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Posted by on Nov 6, 2016 in Sports Equipment |

Top Tips to Buy the Right Sports Shoes

Top Tips to Buy the Right Sports Shoes

choosing correct sports shoesThere is nothing called an ideal sports shoe for everyone. All have different needs depending on their weight, biomechanics, surfaces on which they will run and of course shape of their feet. So, the best shoe for a person may be a nightmare for another.

Let’s divide shoes on four main bases, viz. performance, stability, simplicity and neutrality.

Performance: Performance shoes are best either for racing or for training if you are efficient biomechanically (with minimum pronation). With varying levels of cushioning and support, they are usually narrower and lighter at 250-300gm than other running shoes.

Stability: Stability is required for runners who are mild to moderate over-pronators (whose feet turn overly inward while walking and running) and whose arches are low to normal. They need shoes that combine midsole cushioning and good support.

Simplicity: Runners with biomechanical efficiency and who want highest responsiveness are recommended using simple stripped-down shoes that retain a cushioning element. Such shoes are considered as the midpoint of performance and neutral shoes.

Neutrality: Runners who require highest midsole cushioning but least medial support are recommended to use neutral shoes. They are perfect for runners who are biomechanically efficient and are forefoot or midfoot strikers with normal or high arches.

Next, you will have to consider the purpose you will use the shoes for, whether you will wear them while playing tennis, football or running.

Podiatric experts say that wearing ill-fitting trainers may result into severe knee, back and hip pain, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, painful blisters and traumatised toes. Sad part is that 65% of the recreational sportspersons in the UK wear wrong shoes for the sport they select. Trainers are the most important component of your fitness ensemble and bringing a change in what you wear on feet will save you from injuries.

good trainers

Tennis Shoes

Playing racquet sports like squash or tennis makes it essential to choose shoes designed for that specific purpose because these sports include a significant amount of side-to-side movement which running shoes don’t facilitate. Shoes required for racquet sports should be heavier and firmer than running shoes, since their toes are designed for stop-and-go movement. Here the number one priority is comfort and also it’s essential to replace sports shoes regularly.

tennis shoes

Football Boots

Football is a sport that puts tremendous stress on feet, particularly while playing on hard surfaces like artificial turf. Football boots too can put stress on feet and developing thickened, damaged and ingrown toenails or corns and calluses are not uncommon with footballers. Therefore well-fitting boots which shouldn’t give any pressure on feet after training or a game are essential.

football boots

Netball and Basketball Shoes

Court games like netball and basketball need shoes that combine sideways support and flexibility. So, cross-trainers are perfect because they are stiffer and offer more support for sideward movements. They also can be used for a wide range of activities.

basketball shoes

Running Shoes

Running shoes should be used only for running. They are flexible so as to permit the foot to flex and bend at each step. However they don’t suit to sports like tennis which involve more of sideward stepping.

It’s recommended that you get your running shoes perfectly fitted to your foot type. If they are too small for your feet, black toenail and blisters can take place.

running shoes

Several types of trainers are available on the market so you can find a specialist retailer like FootWorldUK.com. They have Discount Original Sneakers & Sportswear too. Good specialist running shoe retailers can offer gait analysis to get you the ideal type of running shoes.

Aerobic Trainers

For aerobics or other exercises, fitness shoes are perfect because they feature support, cushioning and flexibility to soak up impact and reduce shock to the feet.

shoes for aerobics

Walking and Trekking Boots

Those who are planning to increase their activity levels should opt for walking, while those who are more adventurous would want to go trekking and hiking. Both these activities are good to enhance your heart health though they are low-impact and so, have less risk of injuries.

hiking shoes

As recommended by Ramblers, the best footwear for walking and trekking is as follows:

  • If you go for a short walk in easy countryside or in urban areas, you would only need a pair of good, comfortable shoes that won’t give you blisters. They should be tough and a good fit, with good support to arch; their heels should be a bit elevated while uppers should be of a breathable material like leather. In that case, quality trainers or even casual shoes with heavy soles will work fine.
  • If you are a regular walker, better invest in a pair of dedicated walking shoes or some light walking boots. They will offer support to your ankles and feet, and may be waterproof. If you will be going for highland walks in terrains that are difficult, you will need good walking boots.

Other Factors to Consider

There are also a few other factors that you should consider. It’s not enough to check qualities of only shoes, but it’s also necessary to look at your feet because your feet change. Here are some tips.

Take Measurements of Feet: Expert podiatric doctors say that it’s a misconception that there is no change foot size in adults. As we grow older our feet change in size and so, we have to take measurements of our feet at least twice a year.

Buy Shoes at the End of the Day: At the end of the day, our feet swell and are largest in size. Also there is an increase in size upon walking or running and so, shoes should fit the feet when they are maximum in size.

Consider Socks: If you wear socks, remember that the shoes should fit the socks too. So, while checking shoes, wear socks.

Walk or Run Around the Store: You should feel comfortable while walking or running wearing the shoes. Hence remember to walk or run a bit in the store to check if the shoes are comfortable.

Buy your shoes carefully with these tips and replace them on correct times, so as to enjoy all your activities without getting injured.

children's sneakers