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Dr. Clifford Jeng of the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction Advises on Selecting the Right Running Shoe for Good Foot Health

Spring is here, which means warmer temperatures and outdoor activities. One thing to keep in mind is the kind of running shoes you wear. But according to Dr. Clifford Jeng of The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy, wearing the wrong shoes can really hurt you.

Having recently complete a half marathon in New York City, Greta Spiva could easily be called an avid runner.

"I had children and wanted to get back into shape," Spiva said. "Found a group on the NCR trail called the Trail Snails. We don't profess to be fast, but we do get there. I've been with them 5 to 6 years."

She admits to having issues with her feet.

"I mildly pronate so I suffer from pinched calluses, general aches and pains," she said.

Dr. Jeng said the shoe you pick is important to your foot health. He said runner too often pick a shoe on how it looks.

"You really need someone who knows what they're doing to analyze your foot," Dr. Jeng said. "Take your old shoe in. They can tell where the wear patterns are, and decide based on that, which kind of shoe you have."

A high-tech motion sensor can tell the differnce between Spiva's old running shoe and the same shoe that's brand new.

"The biggest difference is you can tell this shoe is worn in places and here you can distinctly see the treads," Dr. Jeng said. "We see patinets here at the foot and ankle center everyday with stress fractures tendonitis, from wearing the wrong shoe."

Dr. Jeng also noted that running shoes should be fitted a little bigger than walking shoes, because the foot is sliding back and forth. He said the end of your toe should be a thumb's width from the tip of the shoe.