Diversity Woman Magazine

FAL 2017

Leadership and Executive Development for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds

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d i v e r s i t y w o m a n . c o m Fa l l 2 0 1 7 D I V E R S I T Y W O M A N 65 "Knowing your foot shape is important, especially in the athletic world," says Jason Mandell, athletic-shoe buyer for Paragon Sports in New York City. Accord- ing to the American Podiatric Medical Association, flat feet tend to pronate (roll inward) and need stabilization and motion control, and highly arched feet tend to take all the shock on the foot and need more cushioning. Neutral feet with average arches benefit from equal amounts of stability and cushion to absorb shock. Mandell says there's no best shoe for any sport, as foot shapes and gaits vary, as do the shoes themselves. "Trying on shoes is important, as the fit and cut of shoes vary by brand and model." And here's an interesting tip: the American Heart Association recommends shop- ping in the evening, when feet are the most swollen. You should bring the type of socks you typically wear—preferably wicking socks rather than cotton ones, which can cause blisters—and add a half inch at the toe of any shoe you try on. Tiffany Chag, an exercise physiologist at the Women's Sports Medicine Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, says that during forward motion like walking, running, and easy hiking, pronation and supination (when the foot lands on the outside edge or rolls slightly outward) are a natural part of foot mechanics. "However, excessive pronation or supination can create problems in our feet and up the kinetic chain—think knee, hip, back," says Chag, and can lead to injury. Both Mandell and Chag recommend going to a reputable store where staff members know about foot mechanics and will measure and assess your foot and gait. THINKSTOCKPHOTOS By Anna Marr ian W ith so many options available, buying a new ath- letic shoe can be exciting, overwhelming, or if you're picky, just excruciating. I want a shoe that's not too heavy, lest I feel like a lumbering antelope, but I want something with plenty of cushion to protect my aging 40-something joints. Whether you are picky or not, basic knowledge of your foot mechanics and foot type is essential for safety and performance when choosing a shoe. To Your Health If the Shoe Fits How to buy shoes for running, walking, cross-training, and hiking DW Life > DW Life >

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