TRAINING SHOE SELECTION IN RUNNERS

Abstract

Running is among the most common leisure-time sports activities. Selection of sports shoes is extremely important to prevent injuries based on foot biomechanics and training surfaces. In this study training shoe preferences of middle and long distance runners, their level of knowledge, advice and suggestion expectations during outpatient services were aimed. Athletes were required to answer six-tiered questionnaire, and the results were assessed accordingly. The study included 23 athletes with a mean age of 18.3 years (15 males, 8 females). Mean pairs of training shoes was 2.78. The athletes were not satisfied with their knowledge regarding sports shoes and their properties, in 91.3% of the cases. A total of 82.6% of athletes stated that they expected recommendation and advices concerning selection and use of training shoes. Therefore, assessment of runners’ training shoes should be part of athletes’ examination and treatment in the sports medicine outpatients clinics.