WLKK - 1077 The Lake

Buying the Proper Shoes

Tips On Buying The Right Shoes or Sneakers...

IF THE SHOE FITS, DON'T ALWAYS WEAR IT

There's more to buying shoes than putting on just one and walking around the store.

With twenty-six bones, thirty-three joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments that can sustain a ton of pressure, the human foot is one incredible complex mechanical structure. It provides support, balance and mobility. A single flaw in or malfunction will result in pain and development problems throughout your body.

So it's a good idea to wear the right shoe, especially if you're on the move at work or involved in athletics.

First, find out if your feet have high, medium, or low arches. Here's a way to find out, wet the bottom of your bare foot and make a footprint on a hard surface. If a thin line connects your forefoot and heel, you have high-arched feet. However, if you've left an entire footprint on the floor, you have a low arch. Anything in between is considered a medium arch.

A high-arched foot is not very flexible and needs a shoe with plenty of cushion. A flat foot is too flexible and requires a shoe with motion control. A medium arch needs what is called a stability shoe. Other factors including arch pain may require added support. If you have bunions a wider shoe is often the answer to better comfort.

A QUICK GUIDE FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE SHOE

Wide Feet: Look for a shoe with a broad support base, crushproof cushioning and an upper that won't stretch.

Narrow Feet: Shoes with stretchy material over the toes will reduce blistering. You'll also want to look for high, padded, notched heel tabs and laces that tighten the whole length of the shoe.

Fallen Arches: A sole that is straight from toe to heel will give you good support and the right fit. Also look for sufficient material under the arch. Without support, your droopy arches risk further flattening.

High Arches: You will need lots of cushioning and support. Stay away from shoes that are built for speed such as "light trainer" running shoes.
As the size and shape of feet vary so do sports and fitness levels. A cross-training show is good if you only jog a little every month and play the occasional pick -up game in the driveway. But to avoid shin splints and ankle sprains, anyone doing a certain activity multiple times during the week should wear shoes specific to that sport or activity.

Getting the Right Fit

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society makes several recommendations for getting a good fit:

Have your feet measured when they are at their largest: at the end of the day or after a run, walk, game, or practice.
The best-designed shoes will not do their job if they do not fit properly.
Buy a shoe that fits both your foot and your sport.
Always have both feet measured.
Buy shoes when your feet are largest in size (at the end of a day or after a workout.)
Take into account the qualities of your feet.
Wear your workout socks.
Try on the shoes, because sizes vary by manufacturer.
Make sure both shoes fit.
Ensure that the shoe provides at least one thumb's width of space from the longest toe to the end of the toe box.

If you're getting ready to take on a 14er or maybe you are just going to tackle 14 miles at the gym, either way, check if your shoes are showing signs of wear?

You can see the cushioning foam through the bottom of your shoe
Major seams are coming apart
Heels lean in or out or just looked crushed
The sole is coming off
You have unexplained soreness in your feet, ankles, knees or hips after wearing your shoes

If you answered yes to any of the above, it might be time to retire those shoes or you may be at risk for injury.

Keep in mind that shoes should always feel comfortable through the arch, fit well across the ball of the foot, and hold the heel firmly.

SOME FINAL FOOTNOTES…

Women should be especially cautious when selecting shoes. Often, men's shoes are simply downsized and offered as "women's" shoes. In those instances, the heels can be too loose, so you'll buy a smaller size, which can lead to problems.

Toddling children need shoes that aren't too restrictive and have a soft rather than rigid sole and a sole that is skid-proof. Since a child's muscles are still developing at this time, a soft sole will allow the muscles and arches to develop more naturally and make early walking easier.

Also, make sure your young child's shoe is made of natural, breathable materials such as leather or canvas, never plastic. The right pair of shoes should conform to a baby's foot. A soft, natural material is more lightweight and comfortable for baby to wear as well as easier for a parent to get on a baby's little feet.

While putting on one shoe and hopping up and down a few times has become a tradition for picking the right shoe, it is rather easy, and important, to know just a few foot-saving secrets. It's easy to ignore something so out of view…just don't wait till your support system resorts to sending you a painful memo.