Things We Tell Athletes to Look for in Their Shoes

When it comes to athletic shoes, there are a lot of choices. So how can you tell which ones are right for you?

The providers at OrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are experts in treating foot injuries and helping athletes take care of their feet. In this blog, they explain why shoes matter and how you can get the ones that are right for you.

Why shoes matter

Your choice of shoes matters a great deal when it comes to playing sports. It’s important, because wearing the wrong shoes can put you at greater risk of experiencing an injury, such as an ankle sprain. 

For example, if you wear running shoes while playing basketball, your ankles may not be adequately supported for making multidirectional movements. You don’t need a separate pair of shoes for sports you only play occasionally, but you should get sport-specific shoes for sports that you play about three times a week.

When to replace your shoes

We understand that athletic shoes can be expensive. So it’s understandable why you might feel tempted to try and get a little more use out of shoes before replacing them. However, once your shoes are worn out, it’s very important to get new ones, because worn-out shoes can’t provide effective support.

You can tell that your shoes are worn out if the tread is worn down or if any areas are slippery. You can also tell that it’s time by placing your shoes on a table and looking at the soles. If the soles don’t lie flat on the table, it’s time to replace them.

In general, you should replace athletic shoes that you use consistently about once a year. However, you should replace them sooner than that if their condition requires it.

Types of athletic shoes

Certain types of shoes go best with certain sports. Here are some examples:

Running and walking shoes

These shoes are appropriate for running and hiking.

Court shoes

These shoes are appropriate for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and other sports that require you to lunge, jump, and make multidirectional movements quickly on hard surfaces.

Field sport shoes

These shoes are appropriate for field sports, such as football, baseball, and soccer. These shoes often have cleats, spikes, or studs.

Track and field shoes

Track and field shoes come in a variety of styles to support your feet during these activities.

There are also other shoes designed for specific sports, such as aerobics and golf.

Support for foot and ankle conditions

Another factor to consider when selecting shoes is whether you overpronate (turn your ankles inward) or underpronate (turn your ankles outward). We can help you identify these problems. You can find out if you have these walking patterns by coming to OrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine or by getting fitted at a custom shoe store.

Furthermore, you may need additional support for your ankles and feet. In these instances, we can fit you for custom orthotic inserts to wear in your shoes. Orthotics can help support your feet and minimize your risk of getting injured. You may also need custom orthotics if you have certain conditions, such as flat feet or high arches.

If you have more questions about which shoes are right for you, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with OrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.