Lezlie Ito followed her doctor's and friends' recommendation to better health.

Ito, 52, was told by her doctor to, "Get on a diet and find a pair of walking shoes," she said.

The Honolulu resident, who was a ballet student until her late teens, went to Fleet Feet in Kailua in search of shoes.

"As a trained ballet dancer, I know my feet," she said. "I heard from friends that Fleet Feet did a good job of fitting people with shoes, so I gave them a try."

Ito has never been into flash and design when it comes to footwear.

"To me, shoes would either be black or white in color. I didn't care what was supposed to look good, only that they were comfortable," she said. "I'm picky about the comfort of my shoes."

The process at Fleet Feet involves asking customers about their running or walking history, as well as any goals they may have, owner Susan Redpath said. Fleet Feet keeps a basic record of every customer's shoe size, and type for future reference.

"(We) examine the feet, legs and ankles for scar tissue, bunions, toenail discoloration or deformity, calluses ... anything that might tell us more about our customers' past, their foot strike and the kind of shoe or insert that might be best for them," Redpath said.

Fleet Feet also consults with referring podiatrists and physical therapists, who also host regular clinics at the store.

Ito's new shoes have paid off for her, as her diet and walking regimen has resulted in her losing more than 40 pounds.

"I'm so excited about regaining my fitness" she said.

HOW THE SHOES FIT

Alex Daniels, a Fleet Feet employee, was charged with helping me find a pair of shoes for my plantar condition.

Daniels, 24, a former cross country and track runner in high school and college, had me walk barefoot to analyze my gait.

He initially selected three shoe brands to address my slight overpronation and discomfort issues. None of them were a good fit, prompting Daniels to have me try a pair of insoles — which also didn't work.

Daniels then brought out two more pairs of shoes, Asics and adidas. Asics was a brand I have used in the past. But because shoe companies constantly change their platform designs, what may fit comfortably this year, may not be the same next year. After eliminating the Asics, I was down to adidas, a brand I've only bought twice in my lifetime, and this time I found the right shoes.

The adidas were a proper fit and, most importantly, provided the comfort needed for my feet.