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Which Athletic Shoe Should I Buy?

Buying an athletic shoe involves multiple considerations in determining which shoe is right for you and avoiding injuries.

It is important to wear proper footwear to avoid injury. Buying an athletic shoe involves multiple considerations in determining which shoe is right for you. These include:

a) The activities that will be performed

b) The construction of the shoe

c) What surfaces you will be on

d) The type of foot you have 

It is important to consider all these aspects to avoid ankle and foot pain or injury. Each sport or activity involves different movements or jumping and shoes are designed to fit the activity. Running, for instance, primarily involves movement in a straight line. Basketball and aerobics involve jumping and time spent on the forefoot.

For example, playing tennis which involves side to side movements in a shoe with supports for straight movement could result in an ankle sprain. In addition, if you are involved in weight training activities for the lower extremities, wear different shoes than you use for impact sports. The extra weight from training compresses the cushioning and affects the shock absorption of the shoe.

Cross trainers should only be used for short distance running (less than two miles). Some activities are similar so it may not be necessary to buy different shoes for each activity.

Uneven surfaces cause increased movement in the foot and ankle. This makes the ankle joint and the foot more vulnerable to injury. For example, running on rough terrain calls for an athletic shoe that is wider. This increases medial and lateral stability and decreases the risk for ankle injury. 

It is important to evaluate shoe construction prior to making a purchase. Bend the shoe from toe to heel. It should not bend in places that your foot does not. In addition, if you push it down, it should not rock. Place the shoes down and look at them from behind to assure the shoes are symmetrical. You should also check wear patterns because this will tell you when to buy a new shoe.

In summary, no two feet are alike even on the same person. However, by using basic guidelines, you can reduce the risk of injury. 

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
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Mel May 21, 2013 at 10:14 am
I agree. Yet another case of don't fix what's not broken...
kmr303 May 18, 2013 at 11:38 am
First of all, I don't understand why teachers are paying for anything out of pocket when the supplyRead More lists that parents receive at the end of the summer are as long as their arms. Secondly, SOCIETY lets the kids down?!?!? I think the school taxes in Yorktown should be sufficient so that the teachers don't have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses. SOCIETY does not let the kids down, it is those who are in control of the school tax monies who let the kids down. Perhaps the administrators should take salary cuts, or maybe we should even eliminate some of those administrative positions. No teacher should have to pay for supplies out of pocket.