FitSugar

Things to Think About When Buying Athletic Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:30:00 -0700

So you need to buy a new pair of sneakers for running, or maybe for soccer. Regardless of what activity you need the shoes for, here are some things to think about for choosing the best pair of sneakers:

Wear the appropriate shoes for the appropriate activity. If you're going to be running, it's not in your best interests to wear tennis sneakers. Even if the tennis shoe is cuter.
Get your foot measured. Our shoe sizes change over time, so make sure to have your foot measured from time to time.
Due to normal swelling in your feet throughout the day, shop for your shoes in the afternoon.
Leave the idea that you need to break a shoe in at home. If your athletic shoe does not feel comfortable in the store, don't buy it.
Shop around. There are lots of shoes to choose from and the first one you try may not always be the best even if it feels OK.
Take your own socks, the ones that you would wear with those shoes on your own.
Unfortunately, when it comes to athletic shoes you pay for what you get. So don't be afraid to pay a little extra for a nice pair of shoes.

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6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying Hiking Boots

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:34 -0800

If you choose your hiking boots carefully, you can wear the same pair for years. But tracking down the perfect pair is easier said than done. I recently purchased a new pair of hikers, and they seem promising; I'll know after I break them in!

If you're gearing up for some cold-weather hikes, don't forget to bring these questions along when you head into the store.

Will you be hiking on wet ground? If so, it's worth investing in a pair of waterproof boots; they are more expensive but essential for preventing moisture-based blisters.
Do you need a heavy or light shoe? The heavier the boot, the tougher your hiking will be. For day hikes, a lighter boot is best, but if you're scaling inclines and/or carrying a heavy pack, you need the extra support of a heavier shoe.
Do you need ankle support? If you are going to be hiking on steep inclines or uneven terrain, get a boot that covers the ankles, rather than a low shoe such as an approach shoe. This will help prevent injury.

Three more tips, so keep reading.

Hill-acious Running Tip

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:27:35 -0800

I can tout the benefits of running hills until I am blue in the face, but it won't make running those ascents any easier. One thing that does, though, is focusing on your arms. As you're trudging up a hill, don't focus on your feet, but on the steady rhythm of your arms. Your feet will follow the pace set by your arms. I learned this little trick from the shoe expert at my local running store - yet another reason to shop for shoes with the experts.

Have any tips about running hills you're burning to share? Join RunningSugar, where the conversation is all about running.

Gear Review: Erin Ballerina Flats by Keen

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:00:00 -0700

I find walking is a good form of exercise as well as a great way to get from point A to point B. Wearing comfy shoes is a simple way to ensure that you incorporate walking into your everyday activities. I have been on the hunt for shoes that are great for walking and are cute too. I found these Erin Ballet Flats ($90) by Keen and have been wearing them about town, running errands, and chasing my girls at the park.

More fashionable than sneakers and just a little less comfy than running shoes, these flats were made for walking. The soles are made from eco-friendly materials; the inner sole contains renewable cork for cushioning, and the lightweight polyurethane outsoles are made with no environmentally harmful adhesives.

The lining is made of wicking materials in case your feet get a little sweaty when you're on the go. You can pull insoles out of these Keens quite easily and slip in your own customized orthotics if your feet need personalized support. The mesh detail on the upper part of the shoes allows the foot to breathe and creates room for bunions, a bony bulge by the base of the big toe that can make shoe shopping a bear.

If you're looking for a casual, walkable, sustainable shoe, you can buy the Erin Ballerina flat directly from Keen. The manufacturer feels that this shoe runs true to size and I found that it ran a little big, so order wisely.

Shop It To Me Running

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:05:00 -0800

A good pair of running shoes can be hard to find, a good pair of running shoes on sale is nearly impossible to find. Until now...

Shop It To Me Running is a free shoe sale alert for runners. All you have to do is sign up and pick out your favorite sneaker models, brands and sizes and they'll notify you when items matching your favorites go on sale in your size. It's like your own online personal shopper who watches for sales! Very cool.

Check out the site at Shopittome.com and get your alerts ready.

Reasons to Try Mountain Biking

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:47:34 -0700

Road biking was my first taste of exercising on wheels. I loved the smooth terrain, how fast I could speed along, and how much distance I could cover, which made for great sightseeing. I never gave much thought to trying mountain biking, until my hubby persuaded me to go with him. I tell you, it's a completely different feeling riding on a woodsy trail than it is riding on the road. Here are some reasons you should give it a try.

