Page 30 - Waterfall City_Issue 10_2022

Waterfall City News

IF THE

(RUNNING)

SHOE FITS

Tips and hints on selecting the

correct type of ‘running equipment’

By Lauren Brown, Podiatrist at
Waterfall SOS-Waterfall City Hospital
W hether running to The old saying that ‘one size fits
stay fit, being part
all’ does not apply to selecting the
of a social club for
correct running shoes. Every person is
runners, or competing
enlist professional advice. Podiatrists
in the Comrades, maintaining an different, and the safest approach is to
effective and injury-free running and specialist running stores are good
practice means having the right places to start.
equipment: socks and shoes.
The top three questions to ask when
CHOOSING THE RIGHT considering a running shoe are:
SHOES • Do I require a neutral shoe or one that
There are a number of key factors to provides stability?
consider when purchasing a running • What specification of cushioning suits
Lauren practices at the Waterfall shoe. As a priority, performance and my running gait?
Sports Orthopaedic Surgery in the comfort (the correct fit) are critical to • What is the correct heel to toe drop
Netcare Waterfall City Hospital. avoiding injury. for me?
She has a special interest in
running biomechanics and uses Modern-day running shoes are a trendy A podiatrist will be able to answer your
a barapodiatric system to assess item, and the sheer number of options questions by assessing your running
gait and make custom orthotics. on the shelf can leave one feeling biomechanics, while a specialist
Her current running shoe is a Hoka overwhelmed. Novices or part-time running shoe store can facilitate the
Arahi, and her favourite sock is a runners are often likely to select a shoe selection based on the podiatrist’s
toss-up between Balega Ultraglide based on a brand or looks, which can assessment.
and Injinji Enduro. be detrimental to their running in the
long term. The challenge this runner The purpose of a running shoe is to
faces is that he or she may not know protect your foot and enhance your
Info@happyfeetpodiatrist.co.za what questions to ask to ensure the gait while providing comfort and
www.happyfeetpodiatrist.co.za correct technical factors are considered cushioning. Don’t focus on the brand
when purchasing a running shoe. as much as functionality and fit.

28 Waterfall City Issue 10 2022