Sneakers - Choose Them Wisely

Posted on Jun 17th 2009 12:00PM by Fitz K.

ask fitz

Fitzness.com

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our That's Fit fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz. I need to buy some new shoes for the gym, but I don't know which brand to choose. Which do you like, and which are overall best? Rachel

A. Hello Miss Rachel. I'm happy to hear from you! This is one of the most common questions I'm asked, so I'm happy to answer it for everyone.

Using proper training equipment, especially footwear, is one of the most valuable steps you can take towards the prevention of injuries and promotion of a fabulous training experience.

Most important, you should be choosing sneakers designed for the activities in which you'll be participating. There is literally a specific shoe geared towards almost every activity, so your first move is to head to that section of the shoe store. You'll find unique varieties for running, walking, mountain climbing, boxing, basketball, dance, soccer, tennis and more. These sport-specific shoes are designed to provide the user with advanced support for the areas of the foot and ankle that need it the most. Simply put: You should consider modern sneakers "smart shoes" and choose wisely.

I encourage you to not show blind affection for one brand over another. It's vital to go shopping with an open mind and an eagerness to try on a variety of shoes to discover exactly which one feels right for you. Most of the major brands make quality footwear. Nike, adidas, Under Armour, New Balance and the others are all companies I respect. It's important not to get caught up with logos or imaging, though. Just buy a shoe that's going to support your efforts while you're sweating it up. If you're in the market for running shoes, try these tips for choosing the best.

And as for your question about which shoe I personally like best -- I like black sneakers. I own a variety of brands, but for the most part, they're all black. White ones make me feel like Jerry Seinfeld. So! Now that we've got that covered, go shopping, and get to work!

Punches & Kicks,

Fitz

Fitzness.com

Note: The content presented in this Q. & A section is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as medical advice or substitute for professional medical care.

 
 
 

Share Your Success Story

Jupiter Images

Have you lost weight and kept it off? We want to know how you did it and what keeps you inspired!

Read More