One of the most important pieces of equipment an athlete can have is proper footwear. Whether its baseball, basketball, football or soccer or any other sport, wearing the right footwear is key to performance. Choose something that is not fitted properly or suited for your sport and you will have trouble competing.

No matter what sport you compete in, you will want to visit a specialty sport shoe store. There you will have the best of selections in sizes and types. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and brands as each is different. Also, the best time to buy an athletic shoe is at the end of the day as it is for any shoe because your feet are largest then from all the previous day’s activity.

Athletic shoes can be categorized into 3 groups.

• Running – good arch support, lightness, good traction and stability in the heel
• Walking – comfortable upper, good cushioning and smooth tread
• Training- good support in the arches, good traction and light weight

Specific sports like football, soccer or baseball which will have some type of cleat, short or long, attached or detachable, for traction on natural grass or artificial turf. Each surface will require a different type of cleat and therefore different shoe.

Sports like basketball require a sole that can grip a wooden or concrete surface. Most basketball shoes allow for this. Fit is important here as it is for any footwear.  So when visiting the shoe store, always check your size before trying on a shoe. Your toes should have plenty of room to move. Your feet should feel supported, not tight especially with regards to length and width. Also, when fitting your shoe, fit to the largest foot. Oftentimes, it is the left foot that is a little larger than the other, but measure both anyway. When lacing the shoe, lace from the bottom of the foot back, pulling the laces tight as you proceed up the foot. This will make sure your shoe fits snuggly. Also, wear the same type of sock you use when competing.

Need some more help and encouragement in caring for your feet or choosing the right shoes?  Schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that there are no issues making sure that you not only choose the right shoes, but also keep your feet healthy. We are a proud to say that the New Jersey’s Children’s Foot Health Institute is a part of the Clark Podiatry Center. Come see us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!