Spring Sports: How To Find The Best Footwear

During the winter, colder weather conditions make us naturally turn toward heavier and more solidly constructed footwear for warmth and better traction. Once temperatures start to warm up, we prefer lighter, more airy shoes.

No matter which type of sports shoes you choose, make sure that it is well constructed, gives you good arch support and has good traction on the soles to help prevent accidents. The right type of will feel comfortable on your feet and help you forget that you are even wearing them as you are participating in your sport.

Find the Best Sports Shoes this Spring

• Visit a specialty store to find shoes designed for your particular sport. You wouldn’t want to wear court shoes when jogging on pavement. They wouldn’t have enough padding in the soles to take that level of pounding.

• Look for lightweight materials that will breathe. This will help to keep your feet comfortable and avoid having them get too sweaty as you work out or participate in a practice or a game.

• Your foot size will change as you age, so make sure you have your feet measured before you buy shoes. Go shopping at the end of the day when your feet are biggest; this will allow you to get an accurate measurement.

• Most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Fit the shoes to the larger foot.

• Don’t stick to the size marked on the product. Choose the shoes by how they make your feet feel and if they are comfortable, even if the size is larger or smaller than what you usually wear.

• Look at the design of the shoe and find one that is as close to the natural shape of your foot as possible.

• Make sure that there is enough room at the end so that your longest toe is comfortable when you stand up straight. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably into the widest part of the shoe without feeling too snug.

• The heel of the foot should fit comfortably into the shoe with very little slipping. It should not rub up and down while you are wearing it, since that could lead to the formation of blisters.

• If the shoes feel confining or pinch anywhere, you need to buy a larger size or consider a different style or manufacturer.

• Walk back and forth several times in the shoes to ensure they are comfortable. Try doing a few stretches as if you were warming up for your sport as well.

If your feet or ankles feel sore after participating in sports and they don’t feel better after a day or two, consult Sheldon H. Nadal, D.P.M. for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Contact him to book an appointment today.