MATT LISTER
SHOE IN
Wearing the appropriate footwear to suit your training is vital to ensure you not only get the most out of your exercise, but also to help prevent injuries. But with so many options on the market, which direction should you go? A good general rule of thumb (or should that be heel?) is to choose a shoe that complements the type of training you take part in three or more times a week. Here’s what you should be looking for. Joggers/Runners — Look for strong arch support and a heavily cushioned sole to protect your feet, particularly the balls of the feet, from repetitive impact. However, if you’re a treadmill runner, you’re better off with a shoe that has less cushioning, to counter the amount of bounce from the machine. Walkers — Go for lightweight with less cushioning than a runner. Too much cushioning on a walking shoe can give an unstable base that can fatigue the feet faster, and increase the risk of ankle problems. Ramblers and hikers will obviously need a shoe with far more protection for the ankle. Lifters — You need low profile to keep you as close to the ground as possible and prevent rolling or twisting your ankles. You want to feel as though your foot is connected to the ground.