Regardless of fashion trends, when it comes to choosing sports equipment, there are other important things to consider, namely when it comes to footwear. Enhancing good performance and avoiding injuries is what should dictate the choice. There is no exercise footwear that is better than all the others. There are characteristics that make some better than others for certain sports. These characteristics are often related to stability and cushioning capacity, the requirements of which depend on the modality. Additionally, the athlete's morphology and injury history should also be considered when choosing. Ultimately, the best ones for each person will be the ones that make them feel most comfortable while exercising. So what t consider? Sport modality features Anyone who regularly practices a certain sport should wear footwear with characteristics suitable for that activity: Cushioning capacity is more important in activities with repeated movements and/or with more impact, in order to cushion the effect of the impact and reduce the likelihood of injury; Stability is more important in activities that involve rapid movements and sudden changes of direction, so that the foot remains in a correct position, also helping to prevent injuries. For example: Walking requires moderate cushioning capacity and lateral stability; Running requires high cushioning capacity and low lateral stability; Tennis and padel require moderate cushioning capacity and high lateral stability; Aerobics, step, team sports in general require moderate to high cushioning and stability capacity. The grip of the sole is related to the floor. For the toughest ones, cushioning capacity is more important. But for soft or slippery surfaces, for example dirt or grass, traction and stability are essential. Ease of cleaning and durability are other characteristics to be taken into consideration: the first related to personal hygiene and the latter to ensuring that the investment lasts the appropriate amount of time. Athlete morphology The athlete's structure and injury history should also weigh on your decision. Starting with the structure: Wider feet require wider shoes that allow the instep and toes to move freely; Specific shoes for a lower or higher plantar arch (so-called flat feet and/or cavus feet, respectively) should only be considered if there is a medical indication for this. The structure of the foot alone is not indicative of lack of function. For this reason, as a general rule, the option should sport footwear which do not limit the mobility of the foot. Regarding history of injuries, if any, a health professional should be sought to help understand whether the structure has vulnerabilities that justify shoes with greater stabilization and/or impact cushioning capacity. For example: If there is a history of overuse injuries, shoes with more cushioning capacity may be benefic. People with a history of sprains may need shoes that provide more stability. Some advice Ideally, sports shoes should be tried on after exercise in order to get a clearer idea of comfort. For this, the best option will be after a workout or, for most people, at the end of the day. Additionally, socks should be the same type as those normally used in training. Concerning shape and size, it is necessary to be able to move toes around inside the shoes and there should be some space between the end of the longest toe and the toe cap. However, the heel must fit without causing discomfort and in such a way as to prevent the foot from slipping inside the shoe. If there were previous injuries, professional advice should be sought regarding any specific characteristics. Cleaning sports shoes regularly and according to the manufacturer's instructions will help extend their lifespan. But it is important to replace it when they start to show signs of wear and tear, in order to reduce the risk of injury. With comfort being assured, then the choice can take into account style and personal preferences, which are also important for motivation and confidence in performance! Sources Andrade R, Santos T. Selection of running shoes by amateur runners: characterization and association with the self-reported history of injury. Fisioter Pesqui 2022;29:38696. Nigg BM, Baltich J, Hoerzer S, Enders H. Running shoes and running injuries: mythbusting and a proposal for two new paradigms: 'preferred movement path' and 'comfort filter' . Br J Sports Med 2015;49:1290-4. Author : Patrícia Bispo Pimenta Meet the Sports Medicine Center clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
