By Laura O'Reilly, Special to the Daily Record, Parsippany, N.J.
What: Purchasing shoes for specific sports and activities.
Why: Buying sneakers is not as simple as it used to be when canvas Keds were all we had to choose from. Sporting goods stores stock aisles of sneakers in assorted styles for several different uses.
All sneakers provide traction and support, but different sports have different requirements. Basketball sneakers provide extra ankle support for sudden movements. Running shoes provide cushioning for shock absorption. Cross trainers are designed for a variety of uses such as aerobics classes and walking and running, and are useful when combining a weight workout with an aerobic workout.
Know your feet: Don't be enticed by the latest trend and buy a sneaker based on fashion instead of practical purposes. Make sure they are wide enough for your feet and that they provide proper support. People with high arches are prone to ankle injuries and require extra shock absorption. Flat feet require less cushion, and better support.
If you have supinated feet, your shoes will wear out most on the outside of the heel and the forefoot. Pronated feet wear out mostly on the inside of the forefoot. There are various designs for the different shapes of feet.
Try before you buy: Wear comfortable socks and try the shoes on both feet. Take a walk around the store in the sneakers. If they do not feel comfortable do not buy them. Attempting to break them in may result in blistered feet. Some specialty running stores allow patrons to leave the store and run around outside to get a real feel for the shoe.
Replacing the old: When sneakers wear down they should be replaced to avoid injuries, especially to the knees and ankles. Do not wear running shoes or sports specific shoes for hanging around or walking. Rotating your shoes saves on wear, tear and expenses. Running shoes usually have to be replaced every 400 miles (or every six months if you run approximately 15 miles a week). Although they may seem to be in good condition on the outside, when the midsoles wear down, the sneakers lose shock absorbency and support.
Guidelines for buying sneakers:
- Make sure they fit well
- Try sneakers on at the end of the day when feet are more swollen.
- Shop at an athletic shoe store with a large inventory, so there is an adequate selection for your foot type.
- Look for knowledgeable staff. Avid runners and athletes understand the right fit and type of shoe.
- Try shoes on both feet and take a walk/run around the store in them. If they rub or feel tight, they are not the right shoes for you.
- Look for a shoe that has a comfortable width without your heel slipping out. Adjustable laces help with the fit
- Don't overspend. If you are not a competitive sportsperson, it is not necessary to have the most high tech shoe on the market. Technology is always changing and the hot $170 shoe of today, may not be the top pick three months down the road. There is no need to skimp either. Quality materials and workmanship improve sneaker performance. With discount sales, it is possible to buy good sneakers in the $35-$75 price range.
Laura O'Reilly is a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. To submit questions contact the Daily Record at 800 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, N.J. 07054, or fittogo@optonline.net.
No comments:
Post a Comment