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Choosing Your Athletic Shoes

Shopping for athletic footwear can be quite overwhelming, but knowing what type of shoes you need can help narrow down your choices. Different categories of sports require different types of shoes in order to prevent injury and enhance performance. The following guidelines for each sport will help you choose which shoes to buy.

  • Running – Because of the high impact involved in running, shoes need ample cushioning for shock absorption and support in the heel and arch to prevent overpronation.
  • Biking – For casual cyclists, a walking or running sneaker provides enough support, but for the more experienced, specialized shoes with rigid soles and tight fits around the heel are recommended.
  • Aerobic exercise Shoes for aerobic exercise need to be able to handle the jumping, twisting, and side-to-side movements, so they should be lightweight but provide lots of support in the sides, soles, and arches.
  • Field sports – Sports like football, soccer, and baseball require cleated shoes with metal or plastic spikes that allow for more traction and fast acceleration and stopping.
  • Court sports – Sports like basketball, tennis, and volleyball require fast sharp movements on the courts. While basketball shoes need shock-absorbing midsole cushioning and a firm heel and arch for support, tennis shoes require a thin, rubber sole, a tight-fitting cushioned heel, and also extra support in the sides for lateral movements. Volleyball shoes also have more padding in the ball of the foot for jumping.

No matter what shoe you need, it is important to prioritize comfort by ensuring you bring appropriate socks and try on both shoes to accommodate the larger foot.

Before starting any physical activity, it is important to consult with an experienced foot specialist to ensure your feet are in good health. At Syracuse Podiatry, located in Fayetteville, NY, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico can assist your feet through any problems that may arise. Hammertoes, bunions, sports injuries, and shin splints are only some of the conditions he can treat. If you have any questions or need to make an appointment for any foot and ankle problem, call us at (315) 446-3668.

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