Choosing The Correct Athletic Shoes Cont'd...

“Probably the one shoe style that allows you the most variability is a cross training shoe. You can run, be on the court, and go in the gym to work out,” explains Agbabian. A cross training shoe is a style that carries characteristics of different types of shoes. Cross training shoes offer enough stability as well as comfort in order for individuals to participate in a variety of activities.

The most common problem that Agbabian and his colleagues see with people who have been wearing improper or incorrect shoes are blisters.

“If their foot type really doesn’t match the correct shoe then injury is likely to occur, such as ankle sprains and chronic pains that eventually travel up the leg,” Agbabian says. He often sees patients who have a wider, flat foot who are using a shoe that’s not wide enough. The foot collapses, it flattens out more, and thus puts a lot of strain on their shins. This leads to the classic case of shin splints.

When deciding to replace a pair of shoes, consider the shoe’s construction and what activity the shoe is designed for. Even if shoes feel OK, they may be losing their ability to cushion and support your feet after prolonged use. Agbabian suggests changing running and walking shoes every 500 to 600 miles and court shoes such as basketball shoes after every season played. If shoes get to 500, 600 or 700 miles they begin to wear down or break a bit, then it’s time to change shoes.





The U-M team offers these quick tips that everyone should follow in order to find the “right” pair of athletic shoes:

* Shop for shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are at maximum size. (They swell during the day.)

* Wear the socks you normally wear with athletic shoes to assure the right fit.

* Try on both shoes. Most people's feet vary a bit in size from each other, so you should be sure the shoes fit your largest foot comfortably.

* Check for space at the end of your longest toe. There should be enough to let you move without pinching. Some experts recommend the length of a thumbnail.

* If you're a woman and your feet are wide, try men's shoes. These are usually cut wider. To find a size for starters, start with your own size, and subtract two.

* Move around in the shoes, and insist that they feel like a perfect fit right away. If they don't, keep looking.

* Don't shop by price alone, but do look for materials that breathe and good workmanship.

Source: University Of Michigan

Pages | 1 | 2 |