate for swelling,” says Alison Staples, co-leader and run coach with local running group RIOT Squad. She admits that, early on, she had no idea what was out there. “I picked my first half marathon shoe based on style and color, wore them fresh out the box the day of the race, and lets just say things did not end well. There are a ton of shoes on the market, and unfortunately we tend to look at what others are wearing as opposed to what works best for our own body.” Now, Staples uses her own experience to help students find shoes that work for them.

Once you narrow the selection by support and size, the goal is to find a shoe that feels most natural. There have been dramatic changes in the shoe category throughout the past five years. “You will see a lot of innovations in foams and cushioning,” says Neuberger. “Brands are focusing on solutions to increase efficiency and energy return.”

Most stores allow you to wear test the shoes around the store, on a treadmill, or even for a few days at home. If you’re interested in a deeper dive, the Charm City Run team can also film your run and analyze your foot-strike frame by frame.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every 300-500 miles. At this point, the cushion and support typically break down, causing less comfort or more injuries. Tread is often an indicator, but with today’s innovations, it’s not always reliable. Peper says that a better measure is how flexible the shoe has become over your mileage. When purchasing quality, well-fitting shoes, expect to pay somewhere in the range of $100-160.

And before you dismiss the idea, thinking this advice is only targeted at ‘real runners’, think again. If you run, you’re a runner. If you walk, you’re a walker. There is no distance or speed to qualify. Everyone can benefit from well-fitting, supportive shoes.

1. Under Armour Charged Bandit 2 women’s running shoes ($99.99) at Falls Road Running Store. 2. Live Lucid Skin 2 legging ($65) at Movement Lab. 3. Under Armour No Breaks infrared glove ($29.99) at Charm City Run. 4. The North Face Denali thermal headband ($25) at Charm City Run. 5. Nike black sports bra ($40) at Charm City Run. 6. Hydro Flask 32 ounce water bottle ($39.99) at Vita. 7. LOLE Gali hooded tunic ($90) at Vita. 8. lululemon Movement Lab tank ($45) at Movement Lab. 9. The North Face Fly-Weight tote ($40) at Vita. 10. Saucony Omni Reflex Tight leggings ($98) at Charm City Run. 11. Brooks PureFlow 5 men’s running shoes ($72) at Charm City Run. 12. Under Armour Undeniable small duffle bag ($39.99) at Princeton Sports. 13. Under Armour Storm water resistant jacket ($99.99) at Princeton Sports. 14. Under Armour Storm Trooper tee ($34.99) at Princeton Sports. 15. Flip belt ($28.99) at Charm City Run. 16. Route One Apparel Maryland beanie ($20) at Falls Road Running Store.

Every fall, more than 20,000 runners from all over the East Coast train to compete in the annual Baltimore Running Festival. The marathon mania kicks off this Saturday, October 20, at 7:30 a.m. and includes a 5K race, a half-marathon, a relay race, and a full marathon. But even if you aren’t planning on slipping on your sneakers and running the 26.2 miles, there are tons of ways you can celebrate with your fit friends.

From the best places to watch the race and the rowdiest post-race parties, to pre-race events and recovery get-togethers, here’s how to participate in the Baltimore Running Festival without breaking a sweat.

Pre-Race Receptions

.05K Presented by 98 Rock: Whether you’re a world-class walker or an Olympic-level sprinter, everyone can participate in this .05k race on Thursday, October 18. The festivities at Game Sports Bar start at 6 p.m., and the 162-foot race begins at 8 p.m. All proceeds from the $15 entry fee will go to benefit the One Love Foundation and include a race bib and a commemorative t-shirt. 1400 Warner St., 410-385-0100

Under Armour Baltimore Run Fest: Check out this pre-race extravaganza on October 19 from 5-8 p.m. The activities include a shakeout run starting at 6 p.m., a meet and greet with Under Armour professional trail athletes, and words of wisdom from run coach Sandra Gallagher. They’ll also be food, drink, and fitness samples from local vendors. 2601 Port Covington

Lululemon Shake Out Run: Get ready for race day on October 18 with a fun run led by athletic ambassadors Nick Rodricks and Esther Collinetti starting at 6 p.m. Afterwards, the complimentary local brews, tasty bites, and good vibes will get you fueled up and ready to race (or cheer). 820 Aliceanna St., 410-528-5485

Spirited Spectator Spots

Baltimore Running Festival Cheer Station: Hosted by Checkerspot Brewing Company and November Project, this cheer station will surely bring the noise. The event starts at 9 a.m., and there will be trampolines, water balloons, pumpkins, and live music performances from Brad Kolodner and Stephen Pawlak. 900 E 33rd St.

