| Finding comfortable, foot-cradling golf shoes is a | | | | rolling motions known as pronation (inward) and |
| cinch these days, thanks to technological | | | | supination (outward), reducing the risk of injury. |
| advances and intense competition among | | | | Studies have proved that golfers benefit from |
| manufacturers to deliver the latest and greatest. | | | | such footwear. One survey found that wearing |
| But what about golfers with "problem feet" who | | | | orthotics for a nine-hole round reduced fatigue; |
| are plagued by ailments like tendinitis, trauma or | | | | others have concluded that orthotics help improve |
| plantar fasciitis? | | | | shot accuracy through better balance. |
| These unlucky souls must turn to orthopedic | | | | One simple solution for golfers with problem feet |
| shoes, of which few are made specifically for golf, | | | | is to transfer the orthotics from your regular |
| or to orthotic inserts placed inside the shoe. Both | | | | shoes into your golf shoes when it's time to tee it |
| products are designed to correct improper foot | | | | up. A better idea, though, is to have a pair of |
| positions while standing, walking or running by | | | | orthotics made specifically for golf. The unique |
| putting the foot in a "neutral" alignment with the | | | | motion of the golf swing is best supported with |
| leg when lifted off the ground. | | | | tools designed precisely for that purpose. |
| Orthopedic shoes feature things like padded | | | | Dozens of companies make orthotics for various |
| footbeds, extra-wide toe boxes and added arch | | | | activities, including golf. A quick Internet search will |
| support. Orthotic inserts can be bought over the | | | | turn up a wide selection. |
| counter based on shoe size, specially made to | | | | Finding orthopedic golf shoes, on the other hand, |
| match a mold of your feet, or custom-built to | | | | is rather difficult. One prominent manufacturer, |
| your exact dimensions and needs based on a | | | | Bite, was purchased by Crocs and later dissolved. |
| podiatrist's prescription. | | | | You can sometimes find a pair of Bites on |
| If you're a golfer plagued by a foot condition, | | | | closeout or through auction sites. |
| orthopedic shoes or orthotics are a necessity. | | | | Finn Comfort, a well-known German brand, makes |
| Golf may seem like a low-impact activity, but the | | | | two lines of orthopedic golf shoes for men and |
| swing's twisting motion can put serious stress on | | | | women. Each pair is hand-made and retails for |
| muscles and connective tissues in the legs, back | | | | around $365. Otabo's high-end custom golf shoes |
| and abdomen. When the feet are out of balance, | | | | can be fitted with orthotics through the |
| the golfer will often (unknowingly) | | | | company's "Orthopedia" program. The price tag: |
| overcompensate and overuse certain muscles, as | | | | $400 and up. |
| well as tendons and ligaments. | | | | Fortunately, you don't have to spend that much. |
| Orthopedic shoes and orthotics eliminate imbalance | | | | If you suffer from a foot-related malady, though, |
| so that weight is distributed evenly and body | | | | it's essential to invest in special golf shoes or |
| parts function together properly. Remedial | | | | orthotics. |
| footwear can also correct over-rotations in the | | | | Your feet, and your scorecard, will thank you. |