YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Spring 2016

GRANT DUONG, PODIATRIST Grant is a podiatrist at the Triumph Institute, which is located in the heart of Bankstown in Sydney. Grant specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of problems and issues that affect the lower limbs, from the lower back right down to the feet. Learn more about Grant at triumphinstitute.com.au THREE STEPS TO CHOOSING FOOTWEAR When it comes to purchasing footwear, basing your choices on cost, looks or promotions is not the way to go. Podiatrist Grant Duong explains the key factors to consider when choosing your next pair of kicks. STEP 1. Identify the purpose Firstly, ask yourself what are these shoes for? Will they be worn for walking, shopping, running, footy, clubbing or dancing? The answer will impact what density of the sole you’ll need. The sole of your shoes are most likely made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate, or ‘foam rubber’) and the purpose of your shoe will impact the type of shoe you should buy. For example, does the intended activity require a shoe with a more dense, firmer sole, or a softer one with more cushioning? will assess your walking/running technique and history of injuries. Or a simple, at-home test can be done by checking two things: • the wearing of your shoes • your footprint Shoe wearing Have a look at the bottom sole of your most commonly worn shoes to determine what type of ‘wearing’ you have on the sole. See image below. Over Pronator Normal Pronator for heel or midfoot pronation, which refers to the inward movement of those structures. In contrast, the term ‘supination’ describes the movement of ‘turning outwards’. So in relation to foot supination the feet are rolling outwards, resulting in high arches, making your foot ‘high’. Arch Type Foot Alignment Under Pronator STEP 2. Find your foot type Stability Shoe Normal Arch There are three basic foot types: • Flat/low arch • Normal arch • High arch Neutral Cushioned shoe High Arch Suplnator Motion Control Shoe Your footprint Flat/Low Arch Shoe Type Normal Arch High Arch So how do you work out which foot type you are? One way is to consult with a reputable sports shoe supplier or a podiatrist who You could use paint or mud to figure this out, but for simplicity’s sake it’s best to use water. While outside on some concrete, wet your feet with water and (safely) walk on the concrete for about two metres. Assess your footprint using the ‘arch type’ image provided. STEP 3. Identify your shoe type The term ‘pronation’ describes the movement of ‘turning inwards’ so pronation of the feet refers to the rolling inwards of your feet, resulting in low arches and a flat foot. The same goes Now you know what shoe type best suits your foot, you can ask your favourite shoe retailer what specific shoe models/brands they recommend for you. Have fun shopping! Flat Foot Pronator Once you’ve determined your foot type, check the above image to see what the recommended shoe type is, for you. SPRING 2016 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 17

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