Back-to-school shopping for the student-athlete always includes a new pair of sneakers or specialized shoe, depending on the sport.
It’s a big call: Most sports involve the feet, ankles and legs, so the proper type and fit of your athletic shoes can make a big difference in terms of injury prevention.
If you participate actively in one or two sports, consider buying shoes specifically for those sports. For casual athletes, a good sturdy cross-trainer might do the trick.
The Making Of An Olympian
How you buy your shoes also matters. Try them on at the end of the day. Feet tend to swell throughout the day and a shoe purchased first thing in the morning might not feel that great when put on after school or work. Bring the exact type of sock you will wear during sports to your buying session.
You should have about one-half inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe and there should be room to move your toes in the toe box. Also, make sure you try on both shoes, lace them up and walk around the store on different surfaces. If the shoes are not quite right in the store they won’t miraculously fit when you actually use them.
Consider going to a store that specializes in sport footwear when making your purchase. The number of shoes available is absolutely mind-boggling. Besides cross-trainers, there are walking shoes, running shoes, cleated shoes with different cleat configurations depending on the sport (golf, lacrosse, soccer, football, baseball), hiking shoes, court shoes, and other specialty footwear for dance, ice hockey, ice skating, biking, skiing and so on. Make sure you tell the sales associate if you have a particular problem and if you wear orthotics make sure to bring them. Your foot should be measured.
When shoes begin to wear they should be replaced. Using a running shoe past its prime, for example, might result in an injury. If you do sustain an injury, seek attention from a health care provider who can guide you safely back into your sport.
Always consult your doctor regarding concerns. For more information on injuries and rehabilitation, visit the Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network.