Keep Your Feet Happy!

Runners and walkers can cause serious injury if they have improperly fitting shoes and even the wrong kind of socks. Your Team In Training^® coach will work with you on how to choose the perfect shoes as part of your preparation.

A few tips to keep in mind:

Everybody's feet are different  

In finding the proper running shoe, it's not just a matter of length, but of how high your arch is and whether you tend to roll your foot inward (pronation) or not at all. Different brands of running shoes are known to compensate for different levels of pronation.

Talk to your Team In Training coach for a special test they do to determine the level of pronation. Then, find a reputable retailer who is an expert in the area of sports training shoes. Don't let salesmen sell you the fanciest model that would light up a disco floor just because they look cool; they may not be right for your foot.

All reputable brands make good shoes; try on several shoes before making your final decision.  The main difference in the brands is their fit, not their quality.

Size does matter...

...immensely for marathon runners and walkers. Your feet will take a pounding and swell up to one size larger.  Ideally, try on shoes either after a workout or in the afternoon so that they will get a more accurate fit.  Typically, many people wear a running or walking shoe a half to one size larger than their dress shoe size.

Wear your running or walking shoes at least three to four weeks in advance of the event you're competing in.

For more advice, ask your Team In Training coach. They'll be pleased to help you keep your feet happy.