In fiction, shoes can be very important. Cinderella wears glass slippers that only fit her, while Dorothy wears magic ruby shoes that transport her home from Oz when she clicks her heels. Shoes may not be magical in real life, but they are still important for supporting your lower limbs when you go out—and even more so for your activities. In sports, footwear can make a significant difference for your game, which is why choosing the right shoes for sports does matter.
Not all sports shoes are the same, as you can see when you walk into an athletic outfitters store. There are styles designed for running track, playing baseball, shooting hoops, and participating in just about every other sport imaginable. This is because each sport tends to stress the feet in different ways. Some require extra grip for sharp accelerations, while others need stable ankles. So getting the right shoes for sports starts with knowing what you plan to do.
Once you have sports-specific shoes, you can begin finding the pair that will fit you best. Here are a few tips to help:
- Try pairs on in the afternoon – Your feet swell throughout the day, so they are actually at their largest in the afternoon. This is the best time to fit shoes to make sure they aren’t too small.
- Wear your athletic socks – The socks you wear affects how your shoes will fit. Bring a pair of your athletic socks to the store to fit your shoes.
- Get your feet measured first – Your feet can sometimes expand slightly as you age. Have your feet measured to make sure you get an accurate length and width for your footwear.
- Walk around – Stand up and walk around in the shoes. They should be comfortable right away, without a break-in period.
Because your footwear can have a significant impact on your performance, finding the right shoes for sports is important. If you want to play your best and avoid some injuries, don’t take your shoes for granted. If you’re not sure how to fit sports shoes, or you’re having trouble with foot pain when you’re active, let our team at Absolute Foot Care Specialists help you. Contact our Las Vegas office for more information about healthy feet for sports. You can call (702) 839-2010 or use our website to reach us.
