The con thing is that the equipment, your running shoe, is so important that it gets buried under millions of dollars of hype, advertising, and confusing technobabble.
A couple of decades ago, the world was a simpler place, and so were running shoes. Today, simple, canvas sneakers are as dead as Elvis, which is not necesarily a bad thing. In just about every way, today's shoes are whole lot better-more durable, more protective, and more comfortable-than ever before.
The one con thing: they are also much more complicated. Why? Because running, while it's a simple sport that almost everyone can do, focuses your feet and legs through a fairly complex series of movements. With all the high-tech running shoes available today and all the special features that each shoe claims to have, picking the right pair can be a daunting task. There are some steps that you can follow to find a good pair of running shoes.
Running is a complex biochemical process in which, generally speaking,you strike the ground first on the outside of your heel. Next, your foot rolls downward and inward slightly as it meets the ground. And lastly, the heel lifts from the ground, and you push off from the ball of the foot to move forward. The rotation of the foot downward and inward when you land on the ground is called pronation, and it's a completely natural and normal process.
Your foot type and degree of pronation determine the characteristics that you will need in a running shoe. You can see the shape most clearly by looking at the bottom of the shoe. In general, running shoes come in three shapes-straight, semicurved, and curved-which correspond to the three types of footprints revealed by the wet test. Most experts believe that overpronators should wear a shoe with a straight shape, supinators should wear a shoe with a curved shape, and normal pronators should wear a shoe with a semicurved shape. There are a few other characteristics to consider.
How much money should you pay? Any shoe costing $60 or more, no matter who manufactures it, should provide the primary features and protection you need. Spend the money. A good pair of running shoes should last for 400 to 500 miles and is the only critical purchase you should have to make. When you spend more, you will get more durability, more features, and more quality.
Basketball shoes are typically the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks on men's athletic shoes. There are many other types of shoes besides basketball. All sport shoes for men are made basically the same with a few differences such as cleats and height.
There are also a few categories of shoes that make a difference in wear and comfort. From the cheapest shoes to the most expensive men's athletic shoes vary. It is important that you find the right shoe to fit you individual needs for training, durability and comfort.
The first category is Motion Control Shoes. These shoes are the most rigid, control orientated and durable. The normal motion of the foot is important to keep in mind when purchasing these types of shoes. The motion control shoes help limit the motion of the foot so they are not excessively moving around making injury a greater risk.
Another type of shoe category is Stability Shoes. Stability means that there is good support, cushioning, and durability. Men who are of average weight and do not have a need for motion controlled shoes will find these provide the right support.
Cushioned Shoes are ideal for those who do not have a lot of excess motion in their foot and are not in need of additional support. A man of average weight and size may find these to be appropriate for him.
Another type of shoe would be the Lightweight Training Shoes. These are very light and are intended for racing and fast paced training. Efficient runners with no motion control problems will find these are perfect for them.
Finally Trail Shoes are good for off road or inclement weather. They have extra stability for added traction. They are very durable. It is imperative to plan ahead when exercising and playing sports. Alternating your shoes is a way to give your feet a brief workout. They will rest the muscles used in the other shoes while working ones to adjust to the ones you changed into. Also your work out or sport shoes will last longer if you wear them only when needed as opposed to all the time.
Some final tips for buying men's athletic shoes are to always shop late in the day since feet tend to swell a bit as the day progresses. It is important to always measure your feet while standing; the change in size is enough to make your new shoes uncomfortable if you don't. Make sure you try on both shoes with socks on. Some people's feet are slightly different sizes. When you choose a pair always buy the size of your larger foot.
If the shoes hurt the first time you try them on then don't buy them. They will not get more comfortable later on. Before training in your new shoes break them in by wearing them around the house. If you should need to return them stores generally won't accept them after they have been worn outdoors.
There are a lot of things to consider when picking out your wedding shoes. So how do you know what to look for? Read on!
Comfort should be the number one thing on your shopping list. Don't forget - you will be spending more time on your feet than you may realize. There is the walk down the isle, stand in the receiving line to thank guests for coming, pictures, cut the cake and even dance. All of that will be done in your wedding shoes.
If your wedding shoes are not comfortable, it will make it difficult to enjoy your day. One option, of course, is to change your shoes on the way to the reception, but make sure your main shoes are ones that you will want to wear all day in case you get caught up and forget to change.
Even though many people think otherwise, heels are not a necessary evil when you are picking out your wedding shoes. If you wish, you can cut them out all together, opting instead for pumps or even flats. If you do not usually wear heels, make sure you walk around in shoes that are the same construction of your wedding shoes to get used to them.
You are going to want to pick out the height of your shoes before you are fitted for your dress. Even if you haven't picked out just the right shoe, but know you want a 2 ?" heel, buy a pair of 'dummy' shoes to wear to your fittings until you do find the ones to wear on your wedding day.
Matching the color of your dress is probably the hardest part about buying the shoe. Remember that every body has a different idea about what white is. Is yours winter white, bright white or pure white? Is it off white? Ecru? Ivory? Eggshell? Take a swatch of the same fabric as your dress.
One option that has grown in popularity over the last few years is to take your wedding shoes and have them professionally dyed. Again, make sure you have the fabric with you, both when you place your order and when you pick up the shoes. This will help ensure you are happy with the way the shoes look with your dress.
Shopping for your wedding shoes at the end of the day, will help in correct fitting because your feet swell during the day. Also, if you plan on wearing stockings on the big day, wear stockings when you are shopping.
Summary:
Wedding shoes can almost be just as important to your wedding attire as the dress. By paying close attention to the shoes when shopping will help to make your wedding day the wonderful experience it should be with out the pain of ill-fitting shoes.