Selecting Quality Sports Shoes

Mr.John visited physiotherapy clinic the other day with a complaint of knee pain. Mr. John had been exercising in form of jogging since many years but often had knee pain which subsided after some rest. He took an X-Ray, pain killer, medicines also exercised but the pain came back after the activity.

Physiotherapist just asked the patient to show the foot wear which he uses for the exercise and Bingo!! Mr. John understood where he was going wrong. His shoes were worn out badly on one side also the cushion was very less.

This happens in our day to day example but blaming the shoes or footwear we wear would be the last thing or most neglected thing to think about.

Some one rightly said :

" Cinderella is a proof that a pair of shoes can change your life "

Shoes are undeniably the most important equipment for any physical activity. With comfortable shoes the activity becomes more enjoyable and enhances your performance too.

According to California Podiatric Medical Association; right shoes are very important to prevent injuries to foot, knee, hip and back. Foot being the most weight bearing joint endures constant pressure and this pressure is even more when an athletic activity is done.

Each type of foot require different type of shoes for regular wear; same as each type of sport will require different type of shoe.

For Example: Flat foot will require a footwear which will help to enhance the arch whereas the pronounced arch foot will require a good cushioning.

I advice lot of people to buy a footwear from a speciality sports shop and avoid wearing shoes from boutiques. Because people working in a sports shop will have better knowledge for your requirement or they might as well analyze your gait pattern and recommend you the shoes.

TIPS TO BUY SHOES

1) Determine your foot morphology and what your sport or activity demands.

2) Athletic shoes  should be half size bigger than the footwear you wear for your regular outfits.

3) While trying shoes in shop try both the pair and just walk around or jog.

4) Spread the toes to verify that there should be enough space to move.

5) Sole should be flexible and enough cushioning should be there.

6) Keep in mind that you should never "Break -In" in new shoes they should be comfortable from the time you buy them.

Choosing Shoes According to the Sport you play

1)Running shoes: Should have inbuilt shock absorption, cushioning, flexibility in heel counter area, lightness and good traction.
2) Aerobics : Light weight, and should have extra shock absorption in sole beneath the ball of the foot to prevent fatigue.
3)Tennis : flexible sole to protect your feet from quick side to side movement.
4) Walking :Comfortable soft upper,good shock absorption, and rocker sole designed to encourage natural roll of the foot during walking motion.
5)Casual sports / Crosstraining : Its little heavier and should have flexibility in forefoot you need for running combined with lateral control necessary for aerobics or tennis.

Difference between outdoor and indoor shoes

Outdoor shoes will have a deeper flex grooves to maximise traction.

Indoor shoes will have a smoother sole.

BENEFITS

Choosing proper shoes prevents you from injuries. It lessens the impact of your step and will cushion the foot for heavy landing.

Ill-fitting shoes can sprain your ankle or cause irritation to toes or nails.

REPLACEMENT OF THE SHOES

Sports should be replaced usually after 1 year of use.

American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends replacing shoes used for walking or running after 300 - 500 miles of use. Sports shoes used for aerobics,basketball,tennis should be replaced after 40-60 hours of wearing.

Also it should be changed when there are signs of wear and tear , unevenness or if heel breaks down.

Rarely we spent time to think what shoes best fits our foot but, as I said earlier wearing right shoes does make a difference .

So, Lets start of on Right Foot !!

Cheers !!!