FitSugar

Get in Gear: New Balance Waterproof Sneakers

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:00:00 PDT

Now that the weather is warming up, I bet a lot of you are getting psyched to walk and run outside. The problem is most of the country is dealing with melting snow, so it's still pretty wet outside. It's no fun to run outside and get soggy feet, so if you're looking for a pair of waterproof sneaks, check out these from New Balance ($120).

To hear more about them

I think these are super cute, but what tops their good looks is they are made from Gore-Tex so they're completely waterproof. Your feet will stay dry and if you happen to get them covered in mud, they'll clean up easily. Plus, Gore-Tex breathes. And check out the soles. They're perfect for running around on uneven terrain. Plus the midsole is made out of shock absorbing material, so if you're into trail running, these will protect your feet from sharp rocks and sticks. In case you were wondering, the New Balance 1110 only come in the blue and gray color that's shown.

Get in Gear: The North Face Trail Running Shoes

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:45:00 PDT

If you love to run in the woods, on trails, or through the summer rain, you are going to need a serious shoe to protect your feet and keep 'em dry. This is why I'm loving these Adrenaline Gore-Tex XCR Mid trail runners made by The North Face (a name I trust).

They're extremely lightweight (the complete pair only weighs 1 lb 13 oz), and they're made of Gore-Tex XCR. This is the most durable, waterproof, breathable fabric available, so it'll really protect your feet and keep them dry.

These shoes are mid-cut, so they'll support your ankles when you're on wobbly and unstable terrain, but they're not as big and clunky as regular high-cut hiking boots. Since mountains and trails are full of sticks and sharp rocks, the reinforced toe box is a necessity to protect your feet (plus it makes these shoes last longer). The outsole is made of rubber to help you grip the ground when you're moving quickly or on slippery surfaces. These are one pair of solid, "don't mess with me" shoes!

How much are they? To find out

read more These trail running shoes are perfect for a day hike up a mountain or through a woodsy trail. You can order them online from TheNorthFace.com for only $100, which is an awesome deal since these types of shoes are usually much more expensive.

Winter Running Woe: Numb Toes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:02:06 PST

If you'd rather skip a run than hit the treadmill, then there's no doubt you're continuing with your outdoor runs even through this brisk and snowy Winter weather. That doesn't mean you're not dealing with some discomfort along the way. I've given you some tips on how to beat burning lungs, but if it's your feet that are bothering you, here are some ways to avoid numb toes.

First, consider your socks. You can't get away with wearing the same thin, ankle-length wicking socks you sported in the warmer months. Splurge on some thicker knee-highs; socks made of wool will keep your feet warm and dry. Be sure your socks aren't too tight as that can cut off circulation (go up a size to be sure). You can also try compression socks to improve circulation in your feet and legs.

If you're already wearing thicker socks, you'll probably want to go up half a size in your sneaks to accommodate the extra fabric. If you don't, the snug fit of your shoe might be the sole cause of your tingling feeling. Choose sneakers designed for colder, wetter weather (think waterproof Gore-tex) to protect your toes from the snow. Tie your shoes slightly looser because as you warm up, your feet will swell, and too-tight laces can cause that annoying numb sensation.

Continue reading for more tips on avoiding numb feet.

What's Your Dunbar Number?

Mandy Harris — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:28:58 PDT

Pop quiz: how many Facebook friends do you have right this second? OK, now question two: how many of them are actually friends or family members you're close to and interact with regularly? According to research performed in the '90s by anthropologist Robin Dunbar, that number should be somewhere around 150.

Dunbar has studied groups from ancient hunter-gatherers to GORE-TEX wet-suit factories, and in every situation, the number of meaningful relationships people are able to maintain maxes out between 100 and 200. And new research from Indiana University focused on Twitter followers reaches the same conclusion. The reason for this, Dunbar says, is that at 150 relationships, our brains stop being able to keep track, and we reach a saturation point.

The Dunbar Number isn't an exact science; the number definitely varies from group to group, and even from person to person. So, take a good look at your social network and tell me: what's your Dunbar Number?