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/.

Selecting the Correct Shoe Size

To help find the appropriate shoe fit, it is important to keep certain things in mind when shopping for shoes. So you like the color, style and price, what else is there to know, you ask? There are a few things that you may not know that can help you make smarter choices in your shoe selection. If the appropriate shoe size and/or shoe type are not correct for your foot type, it can cause hammertoes, bunions, corns, calluses, or heel pain. Many times the size that is on the box is not necessarily the correct size for your foot. So ladies, don't be in denial about your shoe size, get the correct size and prevent future foot problems. As we age, men and women, our waist size may increase a little, well so does our foot size. Here are a few points to remember:

• Heel to toe length: this is commonly used to determine your shoe size, but this is not the most accurate measurement. Reason is that the great toe joint may not always be at the ball of the shoe, so foot problems may occur.

• Heel to ball length: this is the most important factor in determining the size of the shoe. This measurement helps determine the correct position for the arch of the shoe and for the foot to bend in the proper position as well.

• Width: measure from the first metatarsal head to the fifth metatarsal head (widest part of the foot). Wearing a shoe that is too wide for a narrow foot type, allows the foot to move around in the shoe, which can cause injury due to increased mobility of your foot inside the shoe. Wearing a shoe that is too narrow for a wider foot type, can cause areas of pressure and not allow the toes to extend fully in the toe box. The excessive pressure can cause corns and calluses and the toes can develop into hammer, claw or mallet toes.

• Girth: thickness of the foot; measure from the top of the foot to the sole of the foot. A thicker foot will require an increased depth of shoe. A thinner foot may require extra padding to take up space in the shoe.

• Shape: take into account the shape of your foot, not just the shape of the shoe.

Many patients may have foot conditions that will not allow them to wear over the counter shoes without modifications. Their condition may require custom made shoes. If you have questions, regarding your shoe gear, schedule an appointment at Shenandoah Podiatry. I'd be glad to help you.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny