Choosing the Right Sneakers!

ASHWINI AHUJA

Generally, we are attracted by the colour, style and texture of the shoes when we go buying it. Voguish types are our foremost preference ignoring the health point. We hardly think if it might keep our feet safe & relaxed, not getting injured during running or brisk walking? Sometimes, we wish to buy chic, latest brands in an enormously cheaper price without considering the quality of material which is used in making the products. Here are some points you should keep in mind while buying sneakers for the brisk walking or running in the ground.

Match the Type with Foot Shape

Characteristically, sneakers are of three types- straight, semi curved & curved. One can determine the type with foot shape by looking at the bottom of the shoes and verify the degree of pronation. If you have flat feet or low arch, straight type of shoe may be quite right choice for you. If you have medium-height arch, semi curved shoes are satisfactory for you but if you have high arch, you can ideally opt for a curved shoe.

Without determining the shape of the foot, one can undoubtedly invite blisters, calluses and injuries. Even straight shape of the shoe can also affect the toe very much if it is unfit to wear. Nitin Kataria of "Liberty Shoes" says that most good shoe companies ready the sizes of shoes on the basis of wet test or sand test experiments so as to make the grip of the shoe strong. Cheaper types seemed to be quite fit at first but actually, after a day or two, their grip begins to weaken and customers feel uncomfortable while wearing such shoes. Their feet begin to slip afar.

Buy Two Pairs of Sneakers

Shoe connoisseurs say that one should buy at least two pairs of shoes. If not possible, they should replace them after six or less months. Sneakers are generally used for exercises and brisk walking which can cause a lot of wear and tear in the shoes loosening its strong grip. Sanjeev Marshal of "Power House" says that one should buy at least two pairs of sneakers and use them the alternate day. In summer season, one must wash the sneakers after a week to protect oneself from the itching on the feet, Sanjeev concludes.

Follow the Expert's points

Expert says that

One should buy the sneakers in the late afternoon or in the evening when the feet are swollen at their largest end after the day workout.
If you are used to wearing socks with the shoes, wear it at the time of buying the sneakers.
Try to bring old shoes with you when you are shopping for new ones. Your old sneakers will give the ideas of degree of pronation of your feet to the shopkeepers and they will be able to check the number of your wearing shoes.
Avoid buying the latest fad shoes. They may be experimental fashion shoes. Maybe they remain unfit while you run or walk briskly.
Generally, both feet are not the same. Left foot is often slightly larger than the right one. You should buy the actual size which is quite fit in the larger foot.
Ensure the enough space for the toe by pressing the thump into the shoe just above the longest toe. Remember, your thumb should fit between the end of the toe and the top of the sneakers also. According to experts' view, there must be a half inch of space between the front of the shoe and the largest toe.

Some More Important Points

Neither your shoe should be tight nor does it slide around. It must be fit snugly without slipping up or down while you walk or tread briskly.
Your sneakers should not be irritating a bit. Also, it should never press any area of your foot tightly.
Some shoe shops have a treadmill; others let the customers bounce up and down. Be ensured the sneakers are comfortable for you before buying them after some walking or jumping.
Always make sure your socks apart from the sneakers must also be smooth and well fitted to prevent blistering.
Buy the sneakers from a quality shop or specialty store if you are not aware of the model of type you need. Specialty stores can provide you the correct type of sneakers based on your foot type and your stride pattern.
Most importantly, if you are taking part in athletics and buying sneaker for the event especially, never wear new sneakers when you are just going for the race.

Measure Your Shoe Size in Standing-Up Position

Nitin Kataria of "Liberty Shoes" says that before buying the shoes you must feel the sneakers which you have bought are in action; then you are the successful buyer so it is very important for the buyers of sneakers to measure the shoe size in standing up position. Never measure the size of your shoes by relaxing on the chair or the desk.

Remember, feet are flattened out a bit when they are under the weight of the body. They become slightly bigger while one stands up. Walk some steps after wearing the shoes to check its hold. For moments, also slightly bend your knees to ascertain the comfort of the shoes.

Ensure yourself for which purpose you are buying the shoes or sneakers. You are buying shoes for just strolling or for only office duty, if, they are for office duty, your choice should be different. Always remember your running shoe size should be more up to a size than what you think your office shoe size should be.

Precaution Regarding Laces

Sneakers are generally laces shoes; so you must be alert while going for exercise or brisk walking. Never ties the laces tightly. It may cause damage to the nerves on the top your feet. In good quality sneakers, stiffer foam on the upper part or in the tongue of the sneakers is used. Never forget to buy good quality shoes which will be helpful in protecting your nerves in the foot.

Seek Help from Shopkeeper

If you are not sure regarding the model or type which fits you best, you can seek the help of shopkeepers. Most shopkeepers are not just salespersons, they are experts as well. Maybe shopkeepers ask you several questions specifically, how long you run/walk briskly everyday, how much do you weigh or he can also ask you regarding your foot problem if any. Tell him everything correctly and honestly; he will definitely help you in finding a right model of shoes/sneakers for you.

Different Sneakers for Different Type Feet

Experts suggest particular types/model of shoes for different type of feet. For flat feet or over pronate, they suggest motion control running sneakers as such types are supportive in controlling to prevent the feet from rolling in too far and its straight shape give the wearer maximum support to their feet. They are also known as control-oriented running sneakers also. For high arched feet or under pronate, one can opt for cushioned running sneakers. These types let the feet roll inward. It curved shape encourages the foot in motion. Its soft mid sole helps us in comforting the beneath side of the feet. Stability running shoes are helpful for those who have normal aches. Such types of sneakers offer a good blend of cushioning and durability. Generally, such sneakers are of semi curved shapes. They don't control the foot motion as rigorously as motion control sneakers.

How to Care About Your Sneakers

Good quality sneakers are much expensive. If we remain slapdash regarding their care they will lose its strength. Follow the tips how to care about your expensive sneakers.

If your sneakers become dirty, wash them with hands using sponge or cotton swab. Machine wash is harmful for them. Commercial shoe products also can be used for washing them.
If your sneakers have become wet, attach wrapped newspapers inside them to quicken up the drying time.
If you have bought the sneakers only for running or walking briskly, use them only for these purposes. They will last long and don't smell due to regular use.

Ashwini Ahuja is a columnist to several publications. For more details, visit www.ashwiniahuja.com