Lululemon Cheer Station: Want to support your running friends and family with a fitness-loving crowd? Head out to Lululemon’s cheer station right in the middle of the marathon course. They’ll supply the cheesy signs, coffee, and the D.J. so that you can focus on the chants and cheers. President Street roundabout in Harbor East

Watch & Cheer Party at Lee’s Pint & Shell: Head to Lee’s Pint & Shell for a spirited crowd, ready to scream and shout. If you bring a sign and buy a food item, Lee’s will offer 26-cent Smirnoff Bloody Marys, sangria, and mimosas. They’ll also be handing out free Miller Lite drafts to all of the runners after the race. 2844 Hudson St., 410-327-2883

Post Race Parties

Run Fest Race Day Party: Head over to Sandlot to celebrate race day on October 20 from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Central Maryland School of Massage will be offering free massages to runners, BeachFit Baltimore will host a complimentary yoga class, and the first 200 runners to arrive get a free Dogfish Head Seaquench Ale to get the party started. They’ll be tons of other drinks deals, and the live music starts at 3 p.m. 1000 Wills St., 410-568-4916

BGE Home Celebration Village: This race day party stretches along the Inner Harbor Promenade and includes McKeldin Square, West Shore Park, and Rash Field. They’ll be live music performances, interactive games, and lots of food and drink vendors, as well as a kids fun zone with face painters, clowns, and inflatable games. This is definitely the most popular spot to watch the racers cross the finish line. E Pratt St.

Baltimore Run Fest After Party: Drink and dance the pain away at Southern Provisions’ post-race celebration. The marathon madness runs from 6-10 p.m. and will include a live DJ, $4 select drafts, $2.50 Miller Light bottles, $5 house wine, and $6 slider duos. Proceeds from the $5 wristbands go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 3000 O’Donnell St., 410-675-4029

Recovery Rendezvous

Yoga with Charm City Run: Whether you just completed your first 5K or are wrapping up your 10th marathon, all are welcome to join Charm City Run for post-race yoga at Fells Point. The class is from 10-11 a.m. on October 21 and will be all about recovering and stretching sore muscles. 1500 Thames St.

Recovery Day at Lululemon: After crushing running goals in the Baltimore Running Festival, your body may need some love. At Lululemon in Harbor East, there will be an all-levels yoga for runners class at 10 a.m., and, from 11-1p.m., Charm City Integrative Health will be providing local cryotherapy. 820 Aliceanna St., 410-528-5485

Rev Cycle Marathon Recovery Yoga: Relax, recover, and rejuvenate at Rev Cycle on October 21 from 12-1 p.m. All are invited to this 60-minute practice focused on stretching and repairing sore muscles. 1718 Whetstone Way, 410-727-4738

Post-Race Recovery Sessions with Mobile Performance: Head to Charm City Run in Annapolis on October 21 for some well-deserved pampering. Mobile Performance Therapy will offer complimentary massages and stretch therapy, a practice that helps to increase circulation and loosen up connective tissue. 1910 Towne Centre Blvd.

 EAT

April 13-15: Baltimore Food Truck Week

Times & locations vary. Free.

When temperatures finally crack 70 this weekend, stay outside to snack on eats from 25 food trucks that will be stationed throughout Baltimore and its surrounding counties. During this celebration of four-wheel restaurants, track down some of the city’s best mobile kitchens, which will be rotating between various hotspots throughout the weekend. Try on-the-curb specials like waffle cones filled with crab cakes and French fries from Gypsy Queen, made-to-order ice cream sandwiches from Quinn’s Ice, and veggie burgers from GoGanics.

 DRINK

April 14: Dumpster Dive II

Baltimore Community ToolBank, 1224 Wicomico St. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 410-224-5565.

