Feet are a very important part of everyday life that people tend to neglect. The proper fitting and design of a shoe is essential for providing the proper support to the body as a whole. It is the start of the body’s support system, and is essential in maintaining posture, as well as healthy hip, knee, and ankle joints.
When it comes to essentials such as shoes it is crucial to have informed sales people helping get the correct product for the customer’s needs. Shoes are very important to runners, joggers, and walkers. If these people are not informed about the different types of shoes and different designs for different needs when purchasing a pair of shoes, the risk of damage can be extensive. With all shoes, certain flexes and supports are based upon what the shoe was designed for. A lot of technology goes into designing shoes for specific uses, and people must become aware of this before purchasing a pair of shoes as damage to hip, knee, and ankle joints can easily occur by wearing the wrong type of shoe for a long period of time.
When going into a store to purchase a pair of shoes it is critical that the sales associate knows exactly what a person will be needing the shoe for, as well as any foot, knee, or hip problems, so they can provide better assistance in finding the perfect shoe. Some stores like Sportmart and Soft Moc make it mandatory to have product knowledge meetings at the beginning of every season, to ensure that employees are well up to date on the latest technologies and to ensure that new employees will learn about all the products within the store. Videos and fact sheets about different products are accessible to employees at all times, and are encouraged to be watched and read, especially if the employee seems to be lacking the necessary knowledge of products.
3 main types of athletic shoes (basic overview)
The Running Shoe A running shoe has many beneficial features that help a person transition from one foot to another. The flex in this type of shoe is closer to the front of the foot, allowing for better take off and making it easier for the runner to have the ball of the foot making the contact with the ground, making it easier to push off and to transfer to the next foot. In a running shoe there is a lot more cushion and support in the front of the shoe, as that is where most of the shock will be absorbed. Running shoes provide excellent breathability and are very light, making running more comfortable.
The Cross-Trainer The most versatile shoe available, meets the basic comfort, stability, durability and cushioning required for sports and activities. Cross-trainers allow people to purchase a single pair of shoes that can be used for a variety different sports and exercise. However, it is not recommended to replace a running shoe with a cross-trainer as the shoe is not designed for entirely running, and injuries could result from this.
The Walking Shoe This type of shoe aids a person who is walking by allowing the foot to flex as a person rolls through a step from heel to toe. It is this crucial transition that makes a walking shoe an essential for most people to have, as no other type of shoe will aid the foot in making this transition. There is less flexion in this form of shoe because when walking the foot should not be flexed as much as it would need to be for walking and jogging; pointing out a critical difference between shoes.
I recommend for anyone purchasing shoes to become informed about the type and structure they need before going to a store, as then you will know if the person helping you knows what they are talking about. I am not saying it is necessary to research the topic like crazy, but even knowing basic information will assist you in knowing if the person aiding you is someone that you would like to continue to receive service from.
Be safe, have fun, and watch out for cars!
