With the weather becoming pleasant, people are more apt to get outside to exercise or get back into the gym to hit it hard before bikini season arrives.
As people prepare, foot experts ask that people stop and think about the athletic footwear they are putting on their feet.
“Many people buy a shoe based on how it looks. You go into these places, you tell them what you like, they ask your size and go get the shoe. If it fits, they sell it to you. But you still don’t know if it’s the right shoe for you,” said Thom Burleson, co-owner of Athletic Annex Indiana, a specialty running store located on the city’s Northwestside.
If one doesn’t select the correct shoe, different conditions could arise.
“The Achilles tendon could be irritated or the arch of the foot could have stress causing planter fasciitis. Those with a history of arthritis could have some irritation with poor shoe selection,” said Dr. Tracy Warner of the Foot and Ankle Institute of Indiana.
When selecting the right footwear, people should begin by thinking about what they plan to use the shoe for. Athletic shoes, such as a basketball shoe, are created differently because each type of shoe offers various types of foot and ankle protection, but also is created to maximize performance.
A good example of this is the recent emergence of shoes specifically made for Zumba, a fitness activity that combines working out with dancing. In a Zumba shoe, the shoe properly supports the foot, but the sole is designed to make quick dance movements easy to execute.
Those who plan to do walking or running should choose shoes in the running shoe category.
For people who need a shoe for a variety of athletics, a safe category to consider is a cross trainer. Burleson stands behind cross trainers, but believes people should still do their research before settling on a cross trainer.
This is due to the mechanics of the body. Shoe buyers should consider their height, weight and walking gait when choosing a shoe. Warner said for example, some people “over pronate” meaning the foot rolls inward when walking or running. The proper athletic shoes can correct the problem and also prevent injury.
The proper shoe will also support and stabilize the body, meaning it maintains the body’s alignment. It should also have the right amount of cushion or have enough support to absorb foot-to-ground impact.
When choosing the size of the shoe, Warner suggests people take their thumbs width from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe to test how much extra room is needed.
“I’ve seen people with blood under the nail and they end up losing the nail just because their shoes were too short,” said Warner.
Burleson knows that certain people are brand loyal when it comes to purchasing a shoe. He believes each athletic brand, such as Adidas, Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Nike and Saucony provide an array of shoes with various support features that fit a variety of individuals, but firmly believes shoe purchasers should choose proper fit over the brand.
“If you have to have a Nike, that’s OK because Nike has great features within certain lines of their shoes. We will then show you Nike shoes that are appropriate for your needs,” said Burleson.
Once a shoe buyer takes these factors into consideration, they then should think about price. Burleson said a good shoe should be between $100 and $120. People should note that the most expensive shoe isn’t always the best shoe.
Athletes should lastly remember that shoes don’t last forever. Shoes worn daily should be replaced every six months. Shoes worn about three times a week, should be replaced once a year. Shoes worn less often should be replaced about every year and a half.
