6 Tips for Buying Athletic Shoes
The new year is a great time to buy new athletic shoes. Sneakers have a shelf life of about 300 miles, and they need replacing every six months or so. And, if you buy them now, you can take advantage of sales, and have an easy way to remember when your purchase needs replacing.
Ready to pick out a new pair? Check out this guide to buying new athletic shoes. We’ll help you find the perfect fit. And the right type of shoe to suit your physical activity.
Buying Sport Specific Shoes
Sometimes, a generally supportive athletic shoe is enough to protect you when you exercise. But with some activities, choosing a specialized athletic shoe will prevent a sports injury and improve your performance. Here are the activities that need special athletic shoes.
Running
If you’re a runner, look for light weight shoes with lots of flexibility. But don’t forget that the soles need good traction to prevent slips and falls. And you’ll also want stability and cushioning to prevent pain or injury.
Basketball
With this sport, your feet cut back and forth constantly. These constant direction changes can lead to ankle injuries. So, to protect your feet, look for high tops that offer extra ankle stability.
Football or Soccer
Sports played on grass or turf need extra traction. So, it’s important to look for sport-specific cleats to keep athletes on their feet. Just try to avoid cleats that are too stiff, since extended wear may lead to foot pain.
Finding the Right Athletic Shoe Fit
Once you’ve picked the right kind of athletic shoe, it’s time to test for fit. Here are 5 ways to ensure your athletic shoes fit you properly.
Shop at the end of the day. Your feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day. If you shop later in the day, your feet should be at their largest size. And any athletic shoe you purchase will offer a comfy fit throughout your day.
Wear the socks in which you work out. Shop for shoes in the socks you’ll wear with them. Otherwise, your fit may not be exact when you wear them in real life.
Measure from your big toe. Pick an athletic shoe that gives you room to wiggle your longest toe, without hitting the edge of the sneaker. (About half an inch should be enough.)
Pick the largest foot. Often, our feet aren’t the same size. If that’s the case for you, fit your athletic shoe to the larger foot. Then, we can help improve the fit for your smaller foot, either with an insole or with subtle padding, depending on the size difference.
A supportive athletic shoe shouldn’t bend in the mid-sole area, but can be flexible in the toe area.
Demand instant comfort. The right athletic shoe should feel comfortable right away—don’t live with a “breaking in period.” To make sure you’ve found the right pair, try athletic shoes on for at least 10 minutes in the store. Walk as much as you can, or even jog lightly in them, if possible.
Of course, if you have certain foot problems, such as hammertoes or bunions, finding the right athletic shoe may be more challenging. Need some help picking a new pair, or simply walking comfortably? We’re here to help. Simply schedule an appointment with Dr. David Sullivan at our Westfield, IN podiatry practice, and he’ll help you secure the fit you need to protect your feet.