A Shoe For Every Sport

Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. There seems to be a shoe designed for every sport out there. But
there’s a method to the madness. Sport-specific shoes really can change your game. See the tips
from the APMA below to learn why the shoe you choose could make or break your day on the court or field.

Basketball

Whether you’re making the perfect pass or finishing off the high-flying dunk, basketball shoes have several features that will help you prevent injury.

• A thick, stiff sole gives support while running and landing from jumps.

• High ankle construction supports the ankle during quick changes in direction. A basketball shoe should have the strongest support on either side of the ankle.

Racquetball/Tennis

On the surface, court shoes for tennis and racquetball may look like any other athletic sneaker, but it’s what’s on the inside that makes the difference.

• A court shoe supports both sides of the foot because of all
the quick lateral movements and weight shifts in court sports.

• It provides a flexible sole for fast changes of direction.

• It has less shock absorption than a running or basketball shoe.

Running

The running shoe is perhaps the most personal and intricate
of all athletic shoes. Every runner has different needs and there
are a multitude of choices out there.

• A running shoe must provide maximum shock absorption to help
runners avoid ailments such as shin splints and knee pain.

• The shoe should control the way your heel strikes the ground, so
the rest of your foot can fall correctly.

• Know your foot type (high, medium, low arch) so you can get the
shoe with the right support for your foot.

“Generally, you want to go with the sport-specific shoe if you are participating
in a sport on a regular basis (2-3 times a week). Make sure the shoe fits correctly. Fit is just as important as the right type of shoe,” says APMA Director of Scientific Affairs Dr. Jim Christina.

To read more articles about shoes and your feet, check out the Footnotes link on our website at http://www.roanokefoot.com/.

Running for Women: An Uphill Trend

According to Running USA, over 10 million people finished a race last year. Running has taken on a huge growth in general over the past couple of years. Research shows that running as a form of exercise tends to increase in a bad economy, and with our economic situation running can be an appealing alternative to paying large sums of money for gym memberships.

However, money isn't the only reason for this increase. Many women run for the social aspect. "There's about 10 of us that will travel somewhere in the US. We'll say, 'This is where we're gonna go,' and we all pitch in and we get hotel rooms for all of us," says runner Hillary Mancuso.

Running is an excellent, inexpensive, effective form of exercise. So grab a pair of well-fitted and supportive running shoes, fill up a water bottle, stretch and warm up your muscles, and most of all have fun!

To read more, visit the article from WRCBtv Chattanooga News at http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13628789.