If you are new to the world of athletic shoes, welcome to the confusion! Not only are there dozens of stores to choose from in the Denver area, and styles to fit every foot type, there are shoes for every sport, too. Shoemakers used to measure your feet and use years of knowledge and experience to make an all-purpose pair that fit you perfectly. Now, you need to know what type of feet you have, measure them carefully, and look through the stacks of possibilities to see if anything is right for you.
It’s a tricky business, but here are some helpful tips:
- Ignore the ads, hype, and stylish brand names. You are the one who is going to spend hours in these shoes, so make sure they are comfortable, protect your feet, and provide proper support for your arch.
- Focus on your sport. You do a lot of running in basketball and soccer, so a running shoe might work best, right? Wrong! Ask your coach for advice. He or she will know what type of tread, cleats, or ankle heights will help you perform best, keep your feet safe, and help you avoid injuries like sprains.
- Understand the different shoe constructions. A knowledgeable salesperson at a reputable store that focuses on your sport should be able to explain the parts of the shoe and the purpose of certain characteristics in sport-specific shoes. They should also be able to help fit your feet properly.
- Use proper shopping techniques. You may already know the drill: shop later in the day; take along the socks you will be wearing (and your custom inserts); measure your feet every time; walk around in the shoes for several minutes. Shoes should feel great from the minute you put them on, and should leave room for your toes to wiggle while snugly holding your heel. Pay enough to get good quality, but not extra for a certain look or name brand.
Knowing when to replace shoes is almost as hard as choosing them in the first place, but you can judge by the wear on the sole or if it feels less comfortable or supportive. For an evaluation of your gait style, pronation pattern, or foot problems, give us a call in the west Denver area. Dial (303) 423-2520 to reach Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center offices in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, or Granby, CO today.
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Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center
