Today we are enlisting the help of Foot Doctor Yvonne Grattan (resident foot doctor at Living Well Health Club) to gain some sport=shoe-related know-how.
When it comes to choosing gym shoes – I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my main priority has somewhat always been aesthetic. Comfort always played a big part – but I never really delved into the different types of soles and support features. I’ve always been somewhat hazily aware that there are different types of sport shoes for different activities but my knowledge stopped there. I recently decided to get a new pair of Adidas gym shoes. At Eurosport, they asked me lots of questions about what sport I did, if I intended to run marathons etc, the shoes I was eyeing up turned out to sadly, be a bad idea – they were all white you guys! I did end up with a beautiful looking pair that is less likely to burst in my feet whilst doing burpees.
However, this experience got me thinking – there must be so many people out there who simply go to the store, pick up the first pair and go ahead with them. I was discussing this at my gym and after more than 3 years of being a regular there, I discovered they have a resident foot doctor – duh! I grabbed the opportunity to hunt her down and ask her a few questions.
What is the single most important thing a gym goer should look for when selecting their shoes ?
Comfort has to be the most important factor. However, it is important not to compromise on support. Your shoe should have a very firm heel counter, a nice ‘push’ on the flexion point where your toes naturally bend and not give in to twisting. This doesn’t mean you loose comfort. Your feet will be supported.
Over the years, what foot problems and issues have you seen that were most likely caused due to wearing the wrong shoes ?
The most common problem I see is people wearing the incorrect size of footwear. There should be an index fingers width from the tip of the toe to the end of the shoe. The feet expand and splay on weight bearing – this is emphasised with running and jumping. The feet need room to expand in the shoe. The problems and issues that arise from ill-fitting footwear is digital rubbing that can result in corns, blisters and bruised toenails.
Also, it is very important to wear activity-specific shoes. So much research has gone into the choice of materials and what part of the shoe is reinforced.
Should one wear different shoes for weight training ?
Freestyle weight training should not require different shoes. Again, providing you are comfortable and your feet are supported this should be enough. I have seen patients that have dropped weights on their feet! Not sure it is practical to have steel toe caps…
What is the difference between running shoes and other types of exercise shoes and which should a person get if they are only getting one ?
The research and science that goes into ‘running shoes’ is quite vast – running shoes tend to be the most versatile sport shoe. They are comfortable for everyday wear, walking and other sports. So if you can only choose one, I would choose a running shoe. Other sports shoes have support in different areas to accommodate the requirements when playing that specific sport – examples are netball shoes, handball shoes, basketball shoes, tennis shoes etc. The materials and densities will vary at different parts of the shoe to allow for wear and tear specific to the activity.
How often should a gym goer get their feet checked out by a foot doctor ?
I always advise people to have a foot health check up every 6 months – the same as you do for your teeth. It is amazing how many debilitating afflictions can be avoided by regular checkups. Unfortunately, most people only make an appointment after the fact.
Are there any exercises you recommend for general foot health ?
Absolutely! I love foot exercises. So simple with great benefits. There are many intrinsic muscles in the feet that help support the many articulations. Conditioning and strengthening these muscles can make a dramatic difference.
Seated exercises such as ankle rotations in both directions, splaying the toes then scrunching the toes, pulling the toes up to point to the sky, pointing the feet to point the toes to the ground. Try picking up pencils from the floor with your toes…
Any other recommendations ?
Joints are as strong as their surrounding muscles. Everything is connected so balance is very important – as in, working on your quads and not your hamstrings… Exercise is so important for physical, mental and emotional health. Also, don’t forget to stretch. Improving range of motion and flexibility greatly reduces the risk of incurring an injury.
As mentioned, Yvonne is a resident foot doctor at Living Well Health Club – so give them a call if you want to visit her.
Comments
Aron Dawson
nice shoe
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