FitSugar

Podiatric Shoe List

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:30:17 -0800

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, an organization for advancing the understanding, prevention and management of lower extremity sports and fitness injuries, has come up with a list of the best shoes on the market out there for running.

The list was based off the following requirements: Stability, durability, availability, price point, quality control, orthotic compatibility and other specific features.

Running Shoes - Mild Pronation Control -
ASICS GT-2110 (pictured)
ASICS Gel Empire
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6
Brooks Trance 5
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 5
Mizuno Wave Inspire 2
New Balance 767
New Balance 1221
Nike Air Structure Triax 9
Nike Air Max Moto
Nike Shox TL3
Saucony GRID Omni 5
Saucony Shadow 6000 (Classic)
Saucony Grid Hurricane 7 Running Shoes

To see the rest of the list read more

Running Shoes - Moderate Pronation Control -
Adidas Supernova Control
ASICS Gel Kayano XII
ASICS Gel-Foundation VI
ASICS Gel Evolution II
Brooks Addiction 6
Mizuno Wave Elixer
New Balance 857 ST (
Reebok Supreme Control DMX
Puma Complete Premise
Saucony: 3D Grid Regulate
Saucony: Grid Stabil MC

Running Shoes - Maximum Pronation Control -
Brooks Beast
Brooks Ariel
Mizuno Wave Renegade 3
New Balance 1010

Running Shoes -Cushioning -
ASICS Gel-Cumulus VI
ASICS Gel Landreth
Brooks Glycerin 4
Mizuno Wave Rider 9
Mizuno Wave Creation 7

Running Shoes - Trail -
Adidas Supernova Trail
Asics Gel-Eagle Trail
Brooks Gila
Montrail Diez Vista
Montrail Vitesse
Montrail Leona Divide
Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR
Montrail Hardrock
Montrail Kinabalu
North Face Ultra GTX

Source

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?

Source

Winterize Your Running: Studded Sneakers

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:30:00 -0800

Icy roads and sidewalks are the Winter runner's nemesis. Slick surfaces translate into slips and falls, which can lead to injuries, so you need sneakers with added traction for slippery situations. Runner's World has created a cool and cheap solution: Screw Shoes. The concept is similar to studded tires for your car; the screws create little ice picks on the bottom of your running shoes. Check out the January issue of the mag, flip to page 50, and marathoner Matt Carpenter will explain how you can transform your favorite trail runners into studded sneakers in minutes with a few sheet metal screws.

Would any of you ever try making these studded sneaks?

Source

Best Sneakers for Long Distance Running

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you're upping your running mileage to tone up, to cross-train for another endurance sport, or if you're training for a marathon, then you're going to need a quality pair of sneakers. There isn't one brand or style of running shoe out there that is considered the ultimate shoe, because everyone's feet are different and so is the way in which they run. Here's some criteria you should look for in a shoe:

The sneaker should be lightweight and breathable. After continuously pounding your feet on the ground for almost an hour, you want as little weight on your feet as possible to avoid injuries to your joints and to conserve energy. Running for long periods of time will also raise your body temperature, so you want a shoe that has some type of ventilation (sweaty feet can cause blisters).
The sneaker should be made for your type of foot. Flat-footed people who overpronate when they run need extra arch support. If you have high arches and underpronate, you'll need extra cushioning. If you're not sure what type of foot you have and where you fall on the pronation scale, go to a specialty running store for expert advice.

For more great tips read more.

The sneaker should be made for the type of surface you plan to run on. If you're jogging on dirt, uneven, or wet terrain, make sure the sole of the shoe is meant for that, and the frame is sturdy.
Go for comfort, not appearance. Your feet could care less if your sneaks look cute with your new running skirt. So make sure they offer optimum cushioning and support. Finding the best fit is the point, so try on every brand and style of shoe in the store (even if they're hideous).
Don't be afraid to put down the dough. A solid pair may end up costing around $150, but it's totally worth it since you'll be spending a lot of time in them. If your feet are protected, it'll help avoid injury and improve your performance.

If you're at a loss for which ones to try out here's a list recommended by Consumer Reports: Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ ($120), Nike Air Pegasus+ 2007 ($65), Puma Complete Infinitus ($85), and Reebok Premier Hatana ($89).

Source

Running Tip: If You Love Your Sneakers, Buy a Second Pair

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Finding the perfect pair of sneakers is no easy task. If you're like me, you have to try on a bazillion running shoes to find the pair that fits you like Cinderella's glass slipper.

