athletic shoes

Wellness Wednesday: Workout Shoes 

Since last week’s Wellness Wednesday post, you have all, no doubt, done your week long analysis of how you spend your time. I trust you have been able to scrounge up 30 minutes per day, 6 days per week, for some real exercise.

After time, the next thing you’ll be needing is decent exercise shoes. So I thought I would make a brief post about choosing workout shoes, which should pique your interest in studying the matter further and help you steer clear of expensive trendy nonsense. 

I have consulted the world renowned authority Footlocker. No, actually, the American College of Sports Medicine has put out some nice pamphlets which I will share with you, and you will have the knowledge you need. Before those links I’d like to throw out a few factoids to, as I said, get you interested. 

  • 85% of people wear shoes which are too small. 
  • Shoes should be purchased later in the day when feet are the largest. 
  • Running shoes should have minimal drop between the heel and toe. 
  • Excessive padding, “ motion control” or “ stability” components interfere with a normal foot's motion, but those with flat feet may need “ motion control” shoes. Those with very high arches may need more cushioning. 
  • A woman’s shoe of size 8 or less should weigh 8 ounces or less. 
  • Pronation while running is normal; it is a natural shock absorber. Stopping normal pronation may cause foot or knee problems.
  • There should be at least half inch between the toes and the end of the shoe. 
  • Running shoes need to be replaced every  350 miles or so. 
  • When you buy new workout shoes, break them in gradually. 

 

Links: 

ASCM information on Selecting Running Shoes

ASCM information on Selecting and Effectively Using Running Shoes

Next week in Wellness Wednesday: Workout Clothes

Have a great week !