Choosing Athletic Shoes That Fit Right
Posted on: 27 April 2018
Whether you're running, jogging, or hiking, the quality of your athletic shoes matters. Uncomfortable shoes can lead to sore feet or even medical injury. Since everyone's feet are different, it can be difficult to find the right footwear for you. Here are a few things you might want to consider.
Get the Right Type of Shoe
There are different types of shoes for hiking, walking, and running, in addition to all around shoes that are meant for those who want multi-purpose footwear. These shoes can be dramatically different Hiking shoes are going to be more focused on grip and flexibility, whereas running shoes may be more focused on cushioning and traction.
Look at Your Arch
Some people have "flat feet"; there is no arch to their foot. Other people have very high arches. Athletic shoes are the same. Some shoes are designed to accommodate fairly steep arches, while there are special shoes that are for those who have no arches or very shallow arches. Finding the right shoe is very important.
If your arch isn't supported, you'll experience foot cramps and discomfort. If the arch is too high, you'll feel as though you're walking on uneven terrain.
Select the Right Broadness
Many people have either narrow or broad feet. You can tell based on your existing shoes. If you find that most of the shoes you wear fit very loosely, you may have narrow feet. If you find that shoes you wear are usually tight, you probably have broad feet.
This makes a huge difference when it comes to athletic shoes. Shoes are sold based on length alone, so without the narrow or broad designations, these shoes may not properly conform to your feet.
Try Shoes With the Right Socks
Remember to test out athletic shoes with the socks that you'll be using when you exercise. If you try your shoes with the socks they provide at a store, they may be too thin; you will find the shoes fit too tightly later on. At the same time, socks that are more cushioned can be used to adjust the fit of shoes if their fit is just a little off. Due to this, it's often better to err a little larger than smaller.
Can't find the right shoe for you? Sometimes you need a custom shoe, especially if your feet are differently sized or you find that you have a specific problem (such as abnormally high arches). Athletic shoes can be custom made, and often these shoes will be more comfortable and more supportive.
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