Cycling is a rapidly growing sport with all shapes and sizes joining in on the fun. Whether you ride every day or on the weekends, cycling is a great way to burn calories, reduce stress and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Proper fitting cycling shoes are a key component of your cycling gear and can greatly reduce the chance of foot pain or injury. Visit with your local bike shops and learn about the brands offered. Discussing factors such as the amount of use, type of riding, budget along with foot size and shape will help the specialist fit you in the right brand for you.
Cycling cleats are typically stiff soled devices. The advantage is the foot is held securely in place allowing for even distribution of pressure as you complete each rotation and have better efficiency. Your bike should be with you when you are shopping for cycling shoes as the fit is not only important on your feet, it is also important positioning while riding on the bike especially if you select the clip in style cleats.
Hot spots, numbness or burning in the forefoot may be in relation to forefoot nerves. Wearing cycling shoes too tight or too thick of a sock could be the culprit. Typically, those with narrow feet can wear a thicker sock and those with fleshier feet may find comfort with a thin sock.
After loosening the shoes and/or changing the socks yet the issue is still present, return to your specialist for a review of the foot positioning while on the bike. An adjustment of the cleat is sometimes all you need for a better fit. If however the fit is still an issue, it may be a foot related problem. See your local Sport Podiatrist or Pedorthist in your area for further treatment or advice.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Getting the Right Fit
Tis the season of change from hot muggy temperatures to cooler fall weather. This change brings on the need for warmer clothing and shoes. For most, clothing is pretty easy however shoes can be a completely different experience. To make the most of your shoe shopping, being prepared can help you alleviate stress and give confidence you are buying the right shoes for your foot type.
Here are a few tips to help you get the right fit:
1. Take inventory of your current shoe selection. Are the shoes worn and in need of replacement or repair?
2. How old are your shoes? As a rule of thumb, sport shoes particularly running shoes should be replaced every six months or 300-500 miles. Dress and casual shoes should be replaced on a yearly basis if seasonal or every 8 months if worn every day.
3. Do you wear orthotics? Bring them along when you shop for shoes. This way, you will be able to judge if the shoe will accommodate your feet and the orthotics. Remember, not all shoes are created for orthotic wear.
4. Keep your feet healthy by having your feet examined at least once a year by a Podiatrist.
5. Consider your shoe shopping location. Pulling shoes off the shelf can be convenient however many times; the wrong shoe type is selected. Shop at a shoe store where fitters are available to fit you in the shoes. Ask if there are certified shoe fitters on staff. You will have a better shoe shopping experience working with a person who is familiar with shoe fit.
6. Always have your feet measured each time you shop for shoes.
7. Shop in the late afternoon when feet tend to swell from the day’s activity.
8. Bring socks for trying on shoes. Dress socks for dress shoes, everyday socks for casual shoes and athletic socks for sport shoes.
9. Be prepared to advise the fitter of your activity level, how often you will wear the particular shoes and any style requirements (i.e. business dress code or color requirement).
10. Spend time in the store and walk around in the shoes. If you have small children, consider a babysitter so you are not distracted from making purchase decisions.
Being prepared can make or break your next shoe shopping experience so get ready and have fun!
Here are a few tips to help you get the right fit:
1. Take inventory of your current shoe selection. Are the shoes worn and in need of replacement or repair?
2. How old are your shoes? As a rule of thumb, sport shoes particularly running shoes should be replaced every six months or 300-500 miles. Dress and casual shoes should be replaced on a yearly basis if seasonal or every 8 months if worn every day.
3. Do you wear orthotics? Bring them along when you shop for shoes. This way, you will be able to judge if the shoe will accommodate your feet and the orthotics. Remember, not all shoes are created for orthotic wear.
4. Keep your feet healthy by having your feet examined at least once a year by a Podiatrist.
5. Consider your shoe shopping location. Pulling shoes off the shelf can be convenient however many times; the wrong shoe type is selected. Shop at a shoe store where fitters are available to fit you in the shoes. Ask if there are certified shoe fitters on staff. You will have a better shoe shopping experience working with a person who is familiar with shoe fit.
6. Always have your feet measured each time you shop for shoes.
7. Shop in the late afternoon when feet tend to swell from the day’s activity.
8. Bring socks for trying on shoes. Dress socks for dress shoes, everyday socks for casual shoes and athletic socks for sport shoes.
9. Be prepared to advise the fitter of your activity level, how often you will wear the particular shoes and any style requirements (i.e. business dress code or color requirement).
10. Spend time in the store and walk around in the shoes. If you have small children, consider a babysitter so you are not distracted from making purchase decisions.
Being prepared can make or break your next shoe shopping experience so get ready and have fun!
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