Live Well 8: Choosing The Right Running Shoe
By: Tina Shively
Updated: May 19, 2010
Whether you run or walk to keep fit, what you wear on your feet may help keep you injury free.
Dr. Edward C. Tanner is the chief of orthopedics for the Rochester General Health System. He says choosing the right shoe is important before you rev up your engines.
"It's a little bit like the tires on your car," said Dr. Tanner. "It's more dependent on your mileage than on the time, and very serous runners will be changing their shoes every three months. Most of us in reality we'll get a year or two out of the pair of shoes."
Dr. Tanner says there are three main problems runners and walkers tackle with when pounding the pavement.
"The most common thing is you develop tightness in your calf or in your achilles tendon. Wearing the proper shoes makes it easier to stretch out."
Another issue is heel spurs, a condition that may be prevented by inserting simple arch supports inside your shoes. They're available at your local drug store.
"The third thing is in your forefoot under the ball of your foot. You're pushing off at that point and most of us who are 30 and up that fatpad has been pushed out and your putting more pressure directly on the bone," said Dr. Tanner.
Dr. Tanner says when you choose your shoes take a walk around the store, to make sure they feel comfortable, and that there's enough room for your toes.
He also says a higher price tag doesn't always mean higher quality.
"I don't think you have to spend a fortune on shoes and you don't have to chase after the latest trend. I would not buy the cheapest bargain shoe you could find, but also don't go crazy at the upper end."
We also wanted to know if the latest trend in workout shoes, the curved bottom sneakers that promise to tone your calves while you work out, actually work.
Dr. Tanner says while they do challenge your balance, there's no medical evidence that they're toning your muscles, burning calories or that they lead to weight loss.
Dr. Edward C. Tanner is the chief of orthopedics for the Rochester General Health System. He says choosing the right shoe is important before you rev up your engines.
"It's a little bit like the tires on your car," said Dr. Tanner. "It's more dependent on your mileage than on the time, and very serous runners will be changing their shoes every three months. Most of us in reality we'll get a year or two out of the pair of shoes."
Dr. Tanner says there are three main problems runners and walkers tackle with when pounding the pavement.
"The most common thing is you develop tightness in your calf or in your achilles tendon. Wearing the proper shoes makes it easier to stretch out."
Another issue is heel spurs, a condition that may be prevented by inserting simple arch supports inside your shoes. They're available at your local drug store.
"The third thing is in your forefoot under the ball of your foot. You're pushing off at that point and most of us who are 30 and up that fatpad has been pushed out and your putting more pressure directly on the bone," said Dr. Tanner.
Dr. Tanner says when you choose your shoes take a walk around the store, to make sure they feel comfortable, and that there's enough room for your toes.
He also says a higher price tag doesn't always mean higher quality.
"I don't think you have to spend a fortune on shoes and you don't have to chase after the latest trend. I would not buy the cheapest bargain shoe you could find, but also don't go crazy at the upper end."
We also wanted to know if the latest trend in workout shoes, the curved bottom sneakers that promise to tone your calves while you work out, actually work.
Dr. Tanner says while they do challenge your balance, there's no medical evidence that they're toning your muscles, burning calories or that they lead to weight loss.
Comments
That was great! Cools shoes to choose.
diane b.
February 22, 2012 at 12:45 am
