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Put your best foot forward

One of the best things about running is that you don’t need a whole lot of expensive gear to do the sport. You do, however, need good quality shoes that are (importantly) right for you.

Choosing a pair of running shoes can be quite an overwhelming experience. Have you taken a walk through a sport shoes store recently? The plethora of different colours, styles and brands are enough to confuse even the most seasoned runner.
We asked well-known Ballito- and Umhlanga-based podiatrist Nelfrie Kemp (who also happens to be a runner herself), to help us out with a few ‘do’s and don’ts’ for when it comes to choosing the right running shoe.

“Comrades is so much more than just running over the finish line in the designated time and getting the medal around your neck. It starts the day you put on your running shoes and start training for the race. Before you’ve even got your entry. For some, it starts in a shoe store when the assistant says, “these shoes are good enough for Comrades’.”
Nelfrie says in her opinion shoes play the primary role in your running mission. You need the shoes before you can start any programme.

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“We live in an era where the market is flooded with running shoes choices. The running shoe companies are continually researching, developing and changing existing shoes to improve functionality to enhance running efficiency.”

It’s for this reason, Nelfrie says, that you should try on at least three brands when you are on the hunt for new shoes – and then you can make an informed decision as to whether you are going to stick with the same brand and type of shoe as before.

What not to do!

• Don’t base your choice on the colour and aesthetics of the shoe to match your running outfit.
• Don’t base your choice purely on what works for your friend.
• The latest and greatest technology might not work for your style of running.
• Don’t panic-buy a week before your race.
• Don’t get caught buying a shoe because it’s on sale and ‘such a bargain’.
• Lastly, just because Eliud Kipchoge won his Olympic marathon in ‘that’ shoe. does not mean it will work for you. Remember he trained for years for that achievement!

Important points to remember:

• Your shoe choice will be determined by your frame, pace, running style and foot mechanics.
• Always try on both shoes in the shop with the socks you usually use and walk and run around in the shop.
• The shoe should encourage your foot to move forward, pushing through your big toe joint, not cause your foot to collapse into the cushioning or change your foot’s mechanics.
• Always buy one size bigger than your normal shoe size. Different shoes have different cuts and sizing.
• Tie your laces every time you put your shoe on, as your foot and shoe should function as a unit. If the laces are not tied securely your foot will move around inside the shoe and alter your mechanics.
• Listen to your feet, they’ll tell you when you need new shoes. Running shoes last on average 600 to 1 000km, but it depends on the individual’s feet.
• It’s not advisable to patch the outer soles of your shoes, for the same reason you won’t retread your car’s tyres. The midsole of your shoe will wear out before the rest of the shoe.
• The wear pattern on your outer sole and upper side of the shoe tell a story of your mechanics and not the quality of the shoe.
• There is a brand and version of shoe for every foot.

Details: www.nelfriekemp.co.za, 031 941 1997, 031 941 1998,
[email protected], @nelfriekemp

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