The feet endure a large amount of pressure in daily activities and this pressure increases if you are involved in athletics. Athletic shoes should be fitted in order to hold the foot in its most natural position, according to the California Podiatric Medical Association, and choosing the right shoes for your sport is important in maintaining back, leg and foot health. The right shoes can make a difference in your sports performance as well as how your body feels at the end of a game or exercise session.
Types of Sport Shoes
Running shoes are designed to handle impact. A tennis shoe is made for support and is able to accommodate sudden turns and stops, according to New York Sports Podiatry, while for physical education and gym members, a cross-training shoe is recommended. Cross-trainers provide lateral support and are significantly less flexible than running shoes. They also are heavier but lightweight, flexible shoes are not needed in cross-training or in general exercising. This makes cross-trainers ideal if you use stair machines or engage in weightlifting. Sport-specific shoes are a worthwhile investment for serious athletes. For children and adults who focus heavily on one sport, sport specific shoes are recommended. You should consider investing in cleats, running shoes or basketball shoes depending on the sport you participate in.
Design
Sports shoes are designed to hold your foot in a natural position while moving. Athletic shoes protect your feet from stress and provide for more traction while engaging in sports. Sports shoes come in a variety of materials, weight and lacing patterns that are meant to protect the regions of your foot that are most likely to sustain stress given your chosen sport or exercise, according to New York Sports Podiatry. All sports shoes should be properly fitted to the width of your foot. The upper portion of your shoe should be made of leather or canvas. Soles should be flexible at the ball of your foot and provide cushioning and arch support. There should be enough room in your athletic shoes so that you can wiggle your toes. If you are unsure of the fit of your shoes, visit a sporting goods store or store that specializes in your specific sport. You also can also take your athletic shoes to a podiatric specialist for recommendations for appropriate footwear for your sport. Keep in mind that you should never have to "break-in" new athletic shoes. They should be comfortable from the second you buy them.
Injury Prevention
Appropriate shoes for your sports are important for injury prevention. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to pain in the foot and ankle. For general exercise, side-to-side motions can lead to forefoot instability and irritate the toes and nails. Shoes should have a large enough toe box and be made of thick leather in the area surrounding your forefoot. In contact sports, injuries can be overuse or traumatic. Ill-fitting shoes can not only cause problems in the foot but also in the ankles, legs, hip and backs. The foot needs appropriate stability, shock absorption and flexibility to be effective and prevent injuries and pain.
Replacement
Sports shoes need to be replaced after one year regardless of whether they are worn. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends replacing shoes used for walking or running after 300 to 500 miles of use. Other sports shoes, including aerobic, basketball and tennis shoes, should be replaced after 45 to 60 hours of wear. You also should replace sports shoes if they show signs of creasing, noticeable wear, unevenness or if the heel begins to break down.
Member Comments