| No matter what your sport is, your athletic shoes | | | | don't have to be an expert to tell if you have a |
| are one of the most important pieces of | | | | flexible or rigid foot. Your athletic shoe should be |
| equipment. From tennis to running, basketball to | | | | opposite of your foot type. For rigid feet, you can |
| soccer, choosing the right athletic shoes for the | | | | get by with mesh or other light materials for the |
| right reasons can make a huge difference in | | | | upper, as you need less support for your foot. |
| keeping your feet and body healthy. Below you | | | | For a flexible foot, you should lean more toward a |
| will find some of the things you need to consider | | | | rigid upper, that will control excessive motion and |
| when choosing shoes for your sport. | | | | reduce stress. |
| Style Isn't Everything | | | | The Arch |
| Just about every day, someone asks me about | | | | Arch support is essential for good athletic shoes. |
| their shoes. Questions vary from sport to sport, | | | | Even people with good arches, or great feet |
| but the fact remains that the majority of people | | | | mechanics should have sufficient arch support. |
| choose athletic shoes based on brand names and | | | | But, arch support is more than just the arch. It is |
| styles, rather than what is best for their own | | | | the way that the sole of the athletic shoe is |
| feet. | | | | created and constructed that determines the |
| I know that it can be hard to pass up those | | | | overall characteristics of the arch. And as far as |
| awesome looking shoes that match your uniform | | | | those cushy insoles that they try to upsell you at |
| perfectly, but in the long run, the most important | | | | the shoe store - pass on those as they just add |
| thing is that the athletic shoe serves its | | | | comfort, not support. |
| function...to support and protect your feet. So, lets | | | | When choosing shoes, look closely at the sole of |
| take a closer look at what makes a good athletic | | | | the shoe. A good arch support will be evident by |
| shoe. | | | | the shape of the shoe. Notice the outline of the |
| The Heel Box | | | | sole. There should be a minimal amount of change |
| When I explain shoes to my patients, I always | | | | in width between the toe and the heel. The wider |
| start with the heel box. This is where most | | | | the athletic shoe is at the middle (where your |
| people are similiar in their needs. A sturdy heel | | | | arch is), the more surface area there is to |
| box is essential to help control your rear-foot | | | | support your foot. So, avoid shoes that start out |
| during athletic activities. The heel box is essentially | | | | wide at the toe, narrow way down in the middle, |
| the back third of the shoe, that surrounds your | | | | and then flare out again at the heel. |
| heel. Most athletic shoes have a heel box made | | | | Change is Good |
| up of leather, and some type of plastic or rubber | | | | Even the perfect athletic shoe will wear out over |
| re-inforcement. However, not all athletic shoes are | | | | time. I have seen quite a few injuries due to old |
| created equal. To test the heel box, try bending it | | | | or worn out shoes. Just like any other equipment, |
| over, or squeezing it in, and see how much | | | | you should monitor your shoes, and replace them |
| resistance you encounter. If you can easily fold | | | | when they wear out. If you are a runner, monitor |
| over the heel box, then chances are you will not | | | | your mileage, and replace them as appropriate. |
| get much support. | | | | How do you know when to buy new shoes? Well, |
| The Upper | | | | holes, or pieces falling off are generally good |
| This is the area where most people make the | | | | indicators...But if it isn't that obvious, look for all of |
| mistake that causes injury. The "Upper" is the | | | | the qualities that you used to choose the athletic |
| portion of the shoe that surrounds the foot. It is | | | | shoe in the first place. Is the heel box still sturdy? |
| the upper portion of the shoe, from the heel box | | | | Is the upper as rigid as it needs to be to control |
| to the toe box. Uppers can be fashioned from all | | | | your foot? Is the arch still in good shape, or have |
| kinds of different materials, from mesh to leather, | | | | you worn down one side of the sole? Answer |
| and other types of fabrics. Depending on your | | | | these questions, and inspect your shoes often to |
| foot type, you may need more or less support | | | | keep them protecting your feet. |
| from the upper. | | | | Summary |
| This portion of the shoe helps to control the mid | | | | Good athletic shoes don't have to be flashy, or |
| and forefoot. Too much motion in these areas will | | | | expensive to serve their intended purpose. There |
| allow for excessive stress through the | | | | are lots of shoes out there that will fit both your |
| meta-tarsals and tarsals, and can result in stress | | | | needs and your budget. Look for all of the right |
| fractures, tendonitis, and other problems. To | | | | qualities to fit your foot, and you are sure to |
| determine what type of foot you have, grab | | | | make a wise decision. And when in doubt? Discuss |
| ahold of your foot with both hands, and move it | | | | shoe wear with other athletes, and the sales |
| around. Try moving individual bones around...do | | | | person at the shoe store. Chances are they have |
| you find lots of motion, with little resistance, or is | | | | some good insight. |
| your foot very rigid, with little movement. You | | | | |