Have you ever tried choosing a good pair of sneakers or felt confused to choose a right pair of sneakers well then let’s talk straight about this. There are mountains of Athletic Shoes out there, with wild new looks popping up on store shelves before your latest pair even gets dirty.
There is an overwhelming and dozens of brand names and competing technologies that crowd a footwear store shelves these days. Even sneaker salesmen are baffled and woefully unprepared lot, wholly incapable of helping customers select the right shoe for their particular activity. Many would not even know the essential difference between a running shoe and a walking shoe, never mind providing solutions for such pointed queries as - what’s the best kind of sneaker for a heavy walker with ankle problems and a flat foot – which often drew crackpot answers.
So how do you navigate a shoe store without falling prey to such ignorant sales clerks, who may persuade you to spend big bucks on sneakers that could end up murdering your feet. Now let us analyze how to choose the right kind of shoes for your feet.
DON’T BE WOOED BY THE NEW AESTHETICS
The hottest shoe style may be just the thing for a day of shopping but might not be right for fitness walking, jogging or gym activity. For serious sweat sessions, your feet will appreciate it if you stay away from these styles.
ARCHLESS OUTSOLES
Sneakers with arches that are entirely cut away may look cool, but a lack of arch support can lead to tightening of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. If you can bend the shoe easily through the arch, stay away even for casual wear.
LACELESS UPPERS
Some new fit schemes like zippers and elastic sleeves may feel great, especially if your feet are between sizes or otherwise tough to fit. But eliminating laces means you can’t cinch your sneakers up securely or loosen them when feet are tender after a long exercise session
SHOES WITH OPEN HEELS
Mules and clogs are easy-on, easy-off and that’s exactly why you don’t want to wear them for a game of backyard volleyball, let alone a more serious workout. That’s an injury waiting to happen
INSIST ON FIT
Even if you are loyal to a particular brand, it’s generally best to try on at least two others. Each manufacturer uses different “lasts, ’ the foot form or shape on which a shoe is built. And these lasts are updated constantly. So you may find that the company making the shoes you hated last year now has a model that feels even better than your tried-and –true brand. Now your old favourite might feel awful
DEMAND THE RIGHT WIDTH
Don’t simply go up or down a half-size in a medium-width shoe. Several athletic footwear manufacturers offer a variety of widths, so you shouldn’t have to suffer pinched toes or a slipping heel.
FOCUS ON KEY FIT SPOTS
Your toes should never jam against the end of the shoe, your heel shouldn’t slip in and out, there should be no pinching or binding at the widest part of foot even when your toes are fully flexed and extended and the arch support should rest comfortably under your arch, pressing neither forward nor back on the bottom of your foot
SELECTING THE RIGHT SHOES
1. Insole(sock liner). Thin foam insert that your foot rests on is surprisingly important for comfort. Some are glued in, but go for the removable ones. You can easily replace them with better ones – a good upgrade.
2. Midsole. Usually EVA(ethyl vinyl acetate) plastic foam, often with a performance booster such as air pockets, gel or other cushioning structures.
3. Outsole. Rubber or composite material on the bottom of the shoe, ideally designed to withstand abrasive wear. Match treads to the kind of use, but not so much that you’ll stick or so little you’ll slip.
4. Upper. The combination of leather, synthetic leathers, and mesh that covers and secures the foot. Choose lighter material(like mesh) if you will be sweating, stiffer if you need more support.
5. Heel counter. Usually made of a semi-rigid material, this is the cup inside the shoe that cradles your heel, which helps to stabilize the foot. Sometimes a rigid “heel-clip” is visible around the base of the heel. Make sure your heel feels snug and the cup doesn’t dig in anywhere.
6. Eyelets. The holes for laces. Look for holes placed to allow you to lace your foot in snugly. Lace the shoe all the way up when shopping and check that the laces keep you from slipping forward but don’t dig into the top of your foot.
Walking. Anytime you are going for more than a casual stroll, you should have plenty of forefoot flexibility – more than you would find in a running shoe – as your foot can flex farther in a brisk walking than in running. Also look for a fairly low, rounded heel for the smooth heel-to-toe roll. A thick-heeled shoe can cause the toes to slap down and can lead to shin soreness.
THE RIGHT SHOES AND PRICE FACTOR
I Shall list few shoes that would help your feet to relax a lot but the price is rather steep and my advice is not to buy these from India but try get it from USA as I find there are lot of replicas that are no good for your feet.
Nike Boing. the title says it all. This shoe offers shock absorption plates that cushion and promote propulsion
Fila Streak. This is lightweight hence ideal for tired feet
New Balance WW753. Provides extra cushioning and support with snug fit for serious walkers
Reebok Euphoria DMX. Is stylish with extra cushioning for comfort
Nike Air Healthwalker. It has a soft, flexible and supportive collar which helps keep feet in place
Reebok Up Swing. Offers roomier toebox and hence greater flexibility.
Reebok Medallion Dmx10. Has a dual density midsole for better arch support for overpronators
Adidas Assert 4M A lightweight shoe with nylon breathable upper and an Adiprene insert for shock absorption
Reebok Wire DMX The DMX Pak unit ensures even impact absorption
Sprandi. A moulded TPU piece minimises overpronation
Adidas TR1 A lightweight shoe that provides arch support and minimises overpronation
K-Swiss ED 8016.Shoes for endurance workouts
K-Swiss New Color Sp 214. The shock absorbing springs ease strain on the knees, heel and the forefoot.
Fila Spark.Get more cushioning and ankle support
Well now the pricing of these shoes would be around Rs 4000 to RS.9000 depending on the model. I know that most of us could not afford to buy this, that is why I suggested to get it from abroad or from your friends and relatives in abroad. I just edited this as per PRAS request and included the list of shoes with their approx.price.
Well folks I think these tips could help you in choosing the right pair of shoes.
Cheers! Be Happy!