Lace-up your Running Shoes: Start On The Right Foot

Running is a fantastic way to keep fit and healthy, but it’s important to take care of your feet to avoid injury. Choosing the right running shoes is essential to start on the right foot. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you choose the best running shoes for your feet to ensure your comfort, performance, and general foot health.

Do’s

• Make an appointment with a doctor before you decide anything.
• You might not believe it, but your feet get bigger during the day. If you go shoe shopping in the afternoon, you’ll get a better fit, and you won’t make the usual mistake of picking shoes that feel snug in the store but get too tight when you run.
• Different types of ground need shoes with different traits. If you run on paths a lot, choose shoes that stick better and are more stable. For road walkers, padding and shock reduction are the most important things.
• Running shoes wear out over time. Every 300 to 500 miles or when you see signs of wear and tear, you should get new ones. Wearing old shoes over and over again can hurt you.
• You need room for your toes to move. Make sure that the front of the shoe is about a thumb’s width away from your biggest toe. This keeps your toenails from getting cramped and lowers the chance of problems.

Don’ts

• You might be drawn to stylish patterns, but when it comes to running shoes, usefulness should come first. Don’t just buy shoes because they’re trendy; choose shoes that are made for your foot.
• Shoe sizes can be different for different brands and styles. Don’t think that the size you wear in one brand will fit you in another. Make sure the shoes you want to buy fit right by trying them on first.
• Support for the arches is important for all foot health, but it’s especially important for people with flat feet or high arches. You shouldn’t skimp on this feature; pick shoes that give your hip the support it needs.
• It takes time to find the right pair. Don’t rush through the process of making a choice. Make sure you take the time to try on a few pairs, look around the store, and ask the staff for help.

Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting, seeing a podiatrist can help to improve your performance and keep your feet healthy. At Auburn Foot Care Center, Dr. Brett Stark, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as diabetic foot care, sports injuries, bunions, ingrown toenails, arthritis, and pediatric foot care. We provide quality service and advanced technology care for patients in Lee County. Contact our office at 334-466-1401. We are in Auburn, Alabama. Our address is 1559 Professional Parkway. We also offer telemedicine appointments.