“
Our feet are complex parts of our body, with each foot consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, over 100 ligaments, and multiple layers of muscles and tendons each playing a pivotal role in foot function.
When it comes to your feet, their overall health can often go out of sight and out of mind until it comes to buying new shoes. Whilst comfort is usually one of our top priorities, here are a few other things to consider when buying your next pair:
Our feet are complex parts of our body, with each foot consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, over 100 ligaments, and multiple layers of muscles and tendons each playing a pivotal role in foot function. Did you know that a properly fitted shoe can help prevent injury, and improve performance? Shoes must offer support, comfort and durability.
Sports Podiatrist, Paul Boudville, says "shoes specific for the intended sport, whether that be for running, netball or football, having a correct fit is critical."
"If shoes are too big, the foot will move due to the lack of support and increase the likelihood of injury; and if shoes are too small, they may cause pressure points which can lead to blisters and damage to toenails." "Getting your foot measured and foot type determined is paramount in getting the correct fit," he says.
Why it's important to have the correct shoes for sport?
Different sports require different movement patterns and are usually played on different surfaces. For example, an appropriate running shoe must offer heel support, greater cushioning, and foot motion enhancement capabilities to suit different foot types.
“Running is a forward motion, so the shoes design must allow for and encourage this movement," says Paul."Whereas, for netball, the forces applied to the feet are intense; the sudden stop movements and changes in direction demand a shoe with enhanced stability and cushioning to absorb impact."
“Whether that be from shoes made with gel, air, or other forms of cushioning foams; the harder the surface, the more robust the sole material needs to be without compromising the shoes weight."
Can injuries happen if you do not wear the correct shoes?
Injury is common with any sport, but with the correct advice and preparation, most sporting injuries are preventable. The greater the impact, the greater the force. The faster the movement or change in direction, the greater the risk of stress on the feet.
A significant part of reducing this risk involves wearing properly fitted and sport-appropriate shoes, as the risk of injury arises from three primary causes; activity in shoes that are old, activity in shoes that are not for purpose, and lastly, injury from shoes that are not fitted correctly or suited to you.
Back, hip and knee pain is commonplace. Shin splints and plantar fasciitis (arch pain) are some of the activity and footwear related injuries regularly seen by podiatrists.
In children, growth and overuse problems are more likely, such as; Sever’s disease (heel pain), toe deformities and ankle sprains are all too common. Regular foot health checks are a recommended way of assessing, and potentially preventing, a number of gait and biomechanical issues that can stem from changes in activity, or from simply growing a shoe size! Like with any injury, if you are experiencing any ongoing lower limb pain or complications, please consult your local podiatrist*.
*What is a podiatrist? A podiatrist is a highly trained healthcare professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the feet & lower limbs. They can also prevent and correct musculoskeletal issues, improve mobility, treat infections, and help to relieve foot and leg-related pain.
The perfect shoe, does it exist?
Not quite. There is no perfect shoe that we could recommend whole-heartedly every time. What defines a perfect shoe is deemed as being; correct for you by fit, support, and function – specific to your specific sport or activity.Next time you’re shopping for a new pair of shoes, always consider your foot type, foot size, level of intensity, and chosen sport or activity before making your purchase.
Need help finding the right running shoe? Our guide can help.
Author: Sports Podiatrist Paul Boudville
Written in partnership with My FootDr