How to Choose Your Footwear for the ADF and Police Fitness Tests

You wouldn't think how many elements you can take into consideration when training for your ADF or Police fitness test. Not only do you need to make sure that you are aware of your assessment requirements, but you also need to train effectively too. Many of The Barracks Gym members don't realise how much their training gear can affect their performance.

​One of the most important things you need to remember is to choose your pair of shoes with care and consideration. Pick the wrong one, and it could inhibit peak performance. Furthermore, your risk of getting injured becomes higher too. Read on to learn how to give yourself the best chance of performing at your best on your fitness test and prevent injuries.

Why Are Your Trainers So Important?

​You can suffer a range of injuries if the shoes you choose are not appropriate. As small as a blister can give you a few days of grief, but an Achilles-tendon problem can set you back for weeks if not months at its worse.

Choosing the right shoe can help in protecting you against common injuries that are associated with police and army training. Proper footwear can cushion the foot from heavy landings, as well as lessening the impact of your steps. Furthermore, exercise-specific shoes can enhance your performance, helping you to change directions quickly. We recommend you consult an expert if you have never had your gait analysed, so you receive the best recommendations to your feet's individual needs.

What Injuries Can Occur Due to Unsuitable Footwear?

Several different injuries are associated with wearing improper footwear. The ones you've probably already heard of are blisters, corns, bunions, ankle fractures, and ankle strains. 

Many other injuries are lesser-known yet can quickly occur. Metatarsalgia, which is a condition that presents itself as pain in the ball of the foot, can be made worse due to footwear that does not fit correctly. 

These injuries can be prevented by investing time, energy and money in identifying the trainers that fit your feet the best. Suitable shoes will help you perform at your optimum not only in training but on the physical fitness assessment day.

What Qualities Should You Be Looking for in a Pair of Trainers?

There are a few properties you may want to check before making your decision of buying your training shoes.

Quality
Check the materials used during manufacturing. The models can vary within the same brand too, so always double-check the reviews.

Breathability
Insulation can be a property you'd like to look at, especially when training outdoors, as well as its airflow, so your feet don't get wet from sweat. 

Cushioning
Some people need more, and some need less. Without having your feet and running assessed, it will be hard to know which one you need.

Stability
Again, how your feet are tracking while walking or running can make a huge difference in your biomechanics. If you tend to overpronate, you may want to look at shoes that provide more stability to protect your ankles and knees.

Mileage
In other words, how long you can use them before the sole gives in and doesn't provide the support your feet need. Given the frequency, you either want to buy multiple pairs of the same make once you find your perfect match or ensure you change them regularly once you wore them out.

What Does Your Footwear Have to Do with Your Confidence?

​Once you passed your fitness tests and you are scheduled to start your basic training, you'd like to do everything you can to feel confident that your performance will be at its peak. Your shoes will play a massive part in that. Ensure you take the ones that have already proven to support your training.

The last thing that you want to worry about is your footwear letting you down. If you have a comfortable shoe that fits well and offers the right grip and flexibility, you are going to walk into the assessments and basic training feeling as confident as possible. 

As you can see, it is crucial to make sure that you wear the right footwear during ADF and Police training. Choosing the proper footwear is going to make you feel confident during the training, enabling you to reach your full potential. You will also have the right shoes for the tasks at hand, as well as ensuring injuries do not disrupt you along the way.

​Have question about the topic or need help with your training plan? Feel free to come in for a 2 Week Trial at TBG.

Asics are the TBG Coaches pick for preferred shoe brand. Check them out in the link below.