Friday Fitness Fact – These Shoes Were Made for Fitness

Being properly outfitted can play a huge role in exercise and fitness success. If your attire hinders you in anyway, it can quickly become one more excuse for you to skip today. And when I say “outfitted” I am talking about your whole outfit – head to toe! Your shoes are huge part of just about every form of fitness. And there is a specialized shoe for just about every for of physical activity. They make water shoes for water fitness classes. There are special slippers for yoga classes. Running shoes, cross trainers, walking shoes, boxing shoes, the list is endless. But whatever your  chosen for of exercise it is very important to have the right type of shoes. Now, before your run out and get five different kinds of shoes - one for each of the different aerobics classes you like to go to  think – let me remind you about multitasking. Unless you are specifically focused into one sport entirely, you should find a shoe the can easily accommodate a range of exercises.

Looking for the right shoe

Generally, you want to find a “cross trainer” style of shoe. This is a shoe that is designed for a number of different uses (IE. walking, running, jumping, traction, etc.) Try to think about what you will be doing in the shoe more then what they look like. If you are close to a company store (Nike, Reebok, Adidas) or sporting goods store (Big 5, Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods) go there and pick the brains of the employees. Tell them what you are planning to do and let them guide you. You can then take that knowledge and your bargain shopping skills accordingly. Always try your shoes on in the store. Do not just put it on while you are sitting down and that’s it. Get up, walk around, and maybe jump a few times or at least get up on your tippy toes. Whichever style of shoe you are looking for, here are some tips that should be taken into account for any type of shoe:

• Firm Heel Construction – a flat and low surface with cushioning is best.
• Breathable mesh fabrics to prevent blisters and to allow free movement of your feet.
• Room to wiggle your toes – Not necessarily in length but more in width. This helps prevent ingrown toenails, blisters and general discomfort.
• Traction is so important – make sure the tread of the shoe is appropriate for the activities you are planning on.