Foot-to-Shoe Mismatch and Rates of Referral in Special Olympics Athletes
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 06/04/2012
Jenkins DW et al. – There is a significant mismatch of foot to shoe in Special Olympics athletes. The most common mismatch is a shoe too big, with a much smaller number of athletes having shoes too small. Awareness of this foot–to–shoe incompatibility may be useful for the development of shoes better designed for athletes with a foot structure not consistent with conventional shoes. Because 20% of the athletes required a referral for professional follow–up, Fit Feet examinations are important for identifying athletes with conditions that can be more readily evaluated and treated, thus improving the athletes’ comfort and performance.
