ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  It's hard not to be inspired by the Olympic athletes now competing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From track and field events to court sports and cycling, Olympians who are running, jumping and playing team sports make their events thrilling to watch and make us wonder what athletic prowess we might have ourselves.

If you're thinking of starting a new routine, remember that proper-fitting sport shoes can enhance performance as much as they prevent injuries. When you purchase athletic shoes from a specialty store, the staff should be able to help you find the best fit for your sport.

Follow these seven tips when buying a new pair of shoes:

1. Try on athletic shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell during the day, so trying on at the end of the day will mean your feet are at their largest. You'll get the best fit this way.
2. Wear the same type of sock that you will wear for that sport.
3. When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.
4. Your shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. There is no break-in period.
5. Walk or run a few steps in your shoes. Make sure they allow you to comfortably do what you do when you exercise.
6. Always re-lace the shoes you are trying on. You should begin at the farthest eyelets and apply even pressure as you create a crisscross lacing pattern to the top of the shoe.
7. There should be a firm grip of the shoe to your heel. Your heel should not slip as you walk or run.

For detailed tips on buying athletic shoes for specific sports, visit the page How to Select the Right Athletic Shoes at FootCareMD.org, the patient education site of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).

About Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment, both surgical and nonsurgical, of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consists of four years of medical school, five years of post-graduate residency and often a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists treat patients of all ages and perform reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treat sports injuries, and manage foot and ankle trauma.

About the AOFAS
As the professional organization of orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, the AOFAS supports the specialty and other health care providers through evidence-based and best-practice education and research. The Society provides leadership in foot and ankle surgery, serving as a resource for government and industry as well as the national and international health care communities, and promotes preventive foot and ankle care.

Contact
Jennifer Hicks
Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications
Office: 847-430-5079

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SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

Related Links

http://www.aofas.org