FitSugar

Tips on Breaking in New Sneakers

FitSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 -0700

If you run by the motto "new season, new sneakers," you're probably looking to purchase some new kicks. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you break in your new running shoes.

Buy a new pair before your old pair needs to retire. That way if you start to feel pain or a blister coming on, you can switch back to the pair you know and love. Continue alternating between your old and new sneakers until you gradually make the switch over to your new ones.
Before exercising in them, wear your new sneaks around the house or to do errands. It will give them a chance to stretch out and mold to your feet.

Find out other helpful tips after you read more.

Start off with low impact activities before jumping into high impact activities. If running in them is your goal, walk in them for a while and then start running short distances. Gradually work your way up to longer runs.
Break in your new sneaks on the terrain you normally work out on. That means if you only run on a treadmill, break them in on a treadmill.
Always wear the same kind of socks you'll be exercising in while breaking them in.
Be patient and keep in mind that it may take a month of workouts to get your sneakers to shape to your feet.

Gear Review: Zoom Sister One+ by Nike

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Earlier this Fall, I was invited to attend a Women's Media Summit at Nike HQ to learn about their new training shoe for women, the Zoom Sister One+ ($110). After treating all the attendees to a killer workout designed to show off the flexible features of the Sister One (I was sore for days), they sent me home with a pair of shoes to experiment with on my own. I've been wearing them for a few months now for my strength training sessions and when I use the elliptical. I feel I have thoroughly tested this shoe, and I can tell you it is pretty great.

Not only is the Zoom Sister One+ cute, but it so lightweight and flexible that I feel like dancing around after lacing them up. I am no longer plodding through my lunges, but dancing a duet with my dumbbells. The shoes make me feel nimble and ready for action. These shoes are a hybrid of the Nike Free barefoot running technology and the ultra lightweight Nike Flywire that debuted at the Olympics this Summer. The end result is your feet can truly sense the ground. And like we teach in Pilates and yoga, your feet making contact with the floor starts the muscular chain of command, so the chances of the correct muscle pattern happening are considerably higher. This means more effective and efficient training. When you do squats in the Sister One+ you don't have to think about pressing through your heels because in these shoes your weight is already there. The shoe moves in all three planes of motion, so if you are twisting and lunging the shoe moves with you instead of breaking the motion. They feel great for kickboxing when you pivot while throwing a punch with your entire body.

To see what activity the Zoom Sister One+ is not designed for, read more.

The Sister One+ is not meant for running, and running shoes aren't really meant for training either. I do like to wear my Sister Ones on the elliptical so I can feel my feet working. I also like wearing them for plyometric jumping exercises since I can feel my muscles working to keep the impact of landing out of my feet and joints. To see how truly flexible this shoe is check out this video:

Be sure to wear these shoes with a sock that is cut high over your Achilles tendon. I wore mine with basic anklets and ended up with a nasty blister. I think it is super cool that these shoes are Nike+iPod compatible too. The shoes come in a variety of colors. Although, my combo reminds me of my first pair of Nikes way back when. Check out this clip to see all the colors.

This shoe will be available the day after Christmas. You can use any leftover Christmas money to get yourself a pair to start the New Year off on the right foot.

When It Comes to Sneakers, Are You Loyal to One Brand?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I used to be a New Balance girl, but recently I tried shoes by Saucony and Nike and loved them too. I've come to realize that there are a ton of great brands out there, and I shouldn't limit myself to what one company has to offer. The best fit is what's most important to me. How about you?

Get in Gear: Nike Zoom Victory+

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

It seems that everyone has Olympic fever these days, and I am loving it because people are motivated to get moving more than ever.

What better motivation than a brand new pair of Olympic-inspired sneakers? This Nike Zoom Victory+ ($103) shoe is inspired by the 2008 Olympic track running spike, but it's made for running on any surface. It treats your feet to a hefty amount of cushioning while still being lightweight. The shoes make achieving your goal, be it a gold medal or a 5K, that much more attainable.

