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If the shoe Fits
Written By: A.J. Stewart | Issue: 2018/08 - August
The Plateau is gorgeous this time of year, and there’s nothing better than getting out in the sunshine to enjoy the beauty and get a little exercise. The great thing about our beautiful countryside is the wide variety of walking and hiking trails for us to enjoy. There are easy, flat trails for the average fitness walker, hilly trails to challenge runners, and rugged trails for the experienced hiker. When you’re planning your next trek, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Different types of exercise require shoes with different levels of support and flexibility.
There are significant differences between walking and running shoes. Walking shoes tend to be lighter than running shoes because they don’t have quite as much cushioning. Running shoes have thicker cushioning to protect the feet from the more forceful impact of the feet on the ground. Walking shoes also flex differently than running shoes. Fitness walkers will find that they can comfortably wear running shoes, but the same cannot be said for runners wearing walking shoes.
For hiking enthusiasts, you have the option of hiking boots or trail runners. It all depends on the ruggedness of the terrain. For very rough, ragged trails, hiking boots provide better ankle support and have more aggressive tread for stability, but they are heavy. For more moderate terrain, you may want to opt for trail runners. Trail runners are the beefy cousins of running shoes. They offer the rugged tread for better traction without the weight.
The most important thing to consider is the fit. Your foot should not slip side to side, or too far forward in the shoe, nor should your heel lift up out of the back. Too much movement within the shoe can lead to blisters. Make sure that your shoes aren’t too tight and there is enough room in the front for your toes. Choose a shoe made with flexible, breathable material. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to problems later on, such as bunions, calluses and shin splints.
Robyn Restrepo, MD is a family medicine and obstetrics provider practicing at the Mission Health Center – Highlands, located at 209 Hospital Dr., Highlands, NC. To make an appointment with Dr. Restrepo, call (828) 526-4346.
