The right pair of athletic shoes can be an important tool to prevent injuries and keep you comfortable. Unfortunately, athletic shoe shopping can be intimidating with a sea of shoe choices and everyone claiming to have the shoe for you.
Wearing the right athletic shoe will no doubt enhance your performance and provide the comfort and support you need to enjoy staying active. It is also important to:
On average, walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons on your feet each day. It should come as no surprise, then, that when you wear shoes that do not fit properly or that are not made to handle the movement involved in the sports you play, you are likely to develop:
Your feet are subject to more injury than any other part of your body. Injuries that can result from failing to wear the right shoes include:
Tracking down a pair of athletic shoes that is appropriate for you does not need to be an impossible task. Before you get to the store, ask yourself:
Once you get to the store, here is what to look for in sports specific shoes:
A good fit is critical for your enjoyment and performance. Keep in mind that it is wise to go shopping after a workout or at the end of the day, when your feet will be at their largest. Also, you will want to wear the same type of sock that you will wear when you are exercising.
Next, you will want to try on several different pairs of shoes. Shoes fit properly when: There is a firm grip of the shoe to your heel. You can wiggle all of your toes. The shoes do not feel too tight or too loose.
Lastly, you should have both feet measured. Fit shoes to your larger foot. Lace your shoes beginning at the farthest eyelets; apply even pressure as you crisscross to the top of the shoe. Try on both shoes. Walk or run a few steps. The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. You do not need to break in athletic shoes.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
http://www.aapsm.org/
American Podiatric Medical Association.
http://www.apma.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Athletic shoes. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=32&topcategory=Foot. Updated July 2001. Accessed November 8, 2010.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Footwear Guide. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=101&topcategory=Foot. Accessed July 17, 2003.
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Selecting a running shoe. American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine website. Available at: http://www.aapsm.org/selectingshoes.html . Accessed July 17, 2003.
American Orthopedic Food & Ankle Society. Foot fitness for life. American Orthopedic Food & Ankle Society website. Available at: http://www.aofas.org/ . Accessed July 17, 2003.
American Podiatric Medical Association. Footwear. American Podiatric Medical Association website. Available at: http://www.apma.org/topics/footwear.htm/ . Accessed July 17, 2003.
Borom AH, Clanton TO. Sports shoes and orthoses. In: DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2003.
Last reviewed November 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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