FitSugar

On Our Radar: Nike 2010 Running Collection

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:01 -0700

The fitness world may not have a fashion week, but this weekend I previewed some of Nike's 2010 Spring running line, shoes and jackets, at the Nike Running Summit here in San Francisco. At the event, held the day before the 6th annual Nike Women's Marathon, designers explained their two inspiration behind their latest sneakers and running gear: runners and lightweight.

The first concept is fairly self explanatory - they design their gear to complement the motion of running and what runners need. Secondly, they pared everything down to shave off weight leaving the running feeling free and unencumbered.

To learn more about the shoes coming out early next year, keep reading.

Win a Pair of New Balance Lace Up For the Cure Running Shoes

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:33:53 -0700

New Balance knows that exercise helps prevent breast cancer. So we teamed up with this sporty company to promote breast cancer awareness, and are giving away five pairs of New Balance Lace Up For the Cure 769 pink sneakers.

Starting today you can enter to win a pair of these well-cushioned, stylish sneaks. To participate in the giveaway, just take this quiz on breast cancer prevention. Your eligibility is not based on your score; simply taking the quiz once you have logged in will enter you in the contest. You do, however, need to be a PopSugar Community member to enter. So if you're not already one, register here now. You can read the official rules here, but do note that we accept one quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. The contest ends Oct. 13 at midnight PDT, so get cracking on the quiz!

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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?

Running 101: Sneaker Lingo

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:00:00 -0800

If you take care of your feet, ankles, knees, and hips, you should be able to pound the pavement for a good long while. Sneakers are important - you just got to love your kicks. Running shoes are designed to not only to cushion the impact of each stride, but also to support your foot and, in some cases, help correct gait and faulty biomechanics.

When shopping for shoes, you need to know your lingo. The following terms are as important as pump, wedge, and mule, and help explain the features you can find in sneakers.

Motion Control: This shoe style is recommended for runners who overpronate, or roll too far over the inside of their foot. These shoes tend to be stiff to help control the undesirable pronation by creating extra support in the inside of the arch. This type of shoe is also recommended for runners who are heavier and need extra support. If you have low arches or flat feet, these shoes are for you.
Stability: I like to think of this style of shoe as "motion control lite." They are great for runners who have mild to moderate pronation issues, with low to normal arches. These shoes also tend to be stiff.

To see the other two terms you should know, read more.

Neutral: The name pretty much says it all - neutral shoes are just that. The shoe is not designed to prevent the rolling associated with pronation. If you tend to run more on the outside of your feet, known as supination, these are the shoes for you. Great for high to normal arches, and according to Runner's World this style is generally recommended for runners who make ground contact with their mid- or forefoot.
Performance: If you run to race, a performance shoe would be your race-day shoe. They weigh less than regular running shoes so you can be "fleet of feet." They also tend to fit a bit more snug than the styles listed above. These shoes aren't generally recommended for training for runners with bad biomechanics since they have the corrective details found in a motion-control sneaker. The cushion and stability of performance shoes tend to vary from brand to brand.

When shopping for the right style of sneaker, I find it helpful to go to a specialty running store and try on a bunch and run around the block in them. The sales people are often serious runners themselves and can offer great sneaker advice.

What style of sneaker do you wear?

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Do You Wear Running Shoes When You're Not Running?

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

When I was in college, running shoes with jeans was quite a popular look. But although I wear casual sneakers for everyday comfort, I reserve my running shoes for running and working out. How about you?

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Have You Ever Lied About How Fast You Can Run?

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

After watching the track and field events of the Olympics, I am even more inspired to increase my speed. I've heard of people lying about how much they eat, lying about their weight, and lying about what size clothes they wear, but what about speed? Tell me . . .

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The Top Running Shoes Revealed

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Product rating powerhouse Consumer Reports has tested 205 pairs of men's and women's running shoes in an effort to find the best. Overall they found that the Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 (pictured here) was the best running shoe for men ($120) and women ($120). Not only does it have excellent cushioning, but it also was praised for its quality fit. Unfortunately, like most running sneaks, the price tag is a little steep.

