Choosing the Right Sports Shoes In 2023
The right pair of sports shoes should fit properly from the toe to the heel and feel comfortable when performing your regular sports. Proper fitting sports shoes can prevent injuries and enhance performance.
A foot doctor can conduct a shoe evaluation and advise you on the best sports shoes to purchase to prevent damage to your feet, ankle muscles, and bones. Here are tips to help you choose the right sports shoes:
Get Your Feet Measured Professionally
Footwear may appear stylish, but it must fit well to prevent creating or worsening existing problems. Shoes that don’t fit well can also cause pain and blisters.
A bigger shoe will slide around on your foot, which puts you at risk for sprains. One that is too tight can result in problems with the toes because of the cramping that can happen on the front section of your foot.
A foot doctor can conduct foot screening and assessment to help you choose the right footwear to prevent major injuries. Having your feet measured professionally will help you choose well-fitting shoes.
The doctor may have you stand during the process to confirm your proper shoe size. Standing helps you get the right assessment since your feet tend to be the largest when standing. Try on both shoes, as one foot tends to be different from the other.
Consider the Terrain
Sports shoes are designed for specific foot functions and activities. Certain shoes are designed to grip surfaces such as rocky terrain or grass. Others help to keep the ankle stable when playing sports like basketball.
Various types of sports shoes include cycling shoes, tennis shoes, hiking boots, running shoes, track shoes, and baseball, football, or soccer cleats. When selecting footwear, consider where you’ll be wearing them.
Choose footwear with ankle support and rigid soles, like hiking boots, to hike on rocky, rough terrain. Select lightweight and more flexible footwear if you plan to exercise on a paved trail.
You also need different types of footwear for running on outdoor trails than what you would wear on a track. If you play baseball, football, or soccer, cleats provide the needed traction on slippery or wet fields.
Choose Footwear With Proper Insoles
Insoles offer extra support and cushioning in the feet’ arch, heel, and ball. Additional comfort helps to reduce problems such as shin splints, hot spots, slipping, and blisters. Insoles also allow you to customize the shoe’s fit to your foot.
Insoles can assist in minimizing your chances of having painful foot conditions like bunions and fasciitis. These conditions are linked to unhealthy foot movements in individuals with flat feet.
Insoles don’t just support proper foot movement but also help to redistribute pressure at the bottom of your feet to keep any stress off your toes, heel, and arch.
Choose Shoes With Appropriate Support
Support refers to the features built into footwear that help you stay comfortable when performing sports. They include the material of the sole and shoe.
The material of the sole will determine how cushioned the shoe is. A cushion helps absorb your body’s weight and protect your joints. For maximum cushioning, look at the product description when buying footwear and the type of terrain they are made for.
Consider your body weight and how much time you’ll be performing the sport to determine how much support the shoe requires.
If you plan to jog outside, pick footwear with proper cushioning for hard ground. If you are going to use the footwear at the gym, look for shoes designed for synthetic floors.
Consult With a Foot Doctor Today
When you have concerns or questions about the type of sports shoes to choose, consult a reputable foot doctor. A sports podiatrist can recommend proper shoes for your specific needs. Choose a doctor with proper training and experience in sports medicine to get quality servic
