Proper Footwear and When to Reach for a New Pair

Why It’s Important Shin splints, aching knees and ankles, as well as a handful of other small pains can often be attributed to footwear that is worn down or not suited for the current activity. Having a good pair of shoes with proper support will translate into less injuries, more efficiency, and better results!

Warning Signs of a Bad Shoe Cushioning is running flat. Shoes are bald - the tread along the bottom and side of the shoes are worn out. Meshing is broken and causing foot exposure. Small aches and pains as well as nagging injuries during or following activity. A feeling of instability during use.

A Shoe’s Lifespan Considering weight, gait, as well as how much activity (and what type of activity) you normally perform, most people fall between the high end or low end of the following ranges. Running Shoes ~300-500 Miles or ~6 Months Walking Shoes ~1 Year Sandals/Flat Shoes 6-8 Months Dress Shoes ~5-15 Years (If resoled/re-heeled) Heels <6 Months

Selecting a Good Shoe Runners: Walkers: Select a shoe with great arch support and good cushioning on the forefoot. Walkers: Select a shoe with stiffer rubber to support the heel as you walk through your daily activities. Sports (Basketball, Tennis, etc.): Select a shoe with lateral stability. (AVOID running shoes when performing an activity requiring lateral movements. Running shoes are built for forward motion, not lateral movement.)

Have Options It is often wise to have more than just your go-to pair of shoes. Rotating shoes on a weekly basis will ultimately make them last longer and keep your feet and legs happy with proper support. Remember to store them properly and avoid overexposure to moisture and warmth as this will degrade the shoe more quickly!

Sources: webmd.com baltimoresun.com running.competitor.com