Function and fit first step
In the age of selfies and social media it’s easy to only concentrate on what looks good rather than what feels good. That’s why FNQ Podiatry & Orthotics managing director Kyle Richardson (right) said people should go beyond looks when choosing their running shoes. “The biggest mistake that a lot of people make is thinking that all running shoes are made the same,” he said. “Shoes are specifically tailored for different requirements, like different sports and level of activity.
IN the age of selfies and social media it’s easy to only concentrate on what looks good rather than what feels good.
That’s why FNQ Podiatry & Orthotics managing director Kyle Richardson said people should go beyond looks when choosing their running shoes.
“The biggest mistake that a lot of people make is thinking that all running shoes are made the same,” he said.
“Shoes are specifically tailored for different requirements, like different sports and level of activity.
“I see a lot of people who go out to start trail running but they buy a road running shoe, which feels great in the shop but as soon as they get on the trail the tread isn’t right and they start slipping.”
The solution was knowing which shoe was best for you.
“It’s a matter of choosing the shoe that’s right for your foot type and also for your activity,” Mr Richardson said.
“A lot of people go into a shoe store and buy the first pair that looks good, when actually they should be guided by other factors.”
He said visiting a podiatrist like himself or Chris Murray was the most straight forward way to determine which kind of running shoe you should select.
“The easiest way to tell your foot type is to go to a podiatrist for a lower limb assessment,” he said.
“Another way is to look at your feet standing up and whether they roll in or out, or using the old style of wetting your foot and walking across concrete and seeing how much of an arch profile you have.”
He said shoppers should feel free to ask questions to staff in store about making the right selection.
“Have a talk to the footwear staff, they’re the ones that are trained and they can tell you which shoe is suitable for you,” he said.
“When you’re in the shoe store actually go for a jog around. If you’re in a shopping centre ask if you can go for a quick jog around the shopping centre to see if it feels right.”