13/07/2021
How to choose the right-left shoe
If you play a sport, it’s a good idea to wear shoes designed for that sport. There are specific shoes designed for tennis, golf, soccer, football, netball, running, cycling, and other sports. Each has a different design, material, and weight to best protect feet against the stresses of the particular activity.
Try to buy your athletic shoes from a specialty store. The staff may advise you on the type of shoe you need for your activity or sport. And they can properly fit the shoes so you end up with the right size.
Shop for shoes after exercise or at the end of the day. This will help make sure that shoes feel comfortable when your feet are at their largest.
Try the shoes wearing the same type of socks that you will wear for the activity.
Have the shop assistant measure your feet every time you buy shoes, because your feet may become larger and wider as you age. It’s also common for one foot to be slightly bigger than the other.
Check that you can wiggle all your toes when wearing the shoes. Remember, you need room for your foot to move within the shoe as you walk or run.
The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. Don’t rely on ‘breaking them in.
Walk or run a few steps in your shoes, to check they are comfortable.
Make sure the shoes grip your heel. Your heel should not slip in the shoes when you move.
Think about width as well as length. If the ball of your foot feels squashed, ask if the shoe comes in a wider size. Shoes that are a half-size larger — but not wider — may not help.
Feel the inside of the shoes to check for tags, seams, or other material that might irritate your foot.
** Examine the soles. Are they sturdy enough to protect against harmful objects? Do they provide appropriate grip? Try to walk on both carpet and hard surfaces.
