Proper Footwear Is Essential
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:16 am
By Virginia Thomas
Whether your exercise of choice is walking, running, or cycling, the right shoe can help prevent injuries of the feet, knees, hips, and back. But picking the right shoe can be overwhelming, because there are so many brands and types on the market. Here are some tips to help you:
Go to a reputable retailer that can determine your specific needs.
Plan on spending $65 to $100 for a good pair of shoes.
Try on shoes late in the afternoon, when your feet are swollen.
Bring in your old shoes so the retailer can examine your wear patterns.
Bring along a pair of the socks that you will be wearing with the new shoes.
Compare four or five different makes so see which one is the most comfortable.
A new shoe should feel comfortable from the moment you put it on. Walk around and jump up and down on a hard surface. Test the flexibility of the shoe by rolling up on the toes. If the heel slips out of place, the shoe is too stiff in the forefoot. When testing for lateral stability (important for court activities), stand on one foot and twist that foot from side to side. If the foot slips, the upper shoe isn't stable enough.
When you find a good shoe, consider buying two pairs. That way, you can alternate the days you use them and allow the shoes to completely dry between workouts.
Whether your exercise of choice is walking, running, or cycling, the right shoe can help prevent injuries of the feet, knees, hips, and back. But picking the right shoe can be overwhelming, because there are so many brands and types on the market. Here are some tips to help you:
Go to a reputable retailer that can determine your specific needs.
Plan on spending $65 to $100 for a good pair of shoes.
Try on shoes late in the afternoon, when your feet are swollen.
Bring in your old shoes so the retailer can examine your wear patterns.
Bring along a pair of the socks that you will be wearing with the new shoes.
Compare four or five different makes so see which one is the most comfortable.
A new shoe should feel comfortable from the moment you put it on. Walk around and jump up and down on a hard surface. Test the flexibility of the shoe by rolling up on the toes. If the heel slips out of place, the shoe is too stiff in the forefoot. When testing for lateral stability (important for court activities), stand on one foot and twist that foot from side to side. If the foot slips, the upper shoe isn't stable enough.
When you find a good shoe, consider buying two pairs. That way, you can alternate the days you use them and allow the shoes to completely dry between workouts.
