Choosing Running Shoes

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Going into a shoe store can be a daunting experience with all the varieties of footwear available, but choosing the correct running shoe is one of the most important decisions you can make for the health of your feet. Choosing the correct shoe will not only make your run more enjoyable and less painful, but also will help prevent debilitating injuries including shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains.

Be sure to go to a store with a knowledgeable and helpful staff and get properly measured and fitted, preferably towards the end of the day, when your feet have swelled to their full size.

Here are some other helpful tips to keep in mind when shopping for running shoes:

  • What type of running will you be doing? - Categories include road-running, trail-running and cross-training. 
  • Do you over or under pronate? - Specific shoes and inserts are designed to help correct and compensate for pronation and gait abnormalities. If your old shoes are worn towards the outer edge, then you have supination. Worn inner edges indicates overpronation.
  • Shoe types - Neutral shoes, motion control shoes, stability shoes, and extra cushioning are among the choices available and depend on your foot needs. 
  • Gait analysis - See your foot care specialist for a complete gait analysis to determine the specifics of your walking mechanics and how to use custom orthotic inserts for correction of any pronation problems and a variety of other conditions.

Ask your podiatrist for assistance in choosing the right running shoe and to determine your foot type and gait. At Fit Feet for Life, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies and years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including heel pain, sports injuries, toe deformities, nail fungus, and plantar warts.  Bonnie Sanchez, DPM, and Gregory Cook, DPM, provide high quality foot and ankle care to patients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area at our five offices conveniently located in Sun City Center, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and our two Tampa locations. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

foot careFIT FEET FOR LIFE FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles Tendonitis, orthotics, gait