Some THOUGHTS ON the RUNNING SHOES we use...

We need to start instilling the benefits of good footwear in children.  Proper footwear is essential to setting up children for lifelong fitness and active living.  My thoughts are that if someone finds running difficult, uncomfortable, unsafe or bothersome in some way they will choose physically active activities less often and this may lead to an unhealthy pattern in their life.  As a PE teacher I instruct students all day long and see the necessity of using shoes that are safe.  Often when buying shoes people forget to check the bottom tread for griping potential.  Avoid shoes with foam or other bottoms and choose rubber tread with a gripping pattern so that your athlete can avoid opportunities for injury to the body.  The human foot has approximately 26 bones, muscles and joints for movement, ligaments and tendons.  Plenty of components requiring support from a good shoe. 

Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can be problematic. The shoe is either too narrow, too wide, slides back and forth, pinches in-between the toes or on the top of the foot. It is important to try on shoes later in the day as our feet can swell a little. It is also important to try on both shoes, as one foot is usually slightly larger than the other. So you want to size for the larger foot. Your toes should be able to move around the box of the shoe and not be pushed against each other. If you can't push down on your big toe to get at least ½ inch of place then wiggle your toe and push it up against the top of the shoe to see if you have room. If you use shoes that are ill fitting then you put yourself at risk of injuries or habits causing you to need medical support in the future.

Cost is always on my mind as I need to buy shoes for my five kids but we need to think about the long term costs of using poor footwear.  Can you name something that you and your kids use for the majority of the day?  Of course... shoes!  How many coffees would it take to give you the extra money needed for good kicks?  Also, sport specific shoes are generally not necessary at the elementary age.  So don't be swayed into buying a shoe for track, basketball and volleyball, instead find a runner/cross-training runner that can be used for all sports. 

Freedom of movement is more than just the muscles of your arms and legs it includes your feet. Don't take them for granted. Take care of your feet and they will take care of you in return. The best running shoes are shoes that will be kind and gentle on your feet throughout any running exercise. 

I've included a picture as you may not know what a good shoe looks like.  I'd also suggest going to a running store and listening to their experts explain what a good shoe is and then you will be more knowledgeable for future purchases.