Gulf News Article by Kelly Crane
There’s no need to sweat or fret while choosing the perfect fitness shoes. We bring you expert advice
Bette Midler once said: “Give a girl the correct footwear and she can conquer the world,” and she wasn’t wrong.
But from winkle-pickers and stilettos to six-inch platforms, the laws of fashion haven’t always been the kindest on the feet of us ladies.
And when it comes to trainers, sneakers, kicks, runners (or any other word you can come up with for running shoes) it’s also easy to be seduced by gimmicks, gadgets and go-faster stripes.
tabloid on Saturday enlisted the help of Dubai-based podiatry expert Michelle Champlin from Dubai Podiatry Centre to help us pick the right runners for the summer sweat. Read on and your feet will thank you from the bottom of their soles.
The quest: To find a perfect match for fragile feet and a chosen sport. It’s essential to buy shoes designed for a particular purpose.
Problem No 1: The expense. Specialised sports shoes can seem expensive compared to everyday footwear but the price of a good pair of trainers is a fraction of the cost of a very average physiotherapist.
“Sports-footwear design has a lot of science in to the biomechanics of the lower limb and foot,” Champlin said. “Side to side sports such as tennis require a level sole and higher ankle support with a broad base to prevent the ankle from rolling. Running shoes have a slightly elevated rear foot sole to help the ankle move more easily during running. Basketball boots are higher at the ankle to stabilise the ankle and also prevent ankle sprains. You must wear the correct sports shoe for that activity.”
Problem No 2: Compromising on fit.
“The most common problem is ill-fitting sports shoes,” Champlin said. “When your heel lifts during walking or running, your weight is transferred to the forefoot. There is a pad of fat underneath your forefoot. This rolls the foot slightly more forward in the shoe. So a shoe that feels comfy in the shop standing and walking, can suddenly become much too small when running. You should not feel the end of your shoe with your toes at any point.”
Problem No 3: Gimmicks. Skechers, Reebok EasyTone, MBT: all make trainers which claim to give your bottom 28 per cent more of a workout, and your calves and hamstrings 11 per cent more of a workout. But are they safe?
“These shoes should be worn with caution,” Champlin said. “If there is a problem with the alignment of your pelvis, hip, knee or ankle, you should definitely seek advice from a podiatrist to check that you will not make any problem worse. Even on standing, the uneven soles of each of these shoes create a constant need for adjustment and balance ” which is why you feel as though you are training on a wobble board.”
Then Champlin broke it down further¦
– MBT rocks your foot and ankle on a firm curved sole that really works your upper leg muscles.
– The Skechers look similar but have a much softer sole, so you sink into it when you walk, making you feel as if you are walking uphill. This really works your ankle and calf muscles.
– The Reebok EasyTone has two rounded areas on its sole, one at the rear of the foot and one under the forefoot. Again, this is to create an irregular walking surface to make your muscles work harder.
Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7: Mizuno unveils the completely updated Wave Nirvana for premium stability. These are great for runners who tend to roll their feet either out or in when running. From Dh500.
Expert tip
Champlin gave us an exclusive tip: wear toe socks, which separate each toe individually. “There is more toe freedom,” she said. “No irritation from the sock bunching, no toes getting squished together or sweaty. We order them in from Japan, where they are a normal part of life.”
Calling time
How do you know when trainers are at the end of their life? The midsole ” the important bit with the shock-absorbing material ” gets worn every time the shoes are. Running shoes need replacing every 500 miles (804 kilometres) ” which, for a 20-mile-a-week (32-kilometre-a-week) athlete, means twice a year.
The EasyTone Reenew: It features Moving Air Technology, built-in balance pods ” which transfer air in response to your stride ” and create micro-instability with every step. They are perfect for walking and everyday activities. Sorry gents ” these beauties are designed specifically with women in mind. Dh395.
Saucony ProGrid Triumph 8 W: Provides the most plush ride ever. It’s responsive with the ultimate transition from heel strike to toe off. From Dh525.
Asics Gel Cumulus 12: For men and women, this is Asics’ bestselling cushioning shoe. It continues to deliver in 2011 and is a solid choice for neutral runners or those who turn the foot inwards when training. From Dh595.
Asics Gel Kayano 17: This premium stability shoe gets an update this year, resulting in a slightly lighter shoe and improved cushioning because of a new sock-liner and better response. New colours are also available with the big news being an all-black option. From Dh675.
New Balance 1226: New Balance updates the 122x series with the new MR/WR1226. This high-mileage trainer is best for heavier runners (soft-heel cushioning) who require moderate stability. The light, breathable mesh on the upper is its best yet. From Dh495.
Adidas Climacool CC Ride: Plugged as “the coolest run” these shoes have just been launched in the UAE and can help runners in the region improve performance during the gruelling summer. There’s 360-degree ventilation and the shoes are available in vibrant colours (including bright pink). Trademark ClimaCool claims to reduce in-shoe moisture by 20 per cent and foot temperature by 12 per cent. The CC Ride is available at all adidas stores. From Dh495.
Saucony Progrid 8 Kinvara: The Kinvara is the most talked-about running shoe at the moment. With “less is more” in mind, Saucony launched this lightweight trainer as a lean, clean and essential everyday trainer for the neutral running crowd. From Dh595.
Reebok Easytone: Stability balls under the heels and forefoot create natural instability to force muscles to adapt and encourage toning. The idea is, the shoes make you feel as if you’re walking on a soft, sandy beach, providing up to 28 per cent more gluteus maximus (butt) muscle activation, and 11 per cent more calf and hamstring activation. That means you’re working harder without any more effort.Dh395.
