Choosing Shoes

Now that spring is here, many of you have begun to get outdoors again. This may be a good time to evaluate the shoes you are using for exercising. If you're wearing the same shoes you wore last Spring, they may be more worn out than you think, even if they look OK.

In my last blog post I mentioned that I belong to an organization of fitness professionals called IDEA. This organization provides periodic handouts for instructors to pass on to participants. There is a link below to a handout you can download with some good pointers for choosing the right shoes. Hope you find it helpful.

Another tip that is not mentioned in the article is arch supports. If you spend alot of time on your feet, you might find these helpful.  Your feet are the base and support for your whole skeleton. With each step you take your arch flexes and stretches to accommodate the rolling motion of heel to toe. Adding an arch support to a shoe will roll the foot up into the correct position. As a result, unnecessary pressure will be lifted off your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.  It is surprising what a difference an arch support can make.  I have used them for many years.  I especially like a particular type of arch supports made by a company called Spenco (no, I do not receive anything from them for this endorsement!)  These are made of neoprene so they are soft and flexible.  They are a bit pricey, but they are extremely durable and worth the cost. 

Here is the link to the IDEA handout.  If you have your own tips on shoes that have worked for you, please feel free to share them by posting a comment.  When your feet feel good, your attitude towards exercising is likely to improve along with your performance and enjoyment.
Choosing Shoes