Shoes For Teen Athletes

By the time you reach your teenage years, many teens are getting to be serious about the sports they play. Wearing the right sport-specific shoe is key to your performance on the field and court. First, visit a podiatrist to have your feet measured to get the correct size. If you participate in a sport two or three times a week, you should definitely be wearing a sport-specific shoe. Avoid pain from sports and up your game by wearing the best shoe:
Basketball
Common Foot Injuries: Sprains, tendinitis, stress fractures.
The Perfect Basketball Shoe Should: 

• Have a thick, stiff sole, that gives support while running and landing jumps.
• Have a high heel construction that supports the ankle during quick changes in direction. 

Football and Lacrosse 
Common Foot Injuries: Turf toe, Achilles tendinitis.
The Perfect Football Cleat Should: 

• Have a good amount of high ankle support. This is especially important for linemen and other players who make frequent sideways movements during play. 
• Allow for proper traction on a grassy field, in both wet and dry conditions. This will largely help to prevent injury. 

Soccer

Common Foot Injuries: Ankle sprains, turf toe, ingrown toenails. '
The Perfect Soccer Cleat Should: 

• Not have more than a half inch of space between the big toe and the end of a shoe. 
• Feature the stud type for the ground that will be played on most often: soft, hard, or firm. 

Running
Common Foot Injuries: Plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Morton's neuroma.
The Perfect Running Shoe Should: 

• Provide maximum shock absorption, to help runners avoid ailments.
• Match your foot's arch type (high, medium, low). 

If you are a teenager who participates in sports and are experiencing foot pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
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