The sneaker industry continues to rise in sales. Market Watch reports that in 2020, it had a value of over $84 million and is expected to climb to $128 million by 2027. This is a CAGR of 7.2%, showing just how big the industry is.
Part of the market share comes from sales of athletic shoes. As the COVID pandemic still goes on, many people are putting a big emphasis on exercise as a means of staying healthy. Choosing the right shoes to use when getting physically active is important because it can affect many things like performance and comfort. If you want to know how how to choose the right shoes for you, here are some of the things you should do:
Find the right design for your foot
With the many kinds of sneakers available right now, different innovations have been made to suit the wide array of users. This includes the style and fit that the shoes come in. There are designs that are fitting for the foot and there are much wider ones that give more space.
If you want a shoe that feels like it isn’t there or is an extension of your foot, you can try the Nike Free RN Flyknit. Its design is reminiscent of a sock and you’ll probably forget you’re even wearing them. They’re also lightweight and easy to move in which makes them a great athletic shoe. But because of their form-fitting nature, they may not be ideal for those with wider feet as they may feel restrictive. The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 may be a better option because it is roomy and comfortable. Finding a style that suits you is important because it can affect how well you work with the shoe.
Choose something specific to the activity
Another thing you can try is choosing a shoe that is specific to the kind of sport you will be doing. Different sports call for different features from their footwear. For example, a sneaker made for running will have a lot of padding to absorb the impact of the user. Tennis shoes on the other hand are flat and have a rubber sole that can easily grip onto the court.
If you like to play basketball, it might be ideal to get sneakers that are made for the game. Adidas Hoops’ Dame 8 line of shoes are a great option as the shoes have an underfoot design built to soften landings and great ankle support to help prevent injuries. The rubber soles also make for easier pivoting. If you play soccer, choose a sneaker that has cleats as they make it easier to run across the field and prevent slipping. The Puma Ultra 1.2 is lightweight and is comfortable for feet of all sizes. A sport-centric shoe will give you better performance if you are playing a specific game.
Try them on before buying them
This is a golden rule for people when they are buying a pair of footwear. If you are able to go to a physical store, it is important to try them on and walk around first before deciding if it is the right fit for you. Despite being in your size, the width of it may be too thin. A sneaker you want can also not offer the amount of cushioning you are looking for, which you will only realize once you’ve tried on the pair.
Remember that it is important for them to fit correctly. Massachusetts podiatrist Terence Vanderheiden notes that there should be half an inch between the end of your longest toe to the front of the shoe and an eighth of an inch between your heel and the back. This will allow for some allowance without it being too big. A shoe too small will cause discomfort while one too large can be dangerous. Keep this in mind when picking the athletic footwear that is right for you.
Athletic shoes are made to make physical activity comfortable and safe. Choosing ones that are perfect for you is important so you can feel the benefits they offer.
For more tips and information on health and fitness, be sure to check Leah’s Fitness.
