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Planning on some physical
activity this summer, but not sure what shoes
you should wear? Here's a lesson with one 'sole'
purpose in mind!
Shoes Don't Fail Me
Now!
By Feona Sharhran Huff
June 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Now that
you've written your last English paper, finished
that mind-boggling final exam, and closed your
textbooks for the year, you can kiss academics
goodbye (for the next two and a half months, that
is). It's time to focus your energy on physical
activities. When it comes to participating in
such body intense activities like aerobics and
sports, however, you've got to be careful what
type of shoes you wear.
Since there's so much
physical stuff you can do this summer, we've got
the activity-to-footwear facts you'll need to
get a running start.
Aerobics/fitness:
Planning to hit the treadmill or join an aerobics
class? Your best bet is to get outfitted in running
shoes or cross-trainers. Such shoes tend to consist
of leather or synthetic, cushioned rubber soles,
perfect for protecting your tootsies from the
cold, hard floor.
Walking: Strolling
may not always seem as strenuous an activity as
basketball or hiking, but you'll still want to
wear a shoe that offers cushion and comfort. There
are even specific types of walking shoes. Motion
shoes prevent you from bending your ankles while
walking; race walking shoes are for speed walking;
and stability shoes simply provide good support.
Baseball: Since
this sport requires a lot of sprinting (you gotta'
be quick to get to the next base), your feet will
demand a shoe with excellent traction. Sorry,
but your favorite pair of Converse All-Stars won't
work. Get a pair of molded cleats instead. They're
perfect for play on grassy or muddy ground.
Basketball: Can
you imagine running up and down the court in Skechers?
Not a chance! That's why you should only wear
basketball shoes. After all, how can you expect
to dunk on the competition and land on your feet
if you don't have proper ankle support?! When
playing hoops, you want a shoe that is as much
about form as it is about function.
Hiking: Thinking
of climbing Mount Everest (or rather, hiking across
a bunch of campuses on tours)? You'll need a shoe
with supa dupa ankle support and traction. A hiking
shoe is the only one that has sturdy enough construction
to protect you from scrapes and twists on uneven
surfaces (and to handle the load of stuff in your
backpack).
There you go... when you
walk through the doors of your local sneaker store,
you won't waste your time or the shoe salesperson's.
That's because you'll know exactly which shoe
to purchase.
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