MANY of the patients I see in my clinic would see the title of this piece and turn the page. The glamorous ladies and smart gentlemen of Jamaica would not dream of ever being seen on the streets wearing trainers or sneakers. But I am going to show you why purchasing a good pair of this type of footwear would be one of the best investments you can make for your comfort and health.

A large body of research has gone into designing trainers to reduce the impact of the ground on your feet and to help your feet function properly. Using them for everyday walking seems to help the vast majority of my patients who wear them.

Running trainers are suitable for 99 per cent of the population. The design of a good pair should have six or more rows of eyelets to support the feet and ensure that they are held securely on the feet. They will have built-in arch supports to stabilise the feet and ensure correct foot function. The sole will be wider than your actual foot. Again, this encourages a stable and supported foot.

The key advantage that running trainers have over other types of footwear is the rocker at the front. This acts like a wheel and helps to propel the foot forward.

WHY PEOPLE AVOID RUNNING SHOES

Here are a few responses to the most common protests I get regarding running trainers.

Complaint: “They make your feet hot, sweaty and smelly!”

Response: Some trainers do feel hot, so buy ones made from breathable materials. Always wear them with socks, preferably cotton, which you should change daily.

Complant: “Trainers ruin the shape of your feet and you can’t wear anything else once you have worn them.”

Response: Ordinary shoes may feel comfortable even though they are damaging your feet. Trainers will not ruin the shape of your feet if you have the right fit. If you wear them regularly, you will only be more aware of a badly fitted shoes because you have got used to comfortable training shoes.

Complaint: “They are expensive.”

Response: Most decent running trainers will last you at least two years without reducing in function and comfort. Don’t buy them because of the brand name as often that is exactly what you are paying for. Buy them for function and comfort.

Complaint: “They make my foot look big and ugly!”

Response: Trainers are bulkier than normal shoes to allow the proper space you need. If you wear a lot of trousers buy a black pair and they will look like shoes. You don’t have to wear them all the time, but I guarantee that once you feel the benefits, you won’t want to go back to always wearing normal shoes. That is unless you feel fashion is more important than comfort.

Angela Davis BSc (Hons) DPodM MChS is a podiatrist with offices in Montego Bay (293-7119), Mandeville (962-2100), Ocho Rios (974-6339), and Savanna-la-Mar (955-3154). She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom.