After a long winter, I’m looking forward to going outside into the sunshine and warmth. Many of us are digging out our running and hiking shoes from the back of our closets and getting more active outdoors. I chatted with Meghan Knox, Canadian Certified Pedorthist and clinic manager of BioPed here in Guelph, to find out what she recommends for footwear and lower limb care at this time of year.
“As the weather gets nicer, we are all getting out walking again. Many people realize that the shoes at the back of their closets are falling apart,” she says. “In some cases, people’s knees or feet are suddenly sore. The culprit could be those old shoes.”
Meghan continues, “Even if you don’t wear shoes often, the materials they are made from still break down with age. If your shoes are 10 years old, they could be getting hard and heavy. You might not even notice until you put on a new pair of shoes and recognize how much comfort you can have.”
Getting an Assessment is the First Step
While a lower limb assessment isn’t required, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a certified pedorthists before you choose your next pair of shoes. They will assess your own unique biomechanics, lifestyle, and preferences in order to recommend a great pair of shoes.
“We start with asking questions: Where does it hurt? When does it hurt? How long are you active? And from there we check your gait to see how your foot moves. We use all of this information to put together a very precise shoe prescription for you. Prescription shoes might sound unfashionable, but they look just like regular runners except they are built a little differently to address issues like flat feet, high arches, or ankle function,” explains Meghan.
It isn’t just foot mechanics that Meghan and her team consider before advising you, though. They also take into account the activities you like to do, how durable you need your footwear to be, your budget, and your preferences. Fortunately, BioPed carries a huge selection of footwear so there is something for everyone.
Choosing the Right Shoe
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right footwear. First, the recommendations that the pedorthist makes based on your lower limb assessment will help guide you to the best type of footwear. It is also important to think about your own preferences.
“Some people who start hiking don’t want to wear a big hiking boot. We now have hiking runners that are like a running shoe with a trail bottom. You don’t always have to have big, heavy hiking boots. We can get you into something a little bit sleeker, lighter, and softer, but just as protective,” says Meghan.
She also says that proper fit is something that can be overlooked. “Some people come in with numb toes, blisters, and even black toenails that will eventually fall off and it’s because their shoes are way too small. The right length and width go a long way, but sometimes an orthotic is needed as well.”
Orthotics, Braces, and Other Solutions
For some individuals, good footwear paired with an orthotic and/or a brace is the best option. These devices can be over the counter or custom and the best one depends on your own unique circumstances. Some people need orthotics to help correct their foot biomechanics while others might need a brace or compression sleeve to support their joints.
“We're going to help determine what is best for you so that you can get out and enjoy spring,” says Meghan.
BioPed in Guelph is fully stocked with a wide range of shoes and sizes. Stop in to chat with one of their footcare specialists about the type of shoe that is right for you or call (519) 821-7310 to book an assessment with a certified pedorthist.
BioPed is located at 102 Wyndham Street North.