What activity are you trying to do?
Your shoes should match with the activity you are performing. For instance, the shoe you
wear to hike, would look different than a shoe you wear to work, which would probably
be different than the shoe you wear to the beach. Wearing the appropriate shoe will help
prevent injury and reduce discomfort during activity.
Is your shoe in good shape?
Typically speaking, you should be replacing shoes worn on a regular basis every year.
The more you wear a shoe and the more rigorous the activity the more regularly they
should be replaced. Things to look for to determine if your shoe needs replaced. Is there
tread left on the bottom of the shoe? If the tread is worn flat at all or the depth of tread
throughout is more than 50% reduced, then it is time to replace. Are there tears on the
fabric portion of the shoe? If a tear is bigger than the tip of your pinky, then it is time to
replace. Is the shoe becoming painful to wear, when it typically is comfortable? If there is
new pain, blisters, or red spots on the feet, then it is time to replace.
General things to consider:
There are several things to think about when shopping for shoes. In general the softer or
more cushioned a shoe is, the faster it will break down. If you are going to be doing
anything more than light activity in a shoe, there should be good structure to the shoe.
A couple quick tests to check a shoe for stability are the bend and wring tests. You
should NOT be able to bend the toes of your shoe all the way to the heel of the shoe and
you should not be able to wring the shoe like a towel. If you can do these things, then
your shoe does not have much stability/structure and is not doing much for you during
activity.
What shoe is right for you? One of the places we refer people to, as well as may go to ourselves, is Sole Sports. Check out their website to see if it’s the right place for you. You may also speak to Allison, Brooke or Sara about a possible discount.
