It's gotta be the shoes

By CHRIS SORLEY
Collegian Staff Writer

While only 2 percent of America regularly exercises it's estimated another 10-15 percent doesn't do so because of leg pain and other injuries sustained working out.

The explanation is simple, yet overlooked by millions who buy new shoes each year. All feet are not the same, but people still buy shoes as if they are.

It breaks down like this. There are over-pronators, under-pronators (or supinators) and a select few with neutral feet. Supinators' feet roll to the outside when they step, while the feet of over-pronators roll to the inside, said Patrick Ward, a salesman at Rapid Transit Sportswear, 115 S. Allen St.

Most supinators suffer from outside-leg injuries, mainly involving the hips and knees. Over-pronators, on the other hand, are most susceptible to shin splints, inner-knee injuries and arch problems, Ward said.

If you've suffered from these problems, don't take the pain for granted and merely attribute it to post-workout soreness, Ward said.

"Don't accept pain," he said. "It decreases exercise and can be prevented."

The employees at Rapid Transit, who give lectures to some Penn State jogging classes on how to select proper footwear, also explained that the best shoe is not always the prettiest one. So if you're looking for a solid running or cross-training shoe, don't go looking for the Air Jordan.

When asked what his runners look for, Penn State men's track and cross country coach Harry Groves said, "Most people like the most expensive shoes because they look the best."

He added, though, that, "There are far better shoes that aren't top of the line."

If you're part of the majority whose idea of a workout is a walk to class, the prettiest pair of $150 moon boots might suffice. But if you're serious about running or training, make sure you understand your feet.