How Physiotherapy Can Help You Choose the Right Shoes

Do you need new shoes, but don’t really know where to start or what’s best for you? At The Running Physio in Toronto, our physiotherapists can give you all of the advice and guidance you need.

Whether you are looking for a casual pair of shoes to wear around the city or are looking for a running shoe to wear while training for a 5k or marathon, a thorough analysis is important to determine what will work best for you. Your feet do a lot for you and it’s important to treat them well!

At The Running Physio Toronto, our physiotherapists can provide you with the perfect recommendation to suit your specific needs.

Request an appointment with one of our specialists today!

Choosing shoes to help reduce injuries

It all begins with what’s on your feet, and knowing what, why, and how to choose the right shoe. The best way to determine what type of shoe is best for you is to have your body’s biomechanics and your walking and/or running gait analyzed by one of our physiotherapists.

People with abnormal wear patterns are more susceptible to specific injuries, some of which can be minimized by matching your body to a shoe type that is most suitable for you. There are certain injuries that are often suggestive that your shoes are less suitable for your feet and body.

These include:

• Shin splints
• Bunions and Morton’s neuroma
• Plantar fasciitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Stress fractures in the foot or lower leg

The average lifespan of a pair of shoes is 400-600 kilometres. Signs that show your shoes might be getting too old include:

• Suddenly getting shin splints
• Developing calluses on the outer side of your foot
• Heel pain
• Pain in the balls of your feet

It is crucial to understand your gait pattern to ensure your shoes fit correctly. Our team will assess your gait and help you determine the best style for your particular foot based on the activity you intend to perform. We even provide you with a “Shoe Prescription” for you to take to your favourite shoe store after your visit!

What to expect at The Running Physio Physiotherapy Clinic

Our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes a biomechanical assessment and a gait analysis on the treadmill. We combine these findings with your personal health history, shoe history, and whatever injury you have (or had) to provide you with a detailed recommendation.

We use slow-motion, frame-by-frame video to break down your gait and/or running stride to provide you with clear instructions on improving any bad habits that we detect. From there, we can provide you with specific exercises or running cues to help resolve your pain, improve your gait and restore your overall function.

If you are struggling with pain or uncertain about the ideal shoe for your foot, contact The Running Physio in Toronto so we can get you in for an assessment today!

Click here to set up an appointment for a running analysis and shoe recommendation!