Comfort. Comfort. And comfort! Those are the top three criteria for picking a running shoe, says Garath A. Maenpaa, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Sports Medicine & Injury Care. “Picking a running shoe can be complicated,” says Dr. Maenpaa. “There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. So, the thinking now is that comfort is the most important thing. It’s extremely important, particularly if you have had no injuries.”
Dr. Maenpaa recommends that even casual runners should visit a store specializing in running shoes. “It’s very helpful if the salespeople are runners as well,” he says. “The shoe should feel comfortable straightaway. There should be no breaking-in period.”
Picking a running shoe may depend on the arch of your feet, how you run and if your feet pronate. Correct running shoes may not prevent all injuries but can reduce your risks.
To schedule an appointment with one of our experts at Sport Medicine & Injury Care call 704-512-3995 or visit CarolinasHealthCare.Org/Sports.
