sneakers-related stories
Reebok Easytone: Shoes With a Workout?
You can see what we mean by taking a look at the commercial below.
Reebok claims that Easytone shoes will work your hamstrings and calves up to 11 percent harder and tone your butt 28 percent more than regular sneakers just by walking.
How is that possible? These sneakers have "balance ball-inspired technology" that engages muscles in your legs and glutes. Women who have tried the shoes claim that they take a little getting used to, but that they can feel their muscles engaging more.
But are women who purchase these Reeboks setting themselves up for disappointment? One can't help but compare these sneakers to FitFlops or NGR (No Gym Required) shoes that claimed to give you a workout just by walking. Where is the real science behind the Easytone shoes?
KangaROOS Are Back
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| Photo: KangaROOS |
I took a pair of Magnolias ROOS for a spin on my two-mile walk to work and was pleasantly surprised by their comfort level. I consider myself a pretty fast walker, and by the end of the week, I typically battle blisters and sore heels. Since ROOS tend to run small, I traded up by half a size, and they've done a good job of helping me avoid any blisters so far. Because this brand already runs small and fairly narrow, if you have wider feet, definitely try a pair on in the store to ensure a good fit instead of buying them online.
Sneakers - Choose Them Wisely
Ask Fitz!, Fitness, Reviews & Products
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| 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.
Reebok's New EasyTone Shoe Lets You Take the Gym With You
We all love finding ways to get more out of our workouts, but one thing we might love more is finding ways to turn our everyday activities into calorie roasters. That's why so many of us get really excited about shoes that give our legs and booties more of a workout. There's the FitFlop, the MBT Anti-Shoe, and now, Reebok has come out with the EasyTone, a shoe that they say "lets you take the gym with you."
The website claims 28 percent more action in the gluteus maximus muscle, 11 percent more activation of the hamstring, and 11 percent more calf activation, and all you have to do is walk. Built-in "balance pods" create instability with every step you take, so your muscles have to work harder -- kind of like walking through the sand on a beach.The shoe runs $109.99 and comes in a variety of colors -- white, black, lilac, blue and red -- and, well, they're okay-looking. I wouldn't choose them as a fashion sneaker (is that an oxymoron?), but they don't look as orthopedic as some of the other sneakers that claim to have the same benefits.
Running Shoes - Top Picks for 2009
I don't know about you, but spring always inspires me to get outside and run. But, as you renew your weekly running goals, it might be time to renew something else -- your shoes.
There's no definite answer as to how often you need to replace your running shoes -- it will vary depending on how often you run, the distances you run and the shoes themselves. However, most experts agree that you should start paying attention by 300 miles, and by 500 or 600 miles, you almost definitely should replace them. You might think they're fine, but you know those new aches you're feeling in your knees, hips and back? Those are all signs that it's time for a new pair.
So what should you get? Well, "Runner's World" has come out with their Spring 2009 Shoe Guide, and it's a great place to start shopping. First, they explain how to determine the right type of shoe for you. For example, your weight has some bearing on whether your shoes should have more cushion or more stability. Arch type and pronation will also make a difference, and while there are ways to figure this out at home, I've had good luck going to runners' specialty stores for advice.
Fitz Cool Tools - Under Armour Running Shoes
Under Armour has launched a line of running shoes. Oddly, one would have imagined that the giant in athletic apparel that UA has become, they would have done this long ago. But maybe they were just taking their time, so they'd get it right. The line is diverse, created with specific technology to suit a runner's needs, and I had the good fortune to give a pair a try.
Under Armour sent me a pair of Apparitions; I liked them a lot though they're not what I normally would have given a chance at the store. After years of competitive kickboxing and teaching fitness, my feet are quite fragile and this leads me to seek out the most cushiony pillow-like shoes I can find. The Under Armour Apparition is not pillowy at all, but I have been surprised by how much I like them!
Instead of hugging my feet, the insert feels quite flat, and the forefoot is incredibly roomy. I love the roominess! In fact, the extra space up front has made workouts on cardio machines much more comfortable. Often the stepper or elliptical trainer causes toe pain because of the angle at which one's foot works. My Apparitions prevented this issue altogether. And let me digress. Even though they are not "pillowy", they are supportive.
