Selecting the right athletic shoes is crucial for enhancing performance and preventing injuries. Here are some tips from Dr. Kamel to help you make the best choice:
Shopping Tips
- Specialty Stores: Purchase shoes from a specialty store where staff can provide valuable input on the type of shoe needed for your sport and assist with proper fitting.
- Timing: Try on shoes after a workout or at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. Fit the shoe to your larger foot.
- Socks: Wear the same type of sock you use for your sport.
- Lacing: Start at the farthest eyelets and apply even pressure in a crisscross pattern to ensure proper lacing.
- Fit Check: You should be able to wiggle your toes freely. Ensure there is at least one thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The shoes should feel comfortable immediately without needing a break-in period.
- Test Walk/Run: Walk or run a few steps to ensure comfort.
- Heel Check: The shoe should grip your heel firmly without slipping.
Choosing the Right Type
- Running, Training, and Walking Shoes: Designed for activities like jogging and hiking.
- Court Sport Shoes: Suitable for tennis, basketball, and volleyball, supporting forward, backward, and side-to-side movements.
- Field Sport Shoes: For soccer, football, and baseball, featuring cleats, studs, or spikes.
- Track and Field Shoes: Specialized for the needs of runners.
- Specialty Sport Shoes: For golf, aerobic dancing, and bicycling.
- Outdoor Sport Shoes: For hunting, fishing, and boating.
Key Features to Look For
- Running Shoes: Look for cushioning, flexibility, control, stability, lightness, and traction to prevent injuries like shin splints and tendonitis.
- Walking Shoes: Opt for lightweight shoes with extra shock absorption in the heel and ball of the foot, a slightly rounded sole, and a comfortable upper.
- Aerobic Shoes: Choose lightweight shoes with extra shock absorption in the sole beneath the ball of the foot.
- Tennis Shoes: Select shoes that offer stability for side-to-side movements and flexibility in the sole for quick forward movements.
- Basketball Shoes: A thick, stiff sole provides stability, while high-tops may offer added support.
- Cross Trainers: These shoes combine features from various sports to accommodate multiple activities.
Changing Shoes Regularly
- Replace shoes after 300-500 miles of running or 300 hours of exercise to ensure optimal cushioning and support.
Addressing Specific Foot and Ankle Problems
- Heel Cups: Alleviate pain beneath the heel.
- Metatarsal Pads: Relieve pain beneath the ball of the big toe or other toes.
- Arch Supports: Treat pain in the arch of the foot, available in various materials.
- Custom Arch Supports: Necessary for chronic or complicated problems like severe flat feet, high arches, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and turf toe.
Additional Considerations
Lasting Methods:
- Slip-Lasted Shoes: Lightweight and flexible.
- Board-Lasted Shoes: Offer support and control for flat feet.
- Combination-Lasted Shoes: Provide good heel control and flexibility.
Consult Dr. Kamel if you experience any problems. Working with your surgeon and specialists in shoe inserts can ensure you find the best shoe for your needs.