FOR RELEASE AFTER MARCH 1, 2005

 

Contact: Pam Nutting

(312) 427-5810

 

As Springtime Nears and Outdoor Activities Increase, the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association Wants to Provide Helpful Hints for Selecting the Right Shoe

 

Chicago, IL, March 2005 -- Feet bear much of the burden for most athletic activities.  Selecting the right shoe is as equally important as selecting the right golf club or tennis racket. A well-fitting, well-made and properly used shoe can help reduce foot problems and increase performance.

            Depending on the sport of choice or activity, there is a shoe to meet your foot care needs. Different sports call for specific footwear to protect feet and ankles. For example, a running shoe is built to accommodate the impact that concentrates on the forefoot, while a tennis shoe is made to give relatively more support to the ankles, and permit sudden stops and turns.

Following is a rundown of sports and recommended shoe type:

Cycling: Select a cycling-specific shoe that is right for you among models designed for either racing or mountain biking. The casual rider without known foot problems can use cross training shoes (i.e. combination cycling hiking shoes), which provide the necessary support across the arch and instep as well as the heel lift that cycling shoes give.

Golf: No longer driven by fashion, today’s golf shoes are constructed using basic principles of athletic footwear. Advanced technological innovations keep golf shoes light and add strength.

Running: A good pair of running shoes is the most important piece of equipment for a runner. Shoe choice should be determined by weight, foot structure, and running regimen. Shoes have different shapes and sizes and not uniform from shoe to shoe.

 

Selecting the Right Shoe

Tennis: Proper tennis shoes “give” enough to allow for side-to-side sliding. In addition, tennis shoes need to have padded toe boxes to prevent injuries.

Walking: The ideal walking shoe should be stable from side to side, and well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly. Running shoes are acceptable for a walking program, but specialty walking shoes tend to be slightly less cushioned, lighter, and not as bulky as running shoes.

Proper fit is the key in selecting shoes. Keep these tips in mind when you are purchasing shoes:

□       Have your feet measured while you’re standing

□       Always try on both shoes, and walk in the shoes before buying them

□       Buy for the larger foot; feet are rarely the same size

□       Shoes should feel comfortable immediately (make sure you can wiggle your toes), not needing a break-in period

□       Shop for shoes later in the day; feet swell during the day

□       Be sure that the widest part of your foot corresponds to the widest part of the shoe (typically round and square toe shoes have the most room)

□       Try on shoes while you’re wearing the same type of sock or insert you’ll be wearing with the shoe

If you are still having problems selecting the right shoe call your podiatrist or contact the IPMA at 312-427-5810 for a referral to a podiatrist in your area.