Four years ago, the brilliant minds behind the local nonprofit program Volunteering Untapped discovered that 20 and 30-somethings are more motivated to spend their Saturday mornings volunteering if the do-gooding is accompanied by a solid day-drink. This Saturday, the monthly initiative returns to the Baltimore Community ToolBank to sort out the recyclables found in Professor Trash Wheel’s dumpster, followed by a trek to MaGerk’s Pub in Federal Hill for a well-earned after-party. Make new friends and celebrate your hard morning’s work with deals on mimosas, beer, and the pub’s signature Philly cheesesteaks.

 SEE

April 13: Out of Order

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 7-10 p.m. $25-45. 410-962-8565.

Maryland Art Place’s annual benefit checks off all of the boxes for a can’t-miss art event: an wall-to-wall exhibit with works from more than 250 local and regional contemporary artists, a silent auction for your chance to purchase your own masterpiece, and, of course, an open wine-and-beer bar all to support the local gallery’s programs and future exhibitions in the Bromo Arts District. This Friday, come for the local art and stay for the epic after-party featuring the soulful sounds of local singer-songwriter Joy Postell.

 HEAR

April 14: CityLit Festival

University of Baltimore, William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center, 11 W. Mount Royal Avenue. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-271-8793.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the CityLit Festival, the signature event from CityLit Project that celebrates reading, writing, and creativity in and around Baltimore. To tie into this year’s focus on poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, The New Yorker writer Philip Gourevitch will headline the event with conversations about his National Book Critics Circle Award-winning work of nonfiction, We Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda. Make time between editorial and speaker sessions to participate in guided discussions about motherhood, the #MeToo movement, and local funding for the literary arts. 

 DO

April 14: Under Armour Sole of the City 10K

Charm City Run, 1713 Whetstone Way. 9 a.m. $50-75. 410-645-8266.

With sunny skies and warm temperatures predicted for Saturday morning, this annual 6.2-mile race through the streets of downtown Baltimore could not have fallen on a more picture-perfect day. Hit the ground running in this 10K trek that starts and ends in Locust Point and features scenic views of the city skyline along the way. If you need extra motivation, think of the complimentary snack box and Natty Bohs that will be waiting at the finish line.

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

Nov. 18: OyFest IV

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 12-5 p.m. $10-12. 410-467-0290.

This Saturday, indulge in the Chesapeake Bay’s great bivalve with seasonal shucks at Union Craft Brewing’s fourth annual OyFest. With The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Company, enjoy brackish beauties served in a variety of ways—raw, grilled, chowdered—by Baltimore’s finest chefs, including Zack Mills of Wit & Wisdom, Bryan Voltaggio of Aggio, Lou Sumpter of Woodberry Kitchen, and Ben Lefenfeld of La Cuchara. And while champagne and a fine white wine might be the perfect pairing, we can attest to the complimentary nature of a Duckpin pale ale or brand-new Skipjack pilsner, and a hint of live music by garage-folk singer Skribe. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, join the oyster-eating contest slurp down 24 of them as fast as you can. Proceeds benefit the Chefs Cycle for Maryland No Kid Hungry.

 DRINK

Nov. 18: Charm City Meadworks Taproom Grand Opening

Charm City Meadworks, 400 E. Biddle St. 1-7 p.m. Free. 443-961-1072.

Almost a year ago, the crew at Charm City Meadworks put on their bee costumes (literally), tied their barrels to a truck, and moved to Mount Vernon from South Baltimore for a fresh start for their fermented honey drinks. This Saturday, CCM is welcoming patrons to their brand-new taproom, a 6,500-square-foot industrial space equipped with bright stools, shared tables, and more than 15 homebrewed meads. Celebrate the meadery’s new home with seasonal favorites like Retire by the Fire (with hints of vanilla, cocoa nibs, and clove), simple classics like Original Dry (crisp and oaky with a slight acidic finish), collaboration kegs, and guest taps, plus delicious Korean tacos by Dooby’s. 

 SEE

Nov. 18: The Maryland Film Festival’s Behind the Screens Fundraiser

Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. 6-11 p.m. $20-5000. 410-752-8083. 

