When the Shoe Fits, Run!

Santa was good to me this year.

I got exactly what I wanted: a pair of running shoes specifically shaped for my feet.

Of course I know that I can find a pair of sneakers on sale in a variety of stores 10 minutes from my house.

But do they have the proper fit? Will they cushion my arch the way it needs to be supported when I head out my door for a quick run? Will they help absorb the force of impact?

The only way to know if you’re wearing the right kind of shoe for running is to be fitted by someone who does.

They can recommend the best shoe for you by watching how your feet and ankles move as you run. Some runners need a specific shoe designed to help them stabilize their body because their feet and ankles roll inward. Others may push off more from their outer toes.

If don’t think wearing proper shoes is important, maybe you’ve never been injured. A poor-fitting shoe can turn your workout into torture.

Isn’t exercise challenging enough by itself?

I knew on the first day that I had the right pair of shoes.

How?

I never wanted to take them off.

Thanks Santa!

Alice Warchol is a freelance writer and fitness instructor.

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