Finding the right shoe can make you feel a little bit like Cinderella. A proper pair of shoes is one of the most essential parts of your workout gear and is critical to your safety. Different shoes are built with different features suited for different activities, and wearing the wrong shoe can set you up for injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or even a total wipe-out! If the shoe fits – your activity – wear it! Now let’s walk you through the basics of choosing the right shoe for your activity.
Walking
Walking is one of those activities that can add years to your life -ask any centurion! When you walk to exercise, your heel hits the ground first before rolling gradually to the toe. This means you want a shoe with good shock absorption at the heel, particularly under the ball of the foot. Also, look for a shoe with a rocker bottom or slight rounding at the sole. This will help easily shift your weight from heel to toe.
The shoe should also be:
• Flexible along the arch area
• Rigid at the toe area
• Made with lightweight material
• Have a good amount of cushioning under the ball of the foot & arch area
Using the right walking shoe will reduce the chances of developing heel pain and burning & tenderness at the ball of the foot, which in many cases leads to plantar fasciitis.
Running
If you’re one of those people that like to get their heart rate really going and enjoys going out for an invigorating run, there are a few things to keep in mind when finding the right pair of shoes to run in. The best running shoes are lightweight, flexible, have heel control, and overall great shock absorption. What makes a running shoe different than a walking shoe is the thicker heel and the sole is arched, with intricate treads that help propel you forward.
If you need a pair of shoes to run a marathon, the general rule of thumb is that the shorter the race distance, the flatter & lighter shoe you can get away with. Adding any extra unnecessary cushioning and weight to your shoes may affect your running time. For a 5K marathon, a racer may choose a more snug-fitting minimal flat, although a 10K or half marathon will likely require a roomier, more cushioned shoe.
If you prefer running through the unpaved trail with beautiful scenery but with uneven terrain, look for trail running shoes. This type of shoe offers even greater stability and support by having a more aggressive tread to help grip the ground and get better traction. Check out this Pre-Run Dynamic Stretching Routine to keep all the moving parts of your feet and legs running smoothly.
Cross-Training
Sometimes you just need a good pair of shoes to help you do a little bit of everything. Maybe your workout routine consists of walking, jogging, playing a game of basketball, and then hitting the yoga mat −cross-training shoes would be perfect for you. Also, if you want a pair of shoes that’ll get you through the day after you run some errands, reorganize your closet, and do some gardening −go with the cross-training shoes!
Cross training shoes combine the running shoe’s flexibility at the forefoot and the walking shoe’s shock absorption. A good cross-training shoe has good traction, a thick and durable stable sole, cushioning for extra stability, and a solid upper to give you ankle support.
Once you’ve found your perfect training shoe, a general rule of thumb is to replace them every 80 to 100 workout hours. A simple visual test can be your guide as well. If you notice excessive creasing or wear on the areas of the shoe that absorb the most load (the heel and ball of the foot), it’s time to toss them out. Damaged safety footwear can increase your risk of injury, so it is important to know when it’s time for a replacement.
More Shoe Tips to Consider
• Your feet swell throughout the day so it’s best to try shoes on around midday when your feet are the largest
• Running shoes can also cause pain before they look worn. This is because they lose the capacity to absorb shock. The guideline to replace running shoes is every 350 to 500 miles. Running shoes older than one-year-old may also cause pain because of changes in the sole with exposure to humidity or heat.
• Avoid narrow shoes that pinch your feet and look for shoes with a wide toe box, leaving ample room for your toes.
• If your feet tend to perspire, select shoes that are made from moisture-wicking or leather material.
• There should be some arch support in the shoe or the insert inside the shoe. Many shoes can be made to fit better simply by removing the factory insert and having a physical therapist order a custom-made high-quality shoe insert. Ask your physical therapist about this!
Who knew there was so much to getting the right shoe for whatever you do! If your feet feel uncomfortable or are in pain, ignoring this is a sure way to develop lingering issues in your feet, legs, hips, and lower back. If you’re having trouble walking, don’t worry about getting to a clinic, we have physical therapists that will come to your home. Minimize your risk of foot or ankle problems and talk to a physical therapist to get the most out of your next activity or workout.
https://www.active.com/running/articles/how-to-pick-the-right-shoe-for-any-activity
Written by Vanessa Delgado