If that's a little too pricey for you right now, the Champion Wonder C9 ($28) was the most cost effective woman's running sneaker that made number 23 on the list - the shoe scored high points for being lightweight and flexible. What's more? You can buy it at Target!

To see the full list, head on over to ConsumerReports.com (subscription required).

Back on Track: Check Your Sneaks

FitSugar — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:30:00 -0700

After a three-day weekend, possibly full of splurges, you want to get back on track, and let's start from the bottom up. How are your sneakers treating your feet? You should replace your running shoes every 350 to 500 miles, and you might be due. Tally up your weekly miles, multiply them by the number of weeks you have had your shoes. If you tend to forget the purchase date of your shoes, and really who has space in their brain for details like that, remember to write the purchase date on the inside of the tongue next time you buy new sneakers.

Also, take a moment and try the twist test to determine if your sneakers are shot or if they are still absorbing shock for you. If you can easily twist your shoe, their mid soles are worn out and it is time for new ones.

If your shoes failed the twist test, visit ShopStyle and start checking out some new styles.

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What's the Deal With Pronation?

FitSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:30:00 -0700

"Pronation" may sound like a country inhabited entirely by paid athletes, but it's actually a concept that all amateur runners need to understand. The word refers to the way your foot rolls as it hits the ground, and understanding your pronation type is crucial when choosing a pair of running shoes.

Are you an overpronator or an underpronator? And why does it matter? To find out, read more.

Everyone pronates, since the term refers to the way your foot progresses during a stride, from heel impact to toe push off. But as your foot rolls forward, it can also roll sideways, and that determines the kind of pronator you are.

Normal pronation occurs when the foot turns inward by about five percent and shock absorption is distributed equally. If you have normal pronation, you are probably not flat-footed or high-arched, and you can buy a neutral running shoe.
Overpronation means that when your foot rolls forward, it turns too far inward. This is common in flatter-footed people, and if you fall into that category, be sure to look for running shoes that offer medium to high stability.
Underpronation refers to a foot that doesn't roll far enough inward - anything less than four percent - and this condition often affects runners with high arches. If you underpronate, be sure to look for flexible shoes with extra cushioning.

Fit's Tip: To determine your pronation type, take a look at your old running shoes; if they slant inward or out, that could be a sign of over- or underpronation. Better yet, when you go to buy running shoes, ask an employee to analyze your running gait and help you determine what type of shoes you need.

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Are Expensive Sneaks Worth It?

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0800

Picking out sneakers can be really confusing, since there are so many different kinds and they vary in price so much. Performance-wise, are expensive sneakers any better than cheaper ones? A team of Scottish scientists used high tech-methods to find out. They found no difference in comfort or shock absorbency between $80 pairs and ones that were more than $150. The bottom line? Paying more moolah doesn't mean you're getting a better shoe.

When it comes to choosing sneaks:

Choose high-quality running shoes that fit your feet. It's fine to stick with a brand you like if you've had great experiences with them, but if you're new to running and don't yet know what you like, try on a few well-known brands to see which ones fit the best.
Think about your needs. If you know you'll be running on pavement and never in the woods, then you shouldn't buy the gray trail running sneakers just because you think they look cute. Never buy workout sneakers based on looks. An adorable shoe won't help you run any faster.

Want to hear the other tips? The read more

If you're not sure which shoes are best suited for which activity, be sure to go to a running store. The staff will be able to help you pick out the right shoe for your needs.
Bring the socks you wear running when you try on your new sneaks. Then use the store's treadmill, track, or floor to try them out. I'm serious. Run for a couple minutes so you can get a true sense of how they'll feel. They should be snug, but not too tight. Your toes should be able to wiggle a little, but your heel shouldn't be slipping up at all.
Don't fall for space-age technology or impressive marketing. You'll be paying extra for all that and not getting much more when it comes to performance.

Fit's Tips: Just like any shoe, sneakers may need a break-in period. Go for shorter walks and runs at first to get your feet used to your new kicks, and gradually increase to longer workouts.

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