October 24 2009
Going into a sports store these day looking for a new pair of shoes can be a daunting experience. There are many types of shoes to choose from and just working out which shoes are best for your specific needs can be challenging. Therefore this post will help to guide you through the initial stages so that when you walk into the store or purchase your shoes online you can make an informed decision. Newsfitness.com will look to provide you with the latest information on: running shoes; walking shoes and cross trainers.
Running Shoes
Running shoes have revolutionized over the last 20 years with the major companies like Nike, Adidas and Asics to name a few, spending large volumes on developing the perfect running shoe. The running shoes have over the years from being made from leather to now being created from synthetics. The goals of the perfect running shoes are to initially prevent injuries and to complete the exercise in relative comfort.
When running the impact on your ankle and feet are very high so good foot motion is critical to prevent injuries whilst training. Running shoes today are built with motion-control to provide stability and sturdiness whilst running. The provide a solid arch curve on the instep and aid to keep the ankle fro rolling too far over when your heal strikes the ground. These shoes provide excellent support if you have "flat feet" and if you have fallen arches. If your arches are high then you may want to investigate shoes that have greater cushioning that encourage the rolling upon impact.
If your stride is neutral then there are shoes that have a combination of motion control, cushioning and balance or stability that will aid you in creating an efficient running motion and maximizing your workout.
Most people find the stability shoes are the most comfortable, the cushioning runners the lightest and the motion control the heaviest. People with severe flat feet or high arches should not look at the lightweight shoes for professional athletes as they tend to sacrifice therapeutic controls for a reduction in weight.
Walking Shoes
Walking Shoes have similar attributes to the running shoes however as walking provides different stresses to running there are some differences. Due to the foot being in contact with the ground for a longer duration, the walking motion creates a different impact on the ankle and foot. Most walkers, depending on the how much incline or hills are being challenged often feel soreness in their lower back. To combat this walking shoes tend to be stiffer or more ridged then running shoes with greater cushioning. Many professional walkers look for a shoe that has a heel that is relatively flat relative to the ball, as this will promote a rolling motion whilst walking and reduce the lower back strain.
Cross Trainers
The third review is the Cross training shoe that needs to take
different motion into consideration. These shoes are perfect for
activities like aerobics, step classes, and kick boxing. These
activities involve large amounts of lateral (or sideways)
movement upon impact. The previous two shoes have been built for
forward motion and don't provide the required stability or
support for this type of exercise. The cross trainer generally
has a wider outsole than the runner or walker. This unique design
allows the cross trainer to provide excellent stability for the
lateral movement that you will be completing whilst exercising.
Now that your are armed with information about the different types of exercising shoes for the many activities that you will be performing on your road to fitness and well being. The right type of shoe will reduce the impact on your joints and enable you to maximize your exercise whilst minimizing the potential injury risks to your body.
