If you’re serious about your exercise and sport then it is imperative that you choose the shoe
that is correct for you. There are 206 bones and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet that
need looking after. Buying the right shoes can make the difference between comfort and discomfort, between performing well and
not performing well, and, most importantly, between safety and injury.
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing the right pair of shoes for you. The most common mistake people make is to buy cheap shoes. Cheap sports shoes are a false economy, they tend to wear out quicker, give you to substandard performance and may lead to a higher susceptibility to injury. However, expensive shoes may also not be optimal for the individual athlete (and quite often the extra expense may go towards style rather than substance).
The most important factor is to buy a shoe that is designed for your particular activity. If running is your game then buy a running shoe. If you’re into tennis, then buy a tennis shoe. Each shoe is designed for the strength, stability and cushioning in the areas that need it according to the particular sport. Buying a properly designed shoe will add to your comfort and reduce injury as well.
Other factors worth considering are:
Do the inner seams rub against your foot? (They shouldn’t)
Does the shoe have firm heel cradle and arch support?
Is the shoe’s material flexible and allow your feet to “breathe”?
Does the shoe provide adequate shock absorption?
Does the widest area of your foot correspond to widest area of the shoe? (try tracing out the shoe with a pencil. Then take off your shoes, stand in the same place, and trace a line around each shoe with a different coloured pencil. If at any point the outline of your feet is larger than the outline of the shoe then you are squeezing some of the bones and muscles in the foot)
The right shoe for you won’t need to be “broken in” and they should feel right from the start.
If you feel that your shoes may be contributing to your injuries then consider consulting your health care professional who can advise you how best to proceed. You may require more specialized shoes for your activity if you excessively pronate when running, for example, or you may require orthotics to give you the correct arch support.
