Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright Wednesday September 13, 1989

It is no longer possible to put on a pair of shoes and go outside. It sounds simple enough, but those who keep up on the trends which affect our generally affluent society are aware of a shift to something called a ‘shoe conscious society.’

There are now great decisions which must be made before selecting a pair of shoes which will protect and adorn our feet. What surface will you be walking on, and how long will your expected journey last? Is it hot or cool? Is style important, or is pure function all that interests you for the next few hours?

If it is sports that motivates you to get up and out, then you must decide if you want high cut, low cut, lace up, velcro, thin soled, thick soled, light, heavy, nylon, canvas, leather, flourescent, or computer equipped. That’s right, there are now shoes on the market which can accurately assess how far you ran and how many calories you burned. (I wonder if it can also calculate how long it will take you to pay for these shoes?)

The reason shoes are becoming a near obsession with North Americans is because professionals such as this one are advocating that people place a greater importance in their shoe selection. Wearing the proper shoes is important in order to protect not only the feet, but also the ankles, knees, shins, hips and lower back. Proper shock absorption, comfort, support and function for their intended use are now much more important than style.

The athletic shoe industry is now a billion-dollar market and research abounds to try to improve the already improved products. Even five years ago it would have been absurd to spend more than $100 on a pair of running shoes. It is common now for an individual to own two or three pairs of athletic shoes, each costing at least $80.

A typical athletic teenager (who has a bit of money to spend) owns (and cherishes) a pair of highcut basketball shoes, a pair of jogging shoes and a pair of outdoor court shoes. They also have a pair of stylish running shoes that they insist on wearing just about everywhere they go with their friends, who are decked out in the same, or very similar shoes.

An active adult owns a pair of walking shoes, a pair of aerobics shoes and one or two others designed for their own individual sport or hobby. Even those who are not pursuing fitness through athletics are still into owning a pair of walking or jogging shoes, just simply because they feel better, and support more adequately, than do traditional shoes.

Is this a healthy trend we are seeing? The answer is a definite yes. My usual rule of thumb is: if it feels good, during and after, then it probably was good for you, or at the very least, it wasn’t bad for you.

If wearing these shoes makes you feel better while you are wearing them, and you don’t have any negative effects that evening or during the next day or two, then go ahead and wear them.

Are they also good for children? Yes. Very young children? Yes. Don’t young children need to wear firm, leather shoes so they can develop their arches? No. Running shoes are more comfortable, they give the child better traction, and most important, they look ‘cool’ and your child will fit in with the rest of the toddlers in the neighborhood.

More next week.

Allan Horowitz, D.C.. is a chiropractor practising m Richmond Hill and writes this public service column. He will attempt to answer readers’ questions on a variety of topics including back pain, headaches, nutrition, sport injuries and preventive medicine.

Address your questions to Allan Horowitz, care of The Liberal, Box 390, Richmond Hill, L4C 4Y6.