It's the perfect time of year - the air is chilly so you won't overheat, there are no bugs, the ground is less muddy, and the foliage is gorgeous. It's a great way to celebrate Fall.
It's a major calorie burner. An hour of mountain biking burns over 500 calories.
You can forget about doing endless squats and lunges because mountain biking will effectively tone your thighs and booty. Since you have to pedal hard up steep hills, you really feel the burn in your lower body.
Once you purchase a mountain bike, cycling shoes, and a helmet, the trails are usually free, so it's a great way to stay fit during a time when we're all pinching pennies. Visit a bike shop and purchase an old model that stores are trying to get rid of, or check out Craigslist if you're on a budget.

To see why else you should start mountain biking read more.

It's a great alternative for people who say that running hurts their knees or back.
Since you're biking through narrow trails, over roots and rocks, dodging tree limbs and holes, you really tune your sense of balance. It also requires more awareness and quick thinking, so boredom just isn't an issue.
It's a great form of exercise you can do with a friend or whole group. Not only is there safety in numbers, but your pals can suggest new places to ride.
It's hardcore. I feel so tough after a ride in the woods because mountain biking is so challenging. I come home with scratches from branches, bruises from falling (since I'm a beginner), and mud on my legs. Aside from strengthening my body, my inner self feels stronger.

Tell me, have you ever tried mountain biking?

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.

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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Gear Review: Revenant Running Shoe by Under Armour

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Known for its sturdy workout wear, Under Armour is adding shoes to its repertoire. I just took the stability sneaker, UA Revenant ($120), out for a couple of test runs, and I mean that literally. After wearing them around the house for some light cleaning, I wore them for a long jog on the road. They felt great. Supportive and well cushioned, the Revenant is designed to prevent overpronation, rolling too far to the inside of the foot, something I am prone to doing. I felt as if I could feel the shoes steering me toward the outside of the foot and I appreciated the help.

I also tested them on the treadmill and again they felt great. They fit really well, felt cushioned in all the right places, and my feet didn't overheat as they sometimes can when running indoors. Never having worn sneakers with pink on them, I will admit I like the feminine hot pink accents. The mesh fabric is gray, or as Under Armour refers to it, "smoked pearl," so the shoes are not glaring white.

You can purchase these running shoes directly from Under Armour. They run true to size. Or if you want to try them on, which I recommend when shopping for a new running shoe, check out the store locator.

You Asked: New to Biking - What Do I Need to Know?

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:30:00 -0800

Dear Fit,
Due to a chronic ankle injury, I have been forced to give up running. So I am looking to start cycling, which I have never really done for fitness. I am just looking for a few pointers and/or things you think I should know, and just basically looking for some inspiration. Thanks!
- Cycling Newbie

Sorry to hear about the ankle, that is a bummer, but great that you're looking to biking for exercise. While both forms of exercise work your legs, biking tends to build the quads while running works the hamstrings more. Biking is not considered weight-bearing the way running is, so you should add walking or weight lifting to your fitness routine to make sure your bones are getting stimulated so they stay strong and dense. While nothing makes me feel more free than riding my bike, it can be a gear-heavy sport. To see what I mean, read more.

First of all, you need a bike, and good road bikes can cost a pretty penny. If you live in a major metropolitan area, chances are quite high you can find yourself a great used bike. With the economy the way it is, folks are selling off gear they don't use regularly. Before you start shopping, you should go to a bike store and get sized so you know what size bike you're looking for. A pair of padded shorts will make your ride more comfy. Add to those shorts a set of clipless pedals and cleats (shoes that attach to pedals), which make you much more efficient at pedaling and work all the muscles in your legs more evenly. It is one sport where I have found that good and appropriate gear really make a difference in my enjoyment. I hope I don't even need to say this, but always wear a helmet, and if you're biking at night wear lights. Be conspicuous on the road!

Find a cycling club (here is a directory of clubs) in your area; riding is so much fun in a group and you can learn so much from experienced riders. A great way to meet other cyclists is spinning class. Many serious riders move their workouts indoors for Winter, plus these classes will help you get comfy in the saddle as well as provide a place to work on maximizing your pedal stroke.

I could go on and on, and now I really want to hop on my bike. If you have any tips for a cycling newbie, leave them in the comments section below.

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