Sneaker Shopping: Tips for Finding the Right One

Most of us make our footwear choices like any other style choice, prioritizing style, and making what we perceive as minor sacrifices in comfort. We must consider this choice more carefully, though, as our selection in no small way is linked to our spinal health, especially in times of athletic activity, and more so for runners and other habitual athletes.

Bear in mind that your feet are unique, and so what works for others in terms of footwear might not work for you — you must base your selection on your specific needs. A proper, considered choice early on can potentially avert chronic pain and stress down the road to your feet, legs, back and hips.

Before anything else, see if you can categorize your foot type, between flat, high-arched, and normal. What aspects of a shoe are appropriate to your foot type?

• Normal Foot: Characterized by its normal arch this foot type leaves a slightly flaring footprint that connects the heel and ball with the outside edge of the foot. As you walk, notice that there is a slight inward rolling motion, beginning from the outside of the heel. Shoes that best fit this type of foot have a gentle curve to them, and are considered stability shoes.
  
• Flat Foot: This kind of foot has a very low arch, such that most of the sole of the foot makes contact with the ground as you walk. In addition, this foot often has over-pronation, or excessive rolling of the foot from heel to toe in walking. These characteristics can result in chronic pain, so a proper shoe is extremely important. A shoe that is molded and high-stability, resisting twisting and bending, is ideal. The shoe should also not have too much cushioning, particularly in the middle of the sole, as this could interfere with the natural shape of the foot.
• High-arched Foot: This type of foot leaves footprints that are nearly disconnected from the heel to the ball of the foot. Additionally, this foot-type commonly under-pronates, failing to absorb the impact of walking or running with a gentle roll from heel to toe. The ideal shoe for feet like this is ones that encourage movement and mitigate impact with a lot of flexibility and cushioning.
  
  

If you're at a loss for what type of foot you personally have, you should take the initiative to see you chiropractor, who can make an analysis of your gait and offer suggestions for what type of athletic shoe you should be looking for.

Bear in mind the following guidelines at the store, when you do finally feel prepared to make a purchase. What activities are you going to be doing while wearing these shoes? If you need a shoe for running, you'll need to find one that absorbs shock particularly in the heel. Tennis shoes must have a substantial amount of side-to-side stability, as they must support a large degree of lateral movement. The only specific requirements for walking shoes are, however, appropriate cushioning and a structure that encourages natural pronation.

Timing is important: shop when your feet are at their largest, after a sustained workout or later in the day, after work. It's not uncommon for people to find themselves in ill-fitting shoes that were comfortable at an early time of fitting. Be sure to adequately simulate the conditions of your regular activity in your shoe, when trying it on. This means using your typical socks, as well as any orthotic device you make use of for posture. This is extremely important, as an orthotic device or particularly thick sock can alter the fit of a shoe up to a size or two.

Each new shoe and application requires a new measurement, so you shouldn't assume that your current shoe size will still apply — simply measure each time, and you'll save yourself a lot of time and discomfort. In a new pair of shoes, your toes shouldn't feel restricted, and should have enough space to move around a bit at the end of the shoe, in the toe box. Your heel, rather than sliding up and down as you run or walk in your shoe, should be comfortable and snug. Speak to a store associate about available shoes for your foot type. This will be important, particularly if you posses high-arched or flat feet. Currently there are shoes available that improve your stride and help maintain good posture. If you have the opportunity, try to wear a shoe for 10 minutes before buying, so you have a good idea of its comfort.

Since your foot is shorter and thicker when you are sitting, be sure to stand when getting a measurement. And again, always measure your foot when you go shopping. You must find a good measure of the length and width of each of your feet, because your weight and age affect them differently. Many people have feet that are different, unmatched sizes.

Excessively worn should be replaced, since they could cause problems down the road.
Get a new pair when the cushion in the mid-sole of your shoe is flattened so much that it cannot absorb the shock of movement anymore. Serious chiropractic and podiatric injuries may result from neglecting the state of your shoes, like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and shin splints, among others.