Stuff

A Practical guide to proper fitting footwear at City Park Runners

Your foot is a complex structure. It has 28 bones (both feet accounting for ¼ of all the bones in the body), more than 30 joints, and numerous muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Essentially, there are 3 very basic foot types for the purpose of shoe fitting. These include the ‘overpronated foot’, ‘underpronated foot’, and the ‘normal foot’. There are numerous brands and types of shoes to fit various types of feet. They are designed to minimize the stress during various types of activities. These types of shoes include running, walking, aerobic, hiking, cross-training to name a few.

What City Park Runners has to offer
The staff at City Park Runners recognize that each individual (and their feet) is unique. What works for one person doesn’t always work for someone else. Essentially, we try to fit a pair of shoes to meet each individuals needs.
The first step will be measuring both of your feet, length and width. This, and the general shape of your foot will give us valuable information as to the proper sizing and what sort of contours in the shoe will be most comfortable for your foot. We then will perform a couple of short biomechanical tests with you to see what kind of support you will need to give you the most comfort long term. You will be offered a few models to try on that apply to you, and you will have the option of taking a test run on our in house treadmill. It’s a comfortable atmosphere for you to make the right choice.

Here are some points to consider when shopping for a pair of running shoes.

1. Shoe sizes are not standard: Shoe sizes will vary according to the brand and the style. Do not buy a shoe according to the number associated with the size; go with how the shoe feels
2. Both feet may not be the same size or shape: It is necessary that the bigger or most “troublesome” foot is fitted first- sacrifices may have to be made .
3. Wear the same socks that you would normally wear with the shoes.
4. Be fit for a shoe late in the day or after physical activity: Your foot expands later in the day after bearing weight. Further, prolonged physical activity may cause your foot to swell slightly.
5. Select shoes that match the shape of your foot: Everybody has a different shaped foot. Don’t buy a shoe because your friend said it’s the most comfortable shoe.
6. Shoes should be slightly longer and wider than your feet: Do not assume the shoe will stretch to fit your feet. Ideally you should feel like you could “ play the piano” with your toes inside the shoe.
7. Shoes should fit comfortably in the heel: The upper of the shoe should not rub on the ankle bones and the heel should not move excessively inside the shoe.
8. Bring orthotics (if you wear them)when you try on shoes: The orthotic may change the fit and the function of the shoe.
9. Compare a variety of shoes and test them out in the store.
10. Choose shoes appropriate for your activity: Generally, cross training shoes are not good for running on the road.