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Running shoe clinic teaches Shaw step by step

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandria Mosness
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BAES, S.C. --  The Health and Wellness Center sponsored a running shoe clinic here April 13 to show Team Shaw members what shoe is correct for their feet.

The 20th Medical Group physical therapy team came out for the one-day event to provide advice and assistance on people's selection of shoes.

"The running shoe clinic is not only for injury and prevention, but also for those who have been experiencing aches and pain," said Maj. Justin Martin, 20th MDG Physical Therapy flight commander.

Many learned for the first time exactly what their foot type is and the shoes they should be wearing.

"In general, most people don't know their foot type," Major Martin said. "Most people jump on the latest trends of shoes and what is popular. The biggest group we see would be those who are flatfooted."

The physical therapy team not only consulted with people about their foot type but also performed the wet foot test on individuals.

"The wet foot test can actually be done at home," Major Martin added. "It is simple. With a wet foot you will walk across a sheet of paper. We are then able to define what arch the individual has."

With a greater emphasis on the physical fitness test, it is smart if you start feeling pain to come and get it checked out. It is always better to get help sooner than later, the major advised.

"The clinic is just one way that we are keeping the Air Force healthy," he said. "The longer you wait to get something looked at, the more difficult it is to correct."
While some showed up to the clinic for aches and pains, others wanted advice on the correct shoes to purchase.

"Normally, I get the cheapest shoes," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Williams, 20th Operations Group intelligence analyst. "It is good to know what shoe I need. I don't want to have to be forced out of the Air Force because I can't run due to the shoes I am wearing. My dad is a retired chief master sergeant, and his doctor told him to get new shoes; he did and feels great so that is why I came out today."

For more information about the correct running shoes or to make an appointment, call the physical therapy office at 895-6562.