Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Tips to Select the Right Shoes

Select the Right Shoes

Before we go into selecting the right shoes, let's take a look at what you need first.

Starting A Walking Program
Walking is a great way to add some physical activity for improved health and well-being. Shoes worn during walking need to feel good on the foot and provide adequate support for both the feet and the skeletal structure. Evaluation of individual walking patterns will assist with selecting the right shoe and help o make walking an enjoyable experience.

Do you need walking or running shoes?
Let's compare.
The development of running shoes has been guided by research data.
Walking shoes may have a more flexible forefoot and less cushioning at the heel which makes them  more level from the heel to forefoot when they are on the ground.
Running shoes include specialized featu'es to help people with abnormal foot patterns.
While walking. your feet can ' experience pressure up to twice your body weight.
Running shoes generally have: more cusrioning in the midsole to help diminish impact with the ground.
Walking shoes may cost less than running shoes.

Recommendation:
Running shoes may be a beHer option than walking shoes. especially if you have abnormal foot oatterns. will be walking at a fast pace or logging many steps.

When Should I Get NewShoes?
You should get new shoes when you start to notice less cushioning in the sale ofJhe shoe, which could be before the shoe appears worn-out. Reduced cushioning occurs after 400 to 700miles of use  (about 6 -12 months).

You should also get new shoes if you start to develop foot or joint pain.

How do I Select a Shoe Store?
Department stores often carry a variety of name brands in a variety of sizes for those with a normal foot pattern .
Stores specializing in walking and running shoes may be a better shopping choice for those with an abnormal foot pattern or foot width.

The cost of good walking and running shoes may range from $45 to well over $100 depending on the feaiures you need and where you buy them,

The cost of appropriate shoes is justified by the increased comfort ::md redLced chances for developing injuries.

What is a Normal Foot Pattern?

Heel Strike: When walking and running the normal foot part ern is to have initial ground contact with the outside edge of the back of the heel (supination).
Support Phase: When the foot is supporting the entire body weight the foot rolls toward the inside of your foot . (pronation) .
Push-off : Toward the end of the step, as the forefoot pushes off, there is again a slight movement towards Supination

What is Foot Pronation and Supination?

How does it affect your walking?

Pronation occurs when the bottom of your foot rolls toward the inside and flattens durirg the support phase of running or walking. Excessive pronation is often associated with "flat feet".

Excessive pronation results in increased foot and ankle movement and more time spent on the inside of the foot. Such excessive foot and ankle move- . ment can lead to injuries in the foot, ankle, and knee.

Supination occurs when the outside of your foot supports more of your weight. Excessive supination (supinator pattern) or underpronation is often associated with high arches.

Excessive supination results in spending the entire support phase on the outside edge of the foot.
 

Topman
"Wear your shoes the right way"
http://www.topmanshoes.com

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