Athletic Shoes
Wolves Kick Off Athletic Shoe Drive
The Chicago Wolves and the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) have teamed up to host the first Wolves Athletic Shoe Drive, presented by Flood Brothers Disposal and Recycling Services, during home games on Wed., Feb. 17; Sat., Feb. 20; and Sun., Feb. 21.
Getting fit means getting moving. But before you hit the gym, the road, or even the trail, make sure you get the right shoes.
By choosing the right shoe for the activity, you are giving your feet the proper support to do the job. You are also more likely to avoid problems like sore feet or knees or a sprained ankle.
Running shoes are made with plenty of cushioning in the heel area. That's because for most runners, the heel is the first point of impact with the ground. This extra cushioning takes the pressure off the heels. And there is lot of pressure because when you run, you are applying at least two times your body weight onto your feet.
With running shoes, the heel end should be higher off the ground as compared to other fitness shoes because of the extra cushioning.
Running shoes are made for forward moving, rather than side to side, so the upper part will be quite flexible to allow the foot to roll smoothly from heel to toe.
Don't use running shoes for activities involving side to side action like aerobics or court sports. You're inviting an injury like a sprained ankle.
Walking shoes are similar to running shoes in their basic construction and support. They will have less cushioning in the heel because there is less impact when walking. The top part of a walking shoe is often made with more leather and less mesh to keep your feet more stable.
Walking shoes often have a slight curve on the outer sole allowing you to roll off your toes when walking. Since walking shoes are less cushioned and heavier than running shoes, avoid using them for running.
Cross trainers got their name because they can be used across a wide range of activities. They are an all purpose shoe perfect for court activities or aerobics.
They tend to be stiffer generally with a lot less flexibility in the upper part of the shoe and they sit lower to the ground. This protects you when moving side to side.
If you plan to use them on a treadmill or for step classes find a model with more cushioning in the toe area.
Stick to hiking boots when using a trail or walking on uneven ground. They have a stiffer sole and the upper part of the boot is designed for stability. The higher cuff around the ankle area and the reinforced area across the front of the boot protects you from rolling your foot or ankle. Treads give you lots of traction on rough terrain even when it's wet.
Having the right shoe will ensure that your fitness doesn't get derailed by injury.
Another great way to keep your fitness on track and get the most out of your workout, no matter what you are doing, is to use a heart monitor watch. Choose from a wide variety like a wrist heart rate monitor or heart rate monitors for women.
Athletic Shoes