Want them for free? Well, I am giving away two $150 gift cards to Road Runner Sports (where these kicks are sold). Entering to win one is super easy, just take the Olympic-themed quiz and voila, you're in. Good luck and happy running!

Sneakers, Feet, and Fitness

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0700

When you work out, I'm sure you're on your feet most of the time whether you're running, walking, hiking, biking, or using a machine. Without your sneaks, your feet wouldn't be able to work your body as hard as they do, so take this quiz to see if you know about these important tips.

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Take the quiz

Favorite Sneakers

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800

Choosing a sneaker you run or exercise in is a big decision. If you find a brand that you like, and it fits well and prevents foot pain, it's a good idea to stick with it. On the other hand, if your sneakers are causing blisters or any other painful condition, you may want to think about switching to a different brand.

There are so many kinds of sneakers out there. It looks like Fitsugar readers love Asics sneakers as their number one brand, with New Balance in second place. I thought more people would have voted for Brooks, but I guess it's totally personal preference, and when you find what you like, there's really no reason to buy anything else.

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 Tip: How to Tie Your Shoes

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0800

How annoying is it to get going on a run, and you look down to see that your shoelace has spontaneously untied itself? You can't just ignore the flapping laces or else you might trip and really hurt yourself.

I learned this great sneaker tying trick from a fellow runner, and while to may seem a bit silly to review a skill most of us learned in Kindergarten, this technique was new to me. Now I never have to worry about my laces.

This method works much better than doing a regular double knot because when it's time to take your sneaker off, you just have to pull firmly on one of the ends. With your shoes firmly tied, now you can concentrate on your run.

Music: "Swing" by Ani Difranco

If the Shoe Fits, Make Sure it Fits The Sport

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Shopping for sneakers is never an easy situation. There are tons of shoes available (in all shapes and forms) and sneakers are one pair of shoes that you should not pick based on looks. Just because the shoe fits properly, does not always mean it's going to meet your needs. Function and purpose are what you're looking for in your next pair of sneakers.

Since the high schoolers working at the sports store at the mall don't always seem to know a running shoe from a tennis shoe, here are a few tips from The American Podiatric Medical Association on picking the right shoe:

Basketball-Whether you’re making the perfect pass or finishing off the high-flying dunk, basketball shoes have several features that will help prevent injury.
- A thick, stiff sole gives support while running and landing from jumps.
- High ankle construction supports the ankle during quick changes in direction. A basketball shoe should have the strongest support on either side of the ankle.
Racquetball/Tennis-On the surface, court shoes for tennis and racquetball may look like any other athletic sneaker, but it’s what’s on the inside that makes the difference.
- A court shoe supports both sides of the foot because of all the quick lateral movements and weight shifts in court sports.
- It provides a flexible sole for fast changes of direction.
- It has less shock absorption than a running or basketball shoe.

Need tips on picking running shoes, then read more

Running-The running shoe is perhaps the most personal and intricate of all athletic shoes. Every runner has different needs and there are a multitude of choices out there.
- A running shoe must provide maximum shock absorption to help runners avoid ailments such as shin splints and knee pain.
- The shoe should control the way your heel strikes the ground, so the rest of your foot can fall correctly.
- Know your foot type (high, medium, low arch) so you can get the shoe with the right support for your foot.

There are millions of specialized shoes out there and right now I am loving the Asics Gel-Treadmill sneakers because I have been spending a lot of time on the belt lately.

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Get in Gear: Asics GEL-Treadmill Shoe

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 02:30:00 -0700

The shoes you wear can really make or break your workout. To help prevent aches and pains, it is important that you wear the correct shoes for the activity you're going to be doing. So what if your exercise of choice is running on the treadmill?

The Asics GEL-Treadmill sneaker ($100.00) is designed specifically with treadmill running in mind. The shoe is made to enhance your treadmill training experience as the sole vents increase air circulation and the ASICS I.G.S. encourages a natural gait on the treadmill. In other words, it is supposed to help improve that zig-zag, unsteady feeling we sometimes get while running on the treadmill in our efforts to stay in the center of the running belt. Pretty cool eh? Buy a pair directly from AsicsAmerica.com.