ENHANCE YOUR "SOLE" MATES: Feet need the right shoes year-round
By Leslie Roman-Williams

The human foot contains 26 bones and 33 joints, not to mention dozens of muscles and ligaments. It's a complex part of your body. Summer may seem the time for carefree, shoeless living as you cavort on a beach or run through your backyard. Yet these wonderful vehicles that are your feet need proper maintenance and support so that you can lead a healthier, happier, more active life.

Bill Gardner of Red Wing Shoes says that with shoes fitted for new customers, "We often increase a size to a size and a half " as needed. This is especially true for older customers who may not realize arches expand and fall with age. Some customers are initially resistant to a larger size, but as Gardner explains, "I ask them if their belt size is a little larger than 20 years ago," and most people laugh and admit it is.

If you are purchasing shoes in a store that does not provide professional foot measuring, Gardner cautions, "We always encourage, first and foremost, making sure that the widest part of the foot matches the ball of the foot area, and not to measure by toe length" since everyone's toes are different lengths. He adds that goodquality shoes with some substance in the sole will provide the amount of support needed daily.

Wearing socks that wick and dry moisture and perspiration off the feet will help prevent potential problems like athlete's foot and may even keep body temperature down.

Foot Solutions' John Greco notes that 90 percent of all people wear improperly fitted shoes. With summer here, he is especially adamant about the ill effects of flip-flops. "They were made for wearing at the pool and not for general use."

Greco comments that just about every physician and health-care professional recommends walking more for better health. He says that "you walk like your parents walk" yet if it is painful, then it is unlikely you will take that advice. "If you start young (with proper shoe measurement and wear), you will put your feet in a better position." He adds that 98 percent of professional athletes wear some type of arch support or orthotics. These work to provide additional balance and alignment for the feet.

Greco wants to make Richmonders aware of the benefits of Nordic pole walking. This fitness-walk technique, popular with Europeans, uses poles that have removable rubber tips. It enhances strength and endurance since it places more weight on the poles and less stress on the shins, knees, back and hips.