This article was supplied by Laine Arlett of The Athlete’s Foot Castletown and Willows.
Sports shoes are not a fashion accessory — they are a piece of technical equipment that can help or hinder your performance! The fit of your sports shoe is very different to the fit of a work or casual shoe and it is vital that you are fitted professionally to ensure you get the correct fit.
“A shoe that is too small can cause everything from cramping through to pinched nerves and loss of toenails. A shoe that is too big can cause blisters, foot fatigue and strain” – Laine Arlett
Your feet will expand as you exercise — the amount depends on many things, such as your activity — and you need to allow for this. A shoe that is too small can cause everything from cramping through to pinched nerves and loss of toenails. A shoe that is too big can cause blisters, foot fatigue and strain.
At The Athlete’s Foot, our highly trained fit technicians — with the assistance of our exclusive FITZI® technology — will determine the perfect fit for your foot shape.
We consider the length, depth and volume of your foot, your foot’s biomechanical tendencies, and your activity needs and requirements.
A shoe for you
Our fit technicians can better understand which shoe is the best fit by discussing multiple factors with you. For example, how often you participate in your activities, on what surfaces and your overall fitness goals.
Once our fit technicians have all your measurements, understand your activities, along with your individual biomechanical requirements, they’ll recommend a range of shoes that best suit your needs.
The Athlete’s Foot exclusive FITZI® technology will determine the perfect fit for your foot shape.
What to look for…
Heel and ankle
The heel needs to sit comfortably into the back of the heel counter, with the correct depth, height and shape around your ankle bones to avoid irritations.
Volume and lacing
Making sure the volume of the shoe matches your fitting requirements while using relevant lacing techniques to enhance the comfort and fit (we can recommend different lacing techniques and demonstrate them to you).
Width
Ensuring that your foot sits into the widest part of the shoe, with no forefoot over hang or excess space.
Depth
Checking that the fit within the toe box matches your forefoot shape.
Length
Shoe length is determined by multiple foot measurements and your forefoot shape or longest toe. The length is checked when you’re standing up and your toes are down.
Flexibility
Forefoot flexibility in the midsole allows the shoe to flex in a natural position with the foot.
As you can see, finding shoes that are going to serve you well in your chosen activity isn’t just a matter of walking in and picking a pair in your favourite colour (yes, we’ve all done it!). Take advantage of the technology and talk to an expert and you’ll find footwear that supports one of your biggest assets — your feet.
Foot facts
- Almost all individuals have two different sized feet making the measuring of each foot length and width important.
- Weight loss or gain, injury, age and pregnancy can change the size and shape of your feet.
- The foot is comprised of 26 bones. These bones are designed to support the entire body, adapt to uneven surfaces, and absorb shock.
Get involved
Take advantage of the exclusive offer to all 31 Days of Activity 2016 participants: Sign up for the 31 Days of Activity 2016 and receive 20% off your footwear at The Athlete’s Foot – woot! Just bring your confirmation email along to the store at Castletown or Willows with the voucher at the bottom (or show it on your phone). Offer is limited to one per customer and expires January 31, 2024 (other conditions may apply). Kick-off the New Year in comfort!
