Keep on Running …………. Advice from The Welwyn and Hatfield Practice
Buying a pair of running shoes seems simple ?, but next time give it a little thought and a few considerations should be made. Your shoes are probably the most important clothing item to determine comfort, performance and will reduce the impact that sport creates . A little extra time when buying can be well worth the effort and will probably improve balance ,reduce impact and the chance of stress fractures.
- Have your feet measured by a experienced salesperson.
Many people jump ahead to trying on the shoes without checking the length and width of each foot. It is important to know to proper size of your feet and if your feet are slightly different sizes. - Shop for the larger foot.
If your feet are different sizes, buy a shoe that best fits the larger foot. If you can always buy an insole to fill space in the other shoe. - Make sure the shoe fits your heel and your toes.
The toe – end should provide ample wiggle room ( not too much or your foot will slide forward causing trauma ), the heel should not slip up when walking or jumping. - Go for a walk in the store.
Make sure the shoe is comfortable for a short walk around the store, try the stairs or again jumping on the spot ! If there is any pain it is only going to be worse on a long walk or run. - The shoe will ‘break-in.’
This is a common misconception that shoes should be purchased snug so they can break-in. Wrong! They will just end up causing injuries should fit when you buy them.
Tips:
- Stand up when measuring your feet.
Do your footwear shopping towards the end of the day after you’ve been up and walking for a few hours ( your feet swell with use and circulation changes ). Under these conditions your feet will be slightly larger later on in the day than in the morning. End-of-the-day shopping is always the best way to buy footwear. - Re – measure your feet each time you buy new shoes.
Measure your feet each time you visit the store as your shoe size can change over time. And never buy a shoe based on size alone–try them on and try them out .! This will almost certainly save you pain or worse still injury later
For further advice contact The Welwyn and Hatfield Practice on …. 01707 888229
