5 Tips to Shop for the Right Athletic Shoe

In order to avoid injury in a sport, it’s important to have the right gear. Football players wear pads right? And softball players wear batting helmets? Well almost all sports require the right athletic shoe.  Injuries related to inadequate foot gear can range from blisters and ankle issues to knee and hip pain. But how do you go about finding the right shoe? Here are tips to take with you on your shopping trip for the perfect gear for your feet.

1 – Find a Specialty Store

The first step in finding the right shoe is finding a shop that specializes in the activity you are looking to do so you can benefit from their expertise. For example, if you are looking for a running shoe, your best bet is visiting a running store. The sales professionals are not only more knowledgeable on the best fit for you, but the stores themselves usually have a treadmill to test out the sneakers.

2 – Save Your Trip for the End of the Day

If you were to try new shoes on first thing in the morning, they’ll likely be uncomfortable by nighttime. That’s because, as the day wears on, our feet naturally swell. So the end of the day the best time for that shopping trip for new shoes.

3 – Come Prepared

It seems simple, but many people forget this step: bring the same socks you would normally wear with your athletic shoe. Any sock thinner or thicker that what you plan to regularly wear is going to affect your fit.

4 – Check Your Fit

Once you’ve arrived to the shop and start trying on athletic shoes, how do you know if it’s the right fit? Think Toe, Heel, Feet. Look for ½ an inch of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, with room enough to wiggle your toes. Take some steps and make sure your heel isn’t slipping in and out of the shoe at all, otherwise you can count on blisters. And make sure to try the shoes on both feet as many of us have differences in width and even length between our left and our right.

5 – Take Them for a Spin

Take your time moving around the shop to test how comfortable the athletic shoes are. Try to mimic some of the moves you’ll be doing, like jumping for basketball. Understand the return policy of the store as well, as you may have the opportunity to test your new shoes outside the store. Some specialty stores have generous policies, allowing you to return used sneakers if they don’t work out within a month.

With these tips in mind, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect shoe to match your activity and avoid unnecessary injuries. Have more questions? Feel free to contact us at monteortho.org/contact-us.