Finding the Right Training Shoe for You
Finding the correct shoe for your activity or sport is one of the most important parts of any fitness or training program. Many people do not realise the amount of work that their feet do on a day to day basis.
It is only when they start to hurt that we realise we have the wrong shoes on this could be from wearing some really high heels and being on your feet all day to hiking up a mountain in a pair of sandals.
For every foot strike while walking the between 1.5 and 2 times out body weight is transferred into each foot, and while running it can be around 3 times. For people and athletes engaged in physical activity choosing the correct shoes for them is the difference between being injured and healthy.
Do your research
Make sure you do as much research as you think is necessary to make the best informed decision for you. Don’t just pick the first shoe that you like, read reviews, speak to fellow participants in your sport or activity and use their experiences. Most specialist stores now offer gait analysis, this will identify how you move and which type of shoe is best for your feet. You can also use the quick test in the video below to establish which type of gait you have.
More advice on choosing the right training shoes
Choose the right shoe for your sport or activity
This goes without saying if your shoes are not specific to your sport you will not perform as you should and you could open yourself up to injury. Too many athletes or fitness enthusiast choose a shoe that looks good or cost less over what it will do to support them in their efforts. A runner will need a shoe that is lightweight but cushions and supports the foot on the heel strike, where as a football player will need a shoe that will keep the foot stable and support any lateral movement without endangering the ankle. Not choosing the training shoe specific to your sport and foot type can lead to prolonged injury that may hinder or keep you from participating in your sport.
Try to find a training shoe that also has the correct width for your foot. Wear a shoe that is too tight for too long, and you can cause bunions, hammer toes and even pinched nerves. Wear a shoe that's too wide, and you chance bruising, and blistering from excessive foot movement. Consider an over-the-counter or custom orthopaedic insert that you can add for extra arch support or cushioning. Many training shoes such as Football boots or track spikes have little to zero cushioning or support.
Consider the cost
Buy the best shoe you can afford, don’t settle on a cheap model that will not be suitable for you. Don’t settle on a cheaper model that is not the same specification for your needs. Remember that you do get what you pay for it is better to pay a little more for a better shoe then open yourself up to injury in the short term or further down the line.
It is only when they start to hurt that we realise we have the wrong shoes on this could be from wearing some really high heels and being on your feet all day to hiking up a mountain in a pair of sandals.
For every foot strike while walking the between 1.5 and 2 times out body weight is transferred into each foot, and while running it can be around 3 times. For people and athletes engaged in physical activity choosing the correct shoes for them is the difference between being injured and healthy.
Do your research
Make sure you do as much research as you think is necessary to make the best informed decision for you. Don’t just pick the first shoe that you like, read reviews, speak to fellow participants in your sport or activity and use their experiences. Most specialist stores now offer gait analysis, this will identify how you move and which type of shoe is best for your feet. You can also use the quick test in the video below to establish which type of gait you have.
More advice on choosing the right training shoes
Choose the right shoe for your sport or activity
This goes without saying if your shoes are not specific to your sport you will not perform as you should and you could open yourself up to injury. Too many athletes or fitness enthusiast choose a shoe that looks good or cost less over what it will do to support them in their efforts. A runner will need a shoe that is lightweight but cushions and supports the foot on the heel strike, where as a football player will need a shoe that will keep the foot stable and support any lateral movement without endangering the ankle. Not choosing the training shoe specific to your sport and foot type can lead to prolonged injury that may hinder or keep you from participating in your sport.
Try to find a training shoe that also has the correct width for your foot. Wear a shoe that is too tight for too long, and you can cause bunions, hammer toes and even pinched nerves. Wear a shoe that's too wide, and you chance bruising, and blistering from excessive foot movement. Consider an over-the-counter or custom orthopaedic insert that you can add for extra arch support or cushioning. Many training shoes such as Football boots or track spikes have little to zero cushioning or support.
Consider the cost
Buy the best shoe you can afford, don’t settle on a cheap model that will not be suitable for you. Don’t settle on a cheaper model that is not the same specification for your needs. Remember that you do get what you pay for it is better to pay a little more for a better shoe then open yourself up to injury in the short term or further down the line.
