running shoes-related stories
Goodbye, Old Friend
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A while ago, I couldn't help but notice that I didn't have as much spring in my step as usual -- literally. It wasn't down to any changes in my disposition or mood -- my running shoes were running out of time. It was impossible to ignore that they were on their last leg, and those shoes I accomplished so much in would have to be traded for a newer model. I bought them at a boxing day sale five years ago, when the only running I did was running for the bus in the morning -- which, by the way, left me huffing and puffing. I was slim but horribly out of shape. As I handed over my Visa, I swore I would use them. Partly because I knew I needed to start working out, and partly because I hate spending money on something I never use. Yes, I guess being frugal does have it's advantages.
And use them I did -- I must have worn those ratty old sneakers hundreds of times. I broke personal records in them, surprising and impressing myself over and over again. I never thought I'd call myself a runner, but I do now, largely because of them.
The 5: Tips for finding the right running shoe
The weather is perfect for nice, long outdoor runs on the beach or right through your neighborhood. The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp, and you've got miles and miles to go. That's why picking up a new pair of kicks is one of the most sound investments you can make for this autumn climate (and economic climate, for that matter). To help the shoe shopping experience that much easier, Maximum Fitness offers these five tips in their current issue, on newsstands now.
- Do You Need New Shoes? This is obviously the most important step of all. If the soles of your shoes are showing significant signs of wear, the forefoot is shifted medially and laterally or you're always suffering injury, then it may be time to ditch those kicks for a new pair.
Need help finding the perfect running shoe? Ask Runner's World
Fashion and Beauty, Fitness, Reviews & Products
Finding a new pair of running shoes can be a daunting task. There are dozens of brand names to choose from, not to mention hundreds of different models. And I don't know how it is where you live, but the people who work in the athletic stores are more interested in catching up on The Hills with their co-workers than helping me find the best fit for my running routine.
If you're looking for a new shoe, keep reading. Runner's World, the invaluable resource for all things running, has a shoe finding tool that will help you find not only a shoe that not only fits your needs, but your budget too. You can select your price range, favourite brand and desired characteristics, and the shoe finder gives you a list of models, complete with past reviews.
Check it out and let us know what you think.
(via Fitsugar)
Daily Fit Tip: Know the rules of the shoes
If you live in running shoes, there are a number of rules you need to know.
Daily Fit Tip: Buy your sneakers in the afternoon
Keep your feet dry with these waterproof sneakers
I don't know about you, but I love taking a run on a drizzly day. I love the water hitting my face, I love the smell of the rain, and I love the fact that it's usually a bit cooler. What I don't love is wet feet.
New Balance has come out with a running shoe made of Gore Tex, so it's totally waterproof. The sole is rugged and looks like it would grip really well, even on wet, slippery, uneven terrain, which is great because they have the shock absorbency to handle a trail run. Plus, since it's Gore Tex, you can get them as dirty as you want and they should be a breeze to clean.
Men's (orange) and women's (blue) New Balance 1110 are currently on sale at New Balance North Shore for $99.99.
Via FitSugar
Five ways to customize your running shoes
How frustrating is it when you've spent hours doing research and shopping for the right running shoe, only to run in it a few times and find a flaw? Everyone has a different need when it comes to shoes. Even if you don't overpronate and your arch is just perfect, you still could end up with some unforeseen shoe issues.
Active.com has the solution to a number of problems -- customize your shoes by adjusting your laces. Click through the gallery to find out how lacing your shoes differently might save your feet.
Know your footprint before buying running shoes
Kristen's recent post on shopping for running shoes reminds us to seek expert assistance in purchasing the right shoe for your arch. But before you head into the specialty running shoe shop, it's an excellent idea to know your own footprint.
Your unique footprint reveals whether you have flat arches, a normal arch or high arches -- an important indicator of which running shoe is best for you. Spring is nearly here, so wet your feet and step on the driveway. Check out this visual to match your footprint against the three arch types:
- Flat feet: You likely roll your foot inward when striding (pronate) and should consider a motion-control running shoe.
- Normal arches: You might pronate just a bit, check out shoes to control light/moderate pronation.
- High arches: While my footprint does not reveal it, I tend to roll outward (underpronate) when I walk, and probably while jogging, too. A softer, shock-absorbing running shoe is a good choice for high arches.
To determine which brands might be good for you, plug your motion mechanics and arch height into this shoe finder at runningshoes.com to see a few pairs that might fit your footprint. Now head to the specialty shop.
Are shock-absorbing shoes bad for us?
