Shopping For Athletic Shoes

By: Jason Petrina



If you're into athletics or you are thinking of taking up some type of athletic sport then you'll need athletic shoes. Learn to find the right kind of athletic shoes can make a great difference in your actual performance and prevent potential injuries as well.

When shopping for athletic shoes, it's always best to do so after your workout. This is when your feet will be the largest due to swelling. Buying shoes any other time of day may cause you to purchase shoes that will actually be too small during your workout.

If you wear a specific type of sock for whatever sport you play, you should make a point to wear that same type of sock when you go athletic shoe shopping to ensure that your shoes will fit the same way. So, don't wear dress socks to go athletic shoe shopping.

While you are trying on shoes, be aware that a proper fit means you should be able to wiggle all of your toes with no problems at all. If you can't do that then the shoes are too tight and you need to go up a size.

Remember that when it comes to athletic shoes a break in period does not exist. As soon as you slip on the shoes they should be comfortable. Don't delude yourself.

Ideally, your shoes should not slip at all as you walk or run. There should be a firm grip to your heel without causing pain or pinching.

You should also know that there are definitely specific types of shoes for specific types of sports. Admittedly there are a lot of different types of shoes on the market, so it's important to make the right selection, especially if you play a particular sport frequently. Most athletic shoes have very solid differences in weight, material and design according to the sport for which they are intended.

There are typically several different types of athletic shoes. These are training, running, walking, hiking, jogging, exercise walking and court shoes as well as field shoes, outdoor sports and specialty sports shoes

When you're looking for running, training, walking or hiking shoes you should look for a shoe that has a soft comfortable upper along with good shock absorption. There should be a smooth treat and the sole should have a rocker design that allows the foot to roll in a natural motion during movement. In addition the shoe should be light and have good traction.

For court shoes, look for a shoe that has a sole suited for the sport you participate in, such as tennis or basketball. Never try to interchange court shoes because they are generally manufactured and designed for a specific type of court sport.

Field sports, such as baseball, football and soccer, also have their own design of shoes such as spiked, cleat or studded. Once again, make sure you purchase the right kind of shoe for your sport.

Track and field sport shoes are some of the most varied and include models based on different types of gait, foot types and training styles.

If you're planning to participate in outdoor sports, you'll typically need to look for a shoe that is weather-proof and durable. Depending on your needs, you may also want to choose one that has good traction.



Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com