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PA Season Ticket Holder
04-17-2003, 03:18 PM
(April 16, 2003) -- If you ask almost any parent with children playing youth sports, the most expensive -- and trying -- piece of equipment they must buy (and buy and buy) are athletic shoes. Not only because their kids' feet are growing at such mind-numbing speed, but because a new pair must be purchased with each new season. So, it can be football or soccer cleats in the fall, basketball shoes in the winter, baseball spikes in the spring and whatever pops up for summer activities.

Ironically, although they gain great experience in buying shoes, moms and dads don't necessarily learn to do it with greater knowledge or skill. Perhaps step one (pun, intended) should be to understand what quality footwear can accomplish for young athletes.

There's no question that buying athletic shoes can be confusing, frustrating and expensive. While it is accepted that quality footwear is essential to maximum performance and protection from injuries, figuring out how to buy -- or afford -- the best shoes presents quite a challenge.

Since shoes control the angle at which the foot hits the ground, there are many factors to consider when you're sitting down in a store, having your child try on a pair. The effectiveness of the shoes can be influenced by the thickness, width and height of the sole, the size of the arch, the inner padding and even the type of lacing. All are important in preventing foot, hip, back and knee problems, many of which relate to the foot hitting the ground improperly.

The following areas stand out as some of the most important considerations in successfully battling your way past the super-hype, superstar endorsements and endless stream of "new, improved" models to find the right fit and shoes for your child's needs.

http://nfl.com/news/story/6319984