How to Select the Proper Athletic Footwear
Amy Leslie, ATC, LAT
Hughston Athletic Training Fellowship
Over the past few decades the athletic shoe manufacturing industry has exploded. There are slews of options when it comes to purchasing shoes for different athletic activities. Selecting the correct shoe is one of the most crucial things an athlete can do to prevent a foot injury. So how do you know which pair of shoes to buy?
Before you go shoe shopping, have an athletic trainer evaluate your feet for any structural deformities and inspect the wear on your current shoes. You should select a pair of shoes based on the way your feet are structured, as well as what sport or activity you’re going to be participating in. Different sports and activities have different requirements for shoes. For example, a basketball shoe has more ankle support for sudden starts and stops on the court whereas a running shoe has more cushioning for shock absorption.
Depending on the findings of the athletic trainer you should then go try on shoes that meet the specifications of your feet and activity. You always need to have both feet measured. An individual’s feet may actually be different sizes and he or she should choose the shoes size based on the largest foot. Don’t forget, your feet expand while you’re standing so always stand while measuring your feet. Have your feet measured regularly because their size can change as you age. Always try on shoes at the end of the day to ensure the maximum size of your feet so they will fit during any situation. While trying on shoes, try on both shoes and wear them for at least 10 minutes while moving around to get a feeling for what they will be like while participating in your sport or activity. You should have room in the toe box to wiggle your toes and your heel should not slip up when walking.
Don’t forget about socks. While you’re trying on shoes, wear the socks that you will be wearing with your shoes. Your socks need to be correctly fitted just as your shoes need to be. As the shoe industry has grown so has the sock industry. There are a variety of different types and fits of socks today. This makes it very important to figure out which socks fit the best and provide the best support for you.
Now that you’ve found the perfect pair of shoes and gotten them home, it is ill advised to run 10 miles or play 2 hours of tennis right away. You have to gradually acclimate your feet to your new shoes. If not, you will be doomed to sore feet, blisters, and perhaps worse. Depending on your level of activity, it is necessary to purchase new shoes every 4 to 8 months.
Just remember, it’s not always about style. In order to prolong the bone and joint health of your feet, it is important to have properly fitted and comfortable shoes. Improperly fitted shoes can negatively affect your ankles, knees, hips, back, and neck.
References
Cluett, J. (2009). How to buy shoes. Retrieved November 15, 2009, from About.com:Orthopedics website: http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/beforeyoubuy/ht/buyshoes.htm
Prentice, W. E. (2006). Arnheim’s principles of athletic training: A competency-based approach(12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Pribut, S. M. (n.d.). Selecting a running shoe. Retrieved November 15, 2009, from American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine website: http://www.aapsm.org/selectingshoes.html
Tips for choosing great shoes. (2009). Retrieved November 15, 2009, from Sneakerhead website: http://www.sneakerhead.com/choosing-sneaker.html
Amy Leslie, ATC, is a second year graduate student and recipient of the Hughston Athletic Training Fellowship Program in Columbus, Georgia. Ms. Leslie, a native of Raleigh, NC, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Greensboro College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training in May 2008. While attending GC she completed rotations with football, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, men’s lacrosse, Urgent Family and Medical Care, Murphy Wainer Orthopedic Specialists, Greensboro Orthopaedics, and Southeast Guilford High School. Amy was a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, Alpha Chi Inter-Disciplinary Honor Society, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities &Colleges. She served as President of GC’s Athletic Training Club from 2007-2008 and is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). Amy has been assigned to serve as the head athletic trainer at Jordan Vocational High School, Columbus.