advertisement

Good shoes make all the difference when exercising

Q: My primary form of exercise is walking; does it really matter what shoes I wear?

A: Yes! Physical activities like walking offer important health benefits, including lower risk of cancer and perhaps better outcomes for cancer survivors. Pain or injury is among the most common reasons people abandon efforts to increase activity, and what's on your feet can be a big factor in that. Good shoes provide support that helps avoid ankle, shin and knee injuries. This doesn't mean you need the most expensive model, since higher price can reflect better quality or simply marketing hype.

Ideally, start at an athletic shoe shop where employees are knowledgeable about the needs for different activities and different types of feet. If your feet have high arches, you need extra shock absorption and good stability to keep from sideways weight shifts that strain your ankles. If you have flatter arches, you need good mid-foot support and stronger heel control. A toe box wide enough for your feet and good flexibility around the ball of the foot is important for everyone. Once you get a sense of the kind of shoes that are best for your feet and your activity plans, you can start looking for where you'll get the best deal.

Choosing the right shoe is only part of how shoes help you stay active without injury or pain. No matter how good your shoes, as they wear out, they no longer provide the support they did when new. Some guides suggest replacing shoes every 350 to 500 miles - about every three to nine months if your walking is providing recommended amounts of activity. Certainly when the traction on the soles is worn flat, or heels are worn down, or you no longer feel the same sideways and heel support, it's time for a new pair. If they help you continue an active lifestyle without injury, they are a good investment in your health. For more tips on choosing shoes for physical activity, check with the American Council on Exercise.

The American Institute for Cancer Research is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $105 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

• The American Institute for Cancer Research is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.