For those of you who are fans of the Nike Shox and other running-designed shoes, new research shows that if you have arthritic knees, you may want to step away from these products.When shock-absorbing footwear was looked at in relation to knee osteoarthritis, the conclusion from the research was that the bare foot put less pressure on the knee compared to shock-absorbing shoes or ones hat are designed for foot stabilizing.
For those without arthritic knees, I still believe that this type of footwear offers great protection from knee and back breakdown. Do you?
Tips for buying athletic shoes
- Wear shoes that are meant for the activity you usually do. For example, don't choose tennis shoes if you're a runner.
- Shop in the afternoon -- that way, your feet are naturally a bit swollen and you won't end up with something too small.
- Remember that your feet change size over the years -- get them measured before you spend money on shoes
- Don't think that you can break shoes in -- if they don't feel good at the store, leave 'em be.
- Bring socks with you so you can properly gage the size -- preferably the socks you wear to the gym. But remember to wash them first!
Less may just be more when it comes to running shoes
Serious runners know that buying a running shoe is an investment. You have to have a quality shoe with good support and that can stand up to the mileage you put in every week. But an interesting new analysis out of the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research at the University of Dundee, Scotland found that within a brand, expensive shoes really aren't any better then lower priced models.That doesn't mean that you can go to your local department store and buy the cheapest shoe there. All of the models tested were name brand shoes, priced from $80-$150. But within each brand, the higher priced models with "better features" really didn't feel more comfortable or cushion the feet better than the lower priced models. In addition, study participants couldn't distinguish the more expensive shoes from the cheaper ones.
The bottom line? Buy a good shoe, but don't assume that within a brand that more is better.
Fit Mama: Goody new shoes
Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness
Despite the heat and overwhelming humidity I ran nearly six and a half miles last Saturday. Today I will attempt to run over seven. I am, folks, living proof that you CAN get back into shape, even if you haven't run in a year. That's right--I stopped running sometime in June of 2006...I think. In fact, once I started running again it had been so long that I could no longer remember when I'd stopped.
To aid me in my quest to get back into shape, this week I bought new running shoes. For me, running shoes are the bane of my existence. I have a total love/hate relationship with such shoes. I need them to speed me along my course, to protect me feet and to give me a little extra bounce when I need it most (which, er, is always, especially these days when I'm carrying a little extra weight around).
I hate them because they never ever fit. I have horribly hard to fit feet. Or, at least, I thought I did. I need a wide toes box because the balls of my feet are rather wide for my otherwise slender foot. My ankles are ridiculously small so I need something that basically latches onto my Achilles tendon so the shoes don't slip.
Somewhere in the land of time before I got pregnant I spent what seemed like hours with a very helpful, professional young man who was a runner himself and who was more determined than I was to find me the right shoe. Previous to my encounter with him I'd spent the same amount of hours online trying to track down the same shoe I'd been running in for years, which, it turned out, even though I thought they were a great fit, were not right for my feet.
You can still run in the rain. Here's how
Here are some suggestions from Fitsugar:
- Wear a water-repellent top layer, like a rain coat, so the water doesn't weight you down
- Avoid cotton shorts and cotton socks -- neither are very comfortable when wet
- Waterproof your iPod with a zipper-top plastic baggy
- Wear old running shoes, unless yours are waterproof
- Wear sunglasses -- you might look silly but it will keep the water from your eyes
- Don't run too close to the road -- you might get splashed by a car!
Daily Fit Tip: Protect those feet!
I'm one for bargains, like anyone else. when it comes to fitness, I require the maximum utility from the least amount of financial resources, with the longest endurance and build quality possible. Sadly, I often don't find all those in one place, as the "you get what you pay for" saying circles around my head.After years of being ignorant about the type of shoes I wore for jogging and treadmilling, I have come to a somewhat non-surprising conclusion: get the best running or jogging shows you can possible afford and do your research on what type of feet you have to select the best shoe.
Have a high arch? How about flat feet? Do you need stability or cushioning? There are many questions to answer here when it comes to the best type of shoe, and you really need to know what type of feet you have before buying. Your feet (and shins) will thank you.
What's missing from your gym bag?
Glee Magazine has a few suggestions for people like me, who aren't prepared for anything but, well, working out. How about mini beauty and bath products for that quick, apres-sweat pampering? A multi-purpose bra, in case you have some place to be after the gym? An energy bar for a quick fix? A pair of sandals for the shower? A hat and sunscreen, in case you decide to workout outdoors?
A mini-spa that you tote to the gym sounds like a great idea, but is it practical? I'll probably stick to my bare-basics workout gear ...what about you?