So when you unearth those unbelievably made-for-you sneaks, just buy a second pair. That way you can run in the first pair, and when it's time to give them a rest, you'll have another perfect pair waiting for you. This is especially helpful if you're training for a big race. If you feel weird about having two of the exact same looking pairs, then buy the sneakers you love in two different colors, like these Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 shoes. They'll seem new and different to your eyes, but your feet won't notice the difference.

What Is Your Favorite Running Sneaker?

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Most of us are pretty particular about our footwear and running sneakers are no exception. Some women are pretty particular about the brand of sneaker they wear when exercising. Whether you choose because of the style, fit, comfort, activity level, or price, nothing beats a great pairs of kicks.

Since I am going to be asking about many of your favorite things, I really want to know. . .

Running: Treat Your Feet Right With Quality Sneakers

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:15:00 -0700

One of the reasons I love running is that it really requires no special gear. You just need a body and a desire to run. Then again, you might not need a racquet or clubs to go for a good jog, but I would suggest quality running shoes.

If you are taking up running, good quality running shoes can seriously make this habit stick. Old shoes, tennis shoes, cheap shoes often don't provide enough cushion to protect your feet, ankles, and knees which can lead to injuries and prevent you from learning to love running. Since shoes are really the only important gear needed for running, I wouldn't skimp on them. You don't need to pay out the nose for some newfangled shoe, but generally what you pay for is what you get. Expect to pay around $100. Which may sound like a lot, but can you really put a price on your knees? Plus, maybe the guilt of an expensive gear purchase will motivate you to run.

Look for a well cushioned shoe that fits your foot, matches your foot type and gait pattern. The best place to start this endeavor is a running store since they tend to employ people obsessed with running. Therefore they should be able to help you figure out your gait and point you toward the shoe for you. The American Council on Exercise recommends shoes with greater shock absorption for runners with high arches, which may make you more prone to ankle sprains. On the other hand (or foot I could say), if you have low arches look for a shoe with greater support and heel control. Here is a list of running shoes rated by the The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. It should help you figure out what brands could be good for your needs.

Fit's Tip: Buy a shoe that’s as wide as possible across the forefoot without slipping in the heel.

Source

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.

Source

5 Things: Choosing New Running Sneaks

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Finding the right sneaker is kind of like finding a good boyfriend. Running shoes should be comfortable, practical, and not too flashy. Here are some tips on finding the right shoe for you.

Figure out what type of foot you have (narrow, wide, low arches, no arches, etc.) and choose a sneaker to fit your foot. Don't look at color, brand, style, or price to gauge quality or superiority. You should base your decision on how they feel (chances are you'll find a few to choose from, not just the $175 pair). Also remember not to skimp on new sneakers either. There's a reason crappy sneakers are so cheap.
Think about where you'll be running and check out the material the shoe is made with. Many shoes are made with this airy mesh material so your feet don't overheat, but if you are going to be running near water, you'll want a waterproof sneak instead. Also, you may like the look of trail runners, but if you are strictly a pavement girl, you'll need a shoe that offers more cushion and support, and not such a rubbery sole.
Wear your old running shoes to the store. You'll probably be buying them at an athletic shop that's staffed with fellow runners, so have them look at your old kicks so they can gain some insight into what type of shoe may suit you best. Also wear the socks you'll be running in when trying on new sneakers.

Want to hear the rest? Then read more

Pick out shoes at the end of the day. Your feet are slightly larger then, since we spend so much time on our feet. If you pick out shoes at the end of the day, you'll ensure a more comfortable fit. It's better that they feel slightly loose than way too tight.
Break them in. Just because your new sneakers feel great in the store after wearing them for 5 minutes, doesn't mean they'll feel great after a 5 mile run. If the store has a treadmill or track you can run on, take them up on their offer. If they still feel good after a test run, buy them, and go on some shorter runs before zooming right into a 10k race.

Source

Get in Gear: Axiom 2 Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 03:00:00 -0800

To some people, a sneaker is a sneaker. When you put in as much time at the gym and on the sidewalks as I do, a sneaker is so much more.

I am loving the new Axiom 2 shoe ($90.00) from Brooks Running because it is a lightweight yet ultra supportive trainer that works with people who may (or do) have pronation tendencies. Its Diagonal Rollbar -- a wedge-shaped piece of high density foam that is positioned on the medial (arch) side of the midsole to reduce the rate and speed of pronation -- makes the shoe flexible enough to allow for natural movement while still being supportive. More basically, these shoes are great for anyone training, whether it is on the treadmill or on the pavement. Get yourself a pair directly from BrooksRunning.com.