Athletic Shoe Shopping: What to Look For

When people shop for sneakers or other athletic shoes, most choose style over substance. We pick the pair that looks the best, but is not necessarily the most comfortable. What we wear on our feet during exercise, however, is extremely important, and can have a huge effect on the chiropractic health of our bodies, particularly for runners.

Everyone's feet are different, and there is no one shoe that will fit all people the same. Wearing the right pair of shoes for your foot type is crucial in the prevention of leg, back, foot, and hip pain.

Determining your foot type (normal, flat, or high-arched) is the first step toward finding the shoe that's right for you.
• Normal foot: A normal foot has a standard arch and a slightly flared footprint, which will show the top and the bottom of the foot connected by the outside of the foot. The normal foot rolls inward slightly as you walk in order to absorb shock when you land on your heel. Normal feet are best served by shoes that are stable and have a slight curve.

• Flat foot: People with flat feet have a low arch. The entire soles of their feet hit the ground as they walk. This is often referred to as over-pronation, which means that the foot rolls significantly inward as a person walks. Chronic pain in the arch is common in those with flat feet. The right shoe for flat feet would be one that greatly emphasizes stability and has very little cushioning, particularly in the middle of the sole. Shoes for people with flat feet should be molded to the foot and resistant to bending and twisting, so that foot motion can be easily controlled as you walk.

• High-arched foot: The footprint of someone with a high-arched foot most often shows no connection at all between the toes and the heel of the foot. This often means there is under-pronation, where the foot has no shock absorbers and hits the ground heavily as one walks, as it rolls inward only slightly. Shoes for those with high-arched feet need a lot of cushioning and must also be quite flexible in order to emphasize movement.

You can contact your chiropractor in order to receive help in figuring out what type of feet you have. He or she will analyze your walk and recommend the best shoes to buy for your foot type.

There are a few steps to follow when it comes time to actually buy the right shoes for your feet. Most importantly, ask yourself what you need the shoe for. If you're a runner, a shoe that emphasizes shock absorbency in the heel is key. If you're a tennis player, you need a shoe with side-to-side stability for easier movement on the court. If you simply need a good walking shoe, it's best to look for a pair with extra cushioning so the foot will roll easily when walking.

The time of day you shop for shoes is actually significant. The best time is after exercising or a long day at work as this will be when your feet are at their largest. It's not good for the feet to feel cramped in a shoe that fit fine when you first put it on that morning. In addition, try to replicate the situation in which you'll be wearing the new shoes. Wear the same type of socks as well as any orthotic equipment you use for support when trying on shoes. It's important to do so because depending on how thick the sock is, as well as how much space any orthotic devices take up, you may need to choose a larger size than what you would usually wear.

You also want to make sure that you find the proper size at that moment, rather than going by the size you have always worn before. When trying the shoes on, make sure there is a good amount of room for your toes in the toe box. The shoe should not feel too tight in that area. Your heel should fit nicely into the heel area of the shoe and should not slide in and out as you walk or run. If you have flat feet or feet that are high-arched, it is recommended that you ask the salesperson for shoes that are made specifically for your feet. Both types have special shoes that help with your gait, as well as maintain good posture. You should walk around the store with the shoe on for ten minutes or so to make sure they're comfortable.

It's a good idea to have your foot measured by a salesperson every time you shop for new shoes. Do so while standing as your foot will be elongated and flat in this position. Your feet change as you age and as your body changes, so it's helpful to measure both feet each time you shop. People often have one foot that is longer than the other one.

It's important to replace sneakers or athletic shoes that are worn out from use.
It's the right time to shop for a new pair when the middle of the sole starts to flatten. This means the shoes have stopped absorbing shock. Chiropractic and podiatric health issues such as shin splints, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can result from wearing old, worn out sneakers without good support.