FitSugar

Fit Tip: Stock Up on Your Fave Sneaks

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:00:26 -0700

Finding the perfect exercise shoe is a tough challenge. Even though there are a couple brands I've had luck with, I always end up spending at least an hour trying on every type of sneaker made by every brand in the store, just to make sure I've found the best fit. Sometimes I even end up having to go to more than one store! Who has time for that every time you have to buy new sneaks, which for me is about every three months?

So I've started stocking up on a pair I really love. I'll buy sneakers I think are perfect, try it out for a couple of weeks, and if my feet are still happy, I go back to the store and buy one or two more pairs of the exact same sneaker. That way a new pair I know I already love is waiting for me when it's time to ditch my old pair. If you don't like buying the same pair because they look the same, companies usually make the same sneaker in a couple different colors. If you can't find them at the store, order them online, which can save you dough and a trip to the store. You can also create a sale alert notice for the shoes on ShopStyle. You might have to wait a while, but you'll save some dough too.

What's Most Important When Buying New Sneaks?

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:47:38 -0700

I recently went shopping for new sneakers. Fit was definitely my number one priority when I picked up a pair of these New Balance 769. While running on the treadmill in the store, these sneaks offered stability and cushioning and were lightweight - exactly what I was looking for.

I know you probably take a few things into consideration when buying new sneaks, but what's the most important?

Tennis 101: Do I Really Need Tennis Shoes?

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:04 -0700

The 2009 US Open tennis tournament starts on Monday, so over the next week, I'll be schooling you in Tennis 101, offerings tips for beginners and seasoned hitters.

If you're starting to dabble in tennis, you may be wondering if you need specialized tennis shoes. Growing up, I called all athletic shoes "tennis shoes," but there is a reason we have different shoes for different sports. Tennis shoes have a blunter toe than running shoes and are designed for sharp cuts and forward charging. Though running shoes offer a cushioned sole, they are designed for steady, forward motion and don't offer enough support for all that side-to-side movement. Not wearing the right shoe could lead to injury.

If it's your first lesson, you probably don't want to splurge on a new pair of tennies, but check the regulations at the court where you'll be playing, since many don't allow dark-soled shoes that could scuff the court. If you own a pair of cross trainers, wear those instead of running shoes, as they offer better support. And once you've decided to give tennis a serious shot, it's definitely worth it to buy a pair of tennis-specific shoes.

How Many Pairs of Athletic Shoes Do You Own?

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:30:18 -0700

Growing up we called all athletic shoes "tennis shoes." We all played tennis, but it was just one in the myriad sports I participated in during my youth. Since then I have learned that not all sneakers are meant for every activity. Currently I have two pairs of running shoes in rotation - one on the way out and one I am breaking in. I wear my Nike Zooms for strength training. I have a pair of cycling shoes that clip into my pedals.

That's four pairs of athletic shoes that I own and use regularly. How about you?

Fit Tip: Don't Wait to Buy New Sneaks

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:30:44 -0700

Finding the perfect pair of sneakers can be just as hard as finding the perfect bathing suit. It can take visits to several stores to try on dozens of different styles until you find the correct fit.

So don't wait to buy new sneakers until your current pair begins falling apart, or you start to feel pain in your knees, shins, or lower back. Buy a new pair before it's time to retire the old ones, and not only will you avoid the stress of rushing to find the perfect pair, but you'll also have time to gradually break them in by alternating between wearing your old and new pair.

Gear Review: Cell Voltra Running Shoe by Puma

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:30:17 -0700

I just took Puma's new running shoe, the Cell Voltra ($100), out for a test run.

The first thing I noticed was that the shoe is incredibly light. Being the curious sort, I put it on my digital kitchen scale to weight it. One shoe clocks in at 10.75 ounces - an ounce lighter than my Under Armour running sneaks.

The Cell Voltras capitalize on Puma's 10CELL technology used for building soles. Essentially, it's a layer system designed to create cushion and shock absorption as well as rebound. To see what I thought of these sneakers, just read more.

When I wore these shoes for strength-training workouts, to break them in a bit before wearing them on a run, I liked them. The front of the shoe felt thin, so I could really get a sense of the floor. The heel is nice and stiff, which seemed to provide support. But when I wore them running, I didn't feel like there was enough cushion on the ball of my feet since I strike mostly toward the front of my mid-foot. I felt like I was practically running barefoot. The insole was rather thin too, so my feet felt vulnerable. I think if you're a heel striker, this shoe might work for you, since the heel is stiff. I will definitely use this shoe for strength training and plyometrics, but not for running. Style-wise, I like how the shoe upper looks like a classic Puma - simple, with a flash of silver.

You can find these shoes at Finish Line.

Does anyone out there wear Pumas for running? Share your thoughts on your sneakers below.

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Skechers Shape Ups Shoes: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:00:45 -0700

If you're not willing to pay nearly $250 for MBTs, you might consider the Skechers version. Skechers Shape Ups Strength ($100) and Shape Ups Metabolize ($100) mimic walking barefoot, helping you tone your muscles and get in shape. Would you wear them?

What's Your Sneaker Budget?

FitSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I believe that staying fit doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but I do take good care of my feet. I don't feel badly about laying down the cash for quality sneakers. When I start to feel pain in my knees, ankles, feet, or shins I know it is time to invest in a new pair of running shoes.

If a good shoe is of utter importance, maybe you don't care about price, but not everyone's fitness budget always allows for full priced sneaks. So I'm wondering, when it comes to athletic footwear . . .

Do You Need New Sneakers?

FitSugar — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0800

Are your sneakers getting old? Just looking at them is not enough to truly diagnose what kind of shape they are in. Do you know how to tell if it's time to replace your old running sneaks? Take the quiz to find out.

Source

Take the quiz

Gear Review: New Balance 1063 Running Shoes

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Whether you're a fan of New Balance sneakers or not, I think you're going to want to know about the latest update to their 1063 running shoe. The New Balance 1063 ($125) is considered a high mileage, technical running shoe. Although lightweight (9.5 oz. per shoe), this shoe offers the great cushioning and remains flexible. It's a neutral running shoe, designed for runners who have "normal arches."

Want to hear what my favorite thing about these sneakers is? Then read more.

Check out those laces. They're called SureLaces, and the wavy design ensures that your laces won't loosen while you run, so they offer added support to keep your sneaker snug around your foot. I also love the mesh material that covers the entire sneaker, offering breathability. Even on my longer runs, my feet never overheated, and the shock absorption protected my feet and knees. The shoe comes in orange or blue, and I know this 1063 is on the pricier side, but that's because it's top of its class when it comes to neutral sneakers. If you're serious about running, a more expensive sneaker really does feel different especially on those longer runs.

You can buy them directly from the New Balance website.