Shoes and Exercise

Protect your feet. You are only given one pair. Check your feet after exercise. Look for blisters, sores, or other problems. Be extra careful if you have nerve disease. You may not feel foot pain that occurs during exercise.

Shoes are made to support our feet. To provide cushioning and to be a shock absorber (from all that pounding on the pavement). You do not need the most expensive pair of shoes. However, you do need a pair of shoes that fit you well.

Shoes:

• Shoe structure is important and is different for different types of sports. In other words, a running shoe would not be a good choice for playing football. However, with some sports (chair dancing, stationary bicycle) shoe choice is not as important.

• Remember, shoes do wear out and need to be replaced at regular intervals. If you are walking indoors on a treadmill your shoes will last longer than if you are running on concrete pavement.
• Shoes should have a wide toe box (so you can wiggle your toes) and cushioned soles.
• You may need special shoes if you engage in certain sports. If you are doing basketball or soccer, get the shoe designed for that sport. Cross-training shoes are not the right fit for most sports (how can the sole be both flexible and stiff at the same time?).
• A good pair of walking shoes works for most sports. When looking for a pair of walking, jogging or running shoes, look for a flexible sole and lots of cushioning.
• If you are doing tennis or aerobic dancing you will need shoes that have a stiffer sole and support your ankles.
• Your feet may feel more comfortable if you wear shoes in the pool or water. It can protect you from stubbing your toes and/or decrease tingling/burning on the bottom of your feet.
• If you have a foot deformity, your foot doctor can advise you on proper shoes.

Purchasing New Shoes:

• When buying shoes, have your feet measured at the end of the day. Feet usually swell during the day and you want to be sure to buy your shoes that will fit all day long.
• Be sure to have your fee sized every time you buy shoes. This is because your feet tend to get longer and wider as you grow older. Also, have both feet sized, as one might be longer than the other.

Socks:

• Your socks should fit well and not rub or cause blisters. They should not be so tight to cause indents in your skin.
• You may want to try seamless cotton or sport socks. Padded socks and insoles may help reduce pressure and prevent blisters.

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