When I was a kid growing up in Kapaa on Kauai, I wore one pair of sneakers for just about any activity. Running around the neighborhood, biking, playing tennis – you name it, those same shoes did it all. Back then, we didn’t think twice about using one pair for every activity. These days, though, it feels like there’s a different shoe for every sport or workout.
And honestly, there’s a good reason for that. The National Library of Medicine says that on average, a 150-pound person exerts roughly 1.5 times their body weight (about 225 pounds of force) on each foot with every step while walking. Over time, that adds up to hundreds of tons of cumulative stress on your feet.
The truth is, different sports put different demands on your feet and body. Running shoes are designed to handle forward motion and have enough cushion to absorb each step. Basketball shoes are built for landing jumps and have high ankle construction that provide support during quick direction changes. Even walking shoes have their own structure to help brace your foot’s arch type and cushion your feet. And there are cross-training shoes that are a versatile hybrid, offering a balanced mix of cushioning, support, and stability – making them ideal for a variety of exercises, from running and weight training to aerobics.
“Your feet are the foundation of your body,” says Nathalie Sowers, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Akamai Foot Doctor, who’s treated numerous foot problems caused by the wrong footwear. “Protecting your feet starts with properly fitted, activity-appropriate shoes. Wearing unsupportive or ill-fitting footwear can lead to debilitating conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendinitis, and other overuse injuries.”
So, while it’s fun to think back on those sneakers from childhood, choosing the right shoes today can really make a difference. The right pair can help you perform better, feel better, and stay injury-free in the long run, and may even up your game.
Feet health
Feet hygiene is just as important as footwear. Check out the video below for some tips to prevent infections:
This article appeared in the summer 2025 issue of Island Scene. Be sure to check out the rest of the magazine!
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