Best footwear for your activity

The key to safe activity and injury prevention is wearing the proper footwear for your activity. Not all shoes tennis shoes are the same, which is why it's important that you have the right footwear when you need it.

Looking at labels

Choosing which shoe might work best for the activity you're doing can be hard. There are so many options, many of which seem like athletic footwear, making it can be hard to distinguish what fits your needs best. 

Have you ever walked through the tennis shoe section in a shoe store and noticed that it was divided by running, walking, soccer, etc.? These labels are a good indicator of which activity that shoe will work for best. The most common mistake people make when shoe shopping is buying a single pair of sneakers to cover all activity needs, but it's important to practice wearing the right shoe wear for each sporting need. 

Next time you are looking for a pair of shoes, remember these helpful tips:

• Walking shoes should have a flexible sole and good shock absorption. This is meant to help the natural rolling of your feet as you step.
• Running shoes should be light and flexible. This will help with long distances and comforting your feet with the higher impact on your joints.
• "Court" shoes should have a thick sole and good support around your ankle. These kind of shoes include basketball, tennis, and volleyball shoes.
• Cross-training shoes will have a flat sole for proper support when lifting heavy weights. These type of shoes should not be worn for running and walking purposes, as they are not formed to fit your sole in the way that running shoes will. 
• Field sports, like soccer, football, baseball, etc. are usually cleated for good traction on the field.

If you're ever unsure about the shoe you're looking at, be sure to talk to a store clerk for clarification on the shoe and the activity you will be doing.

Problems from improper footwear

Wearing the wrong shoe can lead to complications and injuries with your feet. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to wear and tear on the foot that can cause blisters, calluses, bunions, and more. If you develop an open wound due to improper footwear, seek medical attention from your provider to avoid infection.

Serious injuries can occur from the wrong footwear for your activity. Whether it be playing sports or exploring the outdoors, wearing the wrong shoe can lead to:

• shin splints
• heel pain
• ankle sprains
• fractures

Avoid injury by taking the time to research what shoe you need and always being aware of how proper footwear can impact your activity.

Foot and Ankle Center at Logansport Memorial Hospital

Whether you find yourself with a foot or ankle injury or would like to discuss your options for treating foot and ankle pain, Dr. Scott Marsh will take his time with you and develop a personalized care plan. As a foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Marsh sees and treats:

• arthritis
• bunions
• chronic pain
• fractures, sprains, injuries
• total ankle replacement

The list goes on and on. To learn more about Dr. Marsh or the podiatry services offered through our Foot and Ankle Center, visit our website. 

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