If you’ve tried to buy a pair of
athletic shoes recently, you probably realize that the canvas
sneakers of the past have been replaced by high-tech,
state-of-the-art athletic gear of the present and future.
Consumers are faced with so many options that the task of
choosing a pair of shoes has become increasingly complicated and
confusing, not to mention expensive. By attaining a good working
knowledge of athletic footwear, you will be less likely to fall
for the latest gimmick or be coerced into spending above your
budget.
KNOW WHAT YOU NEED
When shopping for athletic shoes, the most important step is
deciding what sport you will be using them for. Most sporting
goods stores carry a variety of shoes for activities such as
running, walking, tennis, basketball and aerobics. Multi-purpose
shoes such as cross trainers may be a good alternative for those
who want to combine several sports or activities, such as
bicycling and weight training, in a single workout.
Once you have decided on the particular type of shoe you
need, it is important to know how to get a good fit. Remember,
no matter how popular a shoe is or how good it may look, it
won’t do you any good if you have blisters after the first week
of wearing it.
GUIDELINES FOR BUYING SHOES
When purchasing shoes for a specific sport or fitness
activity, you must consider your foot type. People with
high-arched feet tend to require greater shock absorption than
those with average feet. High-arched (cavus) feet also suffer
from lateral instability and are more prone to ankle sprains.
Conversely, people with low-arched (“flat”) feet require shoes
with less cushioning but greater support and heel control.
After considering the type of shoe needed for a particular
activity and evaluating your needs based on your foot type, use
the following information to ensure you get the best fit:
- Choose an athletic-shoe store or specialty store with a
large inventory. They will have a variety of sizes available.
- Try to get fitted for footwear at the end of the day, when
foot size is at its maximum. It is not unusual for an
individual’s foot to increase one-half a shoe size during the
course of a single day.
- Allow 1/2 inch, or the width of your index finger, between
the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If one
foot is larger than the other, buy the larger size.
- The shoe should be as wide as possible across the forefoot
without allowing slippage in the heel. If the shoe has
variable-width lacing, experiment with the narrow and wide
eyelets to achieve a custom fit.
SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Athletic shoes no longer require a breaking-in period.
However, they will lose their cushioning after three to six
months of regular use. It is important to be aware of when your
shoes need to be replaced because, if they are no longer
absorbing the pounding and jarring action of the sport, you are
more likely to sustain knee and ankle injuries.
A final consideration when buying athletic shoes is price. It
is possible to spend anywhere from $19.99 for no-name brands to
more than $170 for Reebok’s or Nike’s latest technological
wonder. Be sure to consider both your budget and your fitness
needs before spending a small fortune on shoes.
Finally, though purchasing may be a big investment, it is not
a long-term one. If you spend a fortune on the latest style
today, a new style will probably replace it tomorrow. It would
be more practical, unless you are at a competitive level, to
spend a reasonable amount and get the most for your money.
