Proper Shoes is Key for Safe Hiking

posted: May 26, 2014.

Katey Behny, owner of a hiking supplies store in Beacon, NY, spent a lot of time hiking up mountains when she was growing up, making her an expert on outdoor activities.

Behny recommends that hikers find good, dependable shoes to wear in order to make sure that their feet stay safe while on treks. She claims that having footwear without adequate flexibility or room for one’s toes can lead to discomfort or injury.

"With an outdoor activity, you have to look at your clothing and footwear as equipment, and having the right equipment is going to make the experience a better one," she said.

Having footwear that fits correctly can prevent painful injuries from occurring when you participate in physical activities. If you need advice about footwear, talk to podiatrist Dr. Alan J. Discont of Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC. Dr. Discont can suggest an appropriate size and style for you based on the type of activity you want to pursue.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Proper shoe fitting is one of the most common concerns people have when it comes to the health of their feet. To some this may not seem like a major issue, but the reality is that improperly fitted shoes account for a tremendous amount of injuries to the foot. Because our feet, our posture, and our gait directly affect the bio-mechanics and the overall structure of our entire body, pains and discomforts felt elsewhere within the body can frequently be attributed to improperly fitted footwear. Here are a few factors to consider, which will help you select the proper footwear when shopping.

Do not purchase shoes with the expectation that they will stretch to accommodate the size of your feet. You are looking for shoes that fit correctly right away. If the shoes you purchase are too large and are slipping in the area of the heel while you walk, do not purchase them. Do not look favorably upon shoes that slip with the intention of wearing thicker socks to compensate for the slippage. Make certain that in the widest portion of the shoes, the ball of your foot, fits comfortably in the shoe.

For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Chandler, AZ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.