Got Sneakers? Tips to Discovering the Right Shoe for You
Without a doubt, taking the time to research and locate the right athletic footwear and fit for your feet will make a big difference in the long run. It is important to consistently keep your feet feeling good while avoiding injuries at the same time.
It can feel overwhelming to walk into a large shoe retailer, see numerous options of shoes on the wall, and have no idea which one may be best suited for your foot. We will take a closer look in helping you identify the type of foot you may have and the appropriate kind and brand of shoe for specific athletic activities.
Running Shoes: Selecting the Right One
If you run on a regular basis it is a good idea to visit a specialty running store so a professional can determine if you have flat, neutral, or high arches. They will begin by measuring your foot to get an accurate size and width. Individuals with flat feet tend to wear a higher stability shoe to prevent over-pronation, an inward rolling motion. A good recommendation for men is the Asics Men’s GT-2000 3 running shoe to assist with over-pronation. It is a solid shoe with the necessary stability and cushioning that runners require. Individuals with neutral feet can usually wear various types of shoes but typically wear a moderate stability shoe. The Brooks Glycerin 14 for women is a good choice with a highly cushioned mid-sole helping to decrease the force of impact. People with high arches tend to go with a cushioned shoe, providing midsole padding with flexibility to avoid supination, an outward rolling motion. The Adidas women’s Supernova Glide 5 provides a solid midsole to absorb extra shock with the lack of pronation that can come with high arches.
Tips and Tricks for an Accurate Fit
Keep in mind it is a good idea to measure your foot at least a couple of times a year as foot size can possibly change with age. Make it a point to try on running shoes at the end of the day as feet can swell and expand after walking and running and shoes should fit the feet when they are at their largest. Make sure to bring the socks you regularly wear when trying on various shoes and possibly orthotics if you use them to determine if an overall fit is comfortable and correct.
Remember, running shoes should feel comfortable right away and not have the feeling of needing to be broken in. Spend a few minutes walking/jogging around the store to determine if the shoe feels good while in motion.
Basketball Shoes: Picking the Perfect Pair
The sport of basketball involves various types of actions including running, jumping, dribbling, and dunking. Given all these different types of movements it is very important for a player to choose the right basketball shoe. Not only can choosing the right shoe affect performance but having the right shoe can reduce the risk of foot and ankle injuries.
Again, with all types of sports it is important to have your foot measured professionally at an athletic shoe store. Once correct measurements have been determined choosing the type of basketball shoe based on playing style is suggested. A fast all-around player should consider a lightweight shoe with moderate cushioning and flexibility, while power players will need a heavier shoe offering maximum stability and support. Because the sport of basketball involves intricate foot and ankle movements, having a high level of ankle protection is recommended. Many players will choose a high-top basketball shoe that offer maximum ankle support to decrease the chance of a sprain. Some might prefer to go with a mid-top or low-top to feel less restriction on the court.
Top Recommended Kicks
One of the most popular basketball shoes today is the Adidas Crazy Explosive known for its amazing comfort and outstanding traction. With an upper construction of engineered Primeknit and a Geofit bootie this basketball shoe is super lightweight with great stability. Another top recommended is the Air Jordan XXXI Men’s basketball shoe known for enhanced cushioning and maximum responsiveness. Lastly, the Nike Women’s Hyperdunk with a solid rubber outsole choice and lunar midsole prevents a harder fall or landing when jumping higher and moving quicker.
Best Places to Buy
Once you have discovered your foot type and feel ready to hit your favorite running path or basketball court it’s time to purchase. As mentioned earlier visiting a specialty running or athletic store is a good place to look for shoes. Roadrunner Sports is great place to learn about running shoes while having a number of options and styles to choose from. They also offer free shipping with a VIP 90 day test run on all shoes if you may not have a location near you. Visit: www.roadrunnersports.com for more details. Footlocker and Ladies Footlocker are both good options offering a wide array of the latest men and women’s basketball shoes for all types of players. A variety of brand names and styles are available and a staff person can assist you with additional questions you may have regarding basketball shoes based on playing style. Visit: www.footlocker.com and www.ladiesfootlocker.com for more details. After doing some research you can also check out www.amazon.com and search for athletic shoes to see if they may have what you are looking for in stock.
Now it is time to lace up those new shoes, put on your favorite athletic gear, and get ready to test out your latest footwear! Having the right pair of athletic shoes can make all the difference in how your feet may feel after a long run or a close game. Take the time to do your homework and figure out the best shoe/fit that works for you. Your feet and body will definitely thank you for it!
Keep Moving,
Cara