Nothing is more perfect than watching Netflix on a chilly evening, but this Saturday, learn while you relax with a sneak peek of a new original series and listen to a talk on the influence of streaming services on filmmaking, all to benefit the Maryland Film Festival. At the newly renovated Parkway Theatre, participate in a discussion with independent filmmaker Joe Swanberg and cast members of the hit series Easy, an eclectic comedy about Chicagoans stumbling through the intersecting worlds of love, sex, technology, and culture. Discover how Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu have changed the game, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts to boot.

 HEAR

Nov. 17: Baltimore 4 Puerto Rico

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 6 p.m. $10-20. 410-244-0899. 

After hearing about Hurricane Maria’s trail of destruction in Puerto Rico, Baltimore locals, organizations, and industries have stepped up to help rebuild the island, including thousands of dollars donated and tens of thousands of supplies assembled for those in need. On Friday night, the city’s support continues with local bands jamming out with a benefit concert at Metro Gallery. Hear Baltimore’s rising artists play their hearts out for a good cause—from Soul Cannon’s experimental indie hip-hop, to electronic R&B duo Chiffon’s mesmerizing slow jams, to Super City’s guitar-driven pop-rock—and uplift Puerto Rico’s residents through the Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund.

 DO

Nov. 19: Trot the Trail 5K

Herring Run Park, 3800 Belair Rd. 8 a.m. $54. 

This Sunday, burn off some calories before you gorge on thick slices of turkey and heaping plates of pumpkin pie. Hosted by Charm City Run and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks as part of their annual $5 5K series, this race gives runners (and walkers) an opportunity to support the community through fitness and family fun for a cheap price (and all proceeds go towards city-wide park programming). Whether you’re an ace marathon racer or a novice jogger, wear your warmest gear and trot upwards of three miles the scenic Herring Run Trail. The weather might be nippy, but the scenic views of urban woodland and Lake Montebello’s beautiful reservoir should help you keep up the pace.  

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

Aug. 13: WYPR + Salt

Salt Tavern, 2127 E. Pratt St. 4-6:15 p.m. $5-10.

As we reach the middle of August, it sadly means that our city’s beloved outdoor concert series will slowly start coming to a close. This Sunday, before you make your way to Patterson Park for its last live music of the season, swing by Salt Tavern in nearby Butchers Hill to pregame the show with our local NPR affiliate (and concert co-host) WYPR. At this 11-year-old Best Restaurant, fill your belly with a smattering of small bites by renowned chef Jason Ambrose—hopefully including the stalwart’s trademark Wagyu foie gras slider and tempting truffle fries—then scramble down Pratt Street to hear local 1960s soul collective, The Bellevederes.

 DRINK

Aug. 13: Charm City 5K Trail Run

Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes. 6-11 p.m. $45.

What better form of encouragement for an evening run than endless amounts of wine? This Sunday, lace up for a 5K race through the picturesque Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County, all the while reminding yourself of the finish-line reward: fine wine and cheese. Bring your friends and family to sample the winery’s roses, reds, and whites, with live music and a continued run of unseasonably cool weather—we hope.

 SEE

Aug. 11-13: BronyCon

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $70-2,000. 

For one weekend a year, the streets of Baltimore transform into a colorful, cartoon paradise as fans of My Little Pony convene for the annual BronyCon festival. With a cult following of “bronies,” this cosplay convention features three days of autographs, costume contests, gaming, and one giant BronyPalooza concert. Whether you’re ogling as an onlooker or joining in the equine fun, head to the Inner Harbor to bear witness to this once-a-year affair.

 HEAR

Aug. 13: Us And Us Only

The Crown, N. Charles St. 8 p.m. $7. 

Last month, we were wowed by the new album of Baltimore indie-rocker Us And Us Only. The quintet’s second full-length release, Full Flower, is a feat of lush guitars, punching drums, and earnest vocals, created in part by the soon-to-be-closing Mobtown Studios. Each song fills the room with a nostalgic summer sound, like on “Kno” and “sun4u,” and solidifies their status as a Baltimore Band To Watch. Catch them live this weekend at The Crown, with Baltimore’s own psych-pop group Raindeer and folk singer Nina Gala, plus Brooklyn-based shoegaze trio with possibly the best band name ever: Really Big Pinecone.