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.
Monty Lane Allen - The Country Star Is Trading His Boots for Sneakers
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Country singer Monty Lane Allen has accomplished many things. He's recorded albums and has performed with Country greats like Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley, while on stages in front of big wigs like .... the President of the United States. But beyond his beautiful voice and great talent on the guitar, this country star is an amazing athlete!
Monty Lane Allen is half performer and half jock. Not to say that Country folks can't be athletic, because of course they can be and are. But this guy is serious. He runs marathons on a regular basis and doesn't even feel satisfied with that. He's branching out in to triathlons too.
Are You Lacing Your Shoes Wrong?
I've mentioned before my issues with lacing up my sneaks. Both feet have to be perfectly evenly snug, and heaven forbid one comes untied mid-workout -- it's a huge distraction. And, I hate having one end of a lace, or a bow, brushing against my ankle.As it turns out, I'm not the only shoelace nut on the planet. The latest issue of Runner's World has an entire article dedicated to teaching us how to tie our shoelaces correctly. You probably thought there was only one way to tie them, but you are wrong. And it's a 50/50 bet that your shoelaces are, too.
Essentially, you want to tie a reef knot, not a granny knot. A granny will come undone quickly and easily, while a reef knot is actually tightened as your foot pushes against it while you run. I'm not about to go into a full explanation of how to do these knots -- check out the article for that. But, at least now you know it's something to be aware of.
Running Shoe Woes - Could the Wrong Ones Damage Your Feet?
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If running's your thing, you need to invest in a good pair of shoes. But good shoes are hard (and expensive) to come by -- even more so than you think. The Daily Mail recently talked to podiatrists to figure out just which running shoes were worth the money -- and which ones could potentially do damage to your tootsies in the long run. The bottom line? Trevor Prior, a consultant podiatric surgeon, says that "costly trainers rarely have the technology to justify their price," so don't just head for the most expensive shoes in the store. Click here for their recommendations, ask an expert or visit the Runner's World Shoe Finder to help you find the shoe you need.
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.
Fit Gadgets: ArchPort 'Stash Shoe'
If you run from your home, it can be a pain finding a place to carry a key. And, if you don't have a road ID of some sort, it's a good idea to carry your license. And what if you're going a long distance? Wouldn't you like to carry a couple of dollars with you so you could swing into the gas station at mile 8 and grab a cold water?There are a few solutions. You could find shorts with pockets (although I am not a fan of trying to keep things in my pockets while I run. Especially pointy, hard items, like keys -- ouch), or you could wear a sport belt (it's a fanny pack, regardless of what you call it). Still, for some of us, that's distracting -- we just want our shoes, shorts, and a shirt, and we want to hit the road.
Now, there's a shoe that lets you do just that. ArchPort has a range of athletic shoes (as well as sandals) that they call a "stash shoe." The sole of the shoe has a compartment in which you can fit a few necessities -- a key, credit card, some money, and possibly even your phone -- meaning you can head out the door without having to carry a bunch of extra stuff. Well, you'll be carrying it, but in your shoe and not having to hold on to anything.
Daily Fit Tip: Buy your sneakers in the afternoon
Fit Gadgets: Yankz Sure Lace System
I've never been a big fan of tying my shoes. It's not that I have a problem doing it -- I am fairly coordinated -- but I get extremely annoyed when I have to stop what I'm doing in order to retie a loose lace.Actually, the more embarrassing reason is that I'm weirdly particular about my shoes being tied equally tight -- does anyone else have that problem? If one shoe feels tighter than the other, I have to stop and adjust until both shoes feel the same -- not the most efficient use of my time, but I can't run with my right shoe tighter than my left. I just can't.
A couple of years ago I came across Yankz laces, and my troubles have been long gone. The Yankz Sure Lace System, once set up, keeps my shoes fitting perfectly run after run. The laces are slightly stretchy with a locking system, so once you get your shoe fitting exactly the way you want them, you never have to do it again. There's no loosening or tightening -- they're stretchy enough for you to slide your shoe right on (perfect for triathlon), then they stay plenty tight.