 DO

Aug. 12: Baltimore AFRAM Festival

Druid Hill Park, 3001 East Dr. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

For the past 40 years, the AFRAM festival, formerly known as the African American Heritage Festival, has kicked off in the high heat of Baltimore summer with thousands of festivalgoers at Camden Yards. This year, however, a few big changes are taking place, with a shorter timeslot, new venue, and more local than national focus. Though the revisions have incited some backlash, this celebration of African-American culture is still sure to be a jam-packed day full of art, music, community outreach, and family fun in its first-ever location—the verdant landscape of Druid Hill Park. 

Calling all runners, walkers, and movers and shakers: Local specialty running company Charm City Run is opening its eighth location in August. The new 1,900-square-foot store will be at the corner of Thames and Caroline streets, right between the Fells Point and Harbor East neighborhoods. 

“That area seems to be constantly growing and we are excited to be here,” says Ashley Lines, marketing director for Charm City Run. “We have our downtown Locust Point location currently, but we just felt like there was a need for the wellness community on the other side of the harbor.” 

Charm City Run hopes to attract the many runners and pedestrians that pass by the new location on their way to work. You can expect to see a consistent array of shoes, apparel, and accessories from brands the store already carries, like Saucony, Mizuno, Under Armour, and many more. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the store’s unique fitting process—they analyze and measure your feet, ensuring that you pick the best shoes for your body. 

This location will offer pub fun runs, free community yoga classes, and, of course, the store’s well-known training groups, which meet up several times a week in preparation for specific races that are happening around town. 

“We have never been in the business of just selling shoes,” says Charm City Run owner, Josh Levinson. “We want to provide a great community and access to support for runners and walkers of all abilities and experience. We want people to meet, run, and connect.”

What gets you more motivated to go to the gym than cute new workout wear? Let’s face it, looking good goes hand in hand with feeling good. We’ve gathered some of our favorite fashionable activewear that will have you ready for athletics (or, if you prefer, “athleisure”) in no time.

“I Will What I Want” Under Armour tank ($29.99) at Charm City Run.

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Nike cheetah-print shorts ($34) at Charm City Run.

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Spiritual Gangster “Take Me To Nirvana” tank ($42) at M. Power.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus sneakers ($110) at Charm City Run.

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Under Armour “#iworkout” hair ties ($9.99) at Charm City Run.

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Beyond Yoga banded white bralette ($65) at M. Power.

Teeki Clouds hot pants ($76) at M. Power.

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Just Breathe billowing hoodie ($88) at Free People.

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Under Armour pink tote ($29.99) at Princeton Sports.

The advanced technology of fitness trackers will help boost your healthy lifestyle. We rounded up a few of our favorites (clockwise from top), so you’ll be sure to find your perfect fit(ness).

Garmin Vívofit
Where to Buy: Charm City Run
Price: $129.99
Why we love it: Vívofit follows your progress 24/7, calculating your total sleep hours along with periods of movement and restful sleep. Along with tracking your activity, Vívofit tracks your inactivity with a red bar that appears on the screen after one hour of no movement. Record your heart rate and other personal stats in Garmin Connect, the free online fitness community that syncs with your Vívofit. Also, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, some designed by Jonathan Adler.

Fitbit Flex
Where to Buy: City Sports
Price: $99.99
Why we Love it: Fitbit Flex wireless fitness wristband tracks daily activity, including steps taken, calories burned, and sleep quality. The flex also syncs stats wirelessly to your smartphone or computer. Use the band of lights on the wristband to set your goals and watch your progress.

Garmin Vívosmart
Where to Buy: Charm City Run
Price: $169.99
Why we Love it: Vívosmart gets its name for a reason. The advanced technology offers iPhone-like benefits. You can use the “Find my Phone” feature and receive text messages, e-mails, and other notifications that appear on the display screen. If your favorite workouts involve water, Vívosmart is water-resistant and tracks your activity for up to 50 meters.

Timex Move x20
Where to Buy: Falls Road Running Store
Price: $99.95
Why we love it: The Move x20 times your workouts and calculates your pace in real-time. It allows you to stay connected to the world without missing a workout by keeping track of calls and texts right on your wrist. The Move x20 syncs to the free Timex app on your smartphone, where you can set and achieve your goals. Use the weather alert feature to check temperature and other conditions. The tracking doesn’t end when your workout does—you can maintain a healthy lifestyle even while you sleep with vibration alerts that gently wake you up after your optimal amount of rest.