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Shoe Fitting Guide

Shoes for Different Sports

There are a number of different styles of footwear varying in style, price and design.

Running Shoes

Running shoes are designed for one movement of the foot, the running action. A good running shoe should have some or all of the following characteristics:

Reasonably lightweight

Good cushioning in the heel, which is the main point of impact. Some models will also have cushioning in the forefoot

Mesh/nylon uppers to make the shoes lighter and more breathable

Stability at the heel and through the rearfoot and flexibility in the forefoot.

A dual density midsole to assist in the correction of supination or overpronation.

Carbon rubber outsole.

This increases the durability of the sole, but also means that the sole will be marking and should not be used on surfaces suck as tennis courts.

Basketball Shoes

Basketball is a multi-directional sport involving not only running and jumping but also a great deal of sideward movement. This is a very strenuous sport on the foot and the right type of shoe is critical. The most important feature of the basketball shoe is its ability to support the foot. Good basketball shoes will have:

A firm heel counter combined with a rigid midsole

A mid or high cut at the ankle &a wide base for additional side support

Synthetic or leather uppers, which are both breathable and durable

Although often black in colour, basketball shoes do not have carbon added to their outer soles and will be non-marking.

Cross Training Shoes

Cross trainers are one of the most popular styles of footwear and continue to increase in popularity. A cross training shoe is very versatile and is designed for somebody who does a variety of sports. Cross trainers have both synthetic and leather uppers, and also tend to have mesh tongues or sides for better breathe ability. A good cross trainer will have:

A firm heel and some form of rear foot cushioning

A partly flexible forefoot and additional side support

There are a number of different and generally non-marking sole patterns available including, court sole, turf soles and hybrid soles.

Walking Shoes

There are a few key differences between a walking shoe and a runner, but sometimes power walkers or people of a reasonable fitness level will be likely to find a running shoe appropriate for their needs and possibly more comfortable. Walking shoes have a heel, which is closer to the ground than a runner. Walking shoes are usually made on a board last, which makes them very stable but less flexible in the forefoot compared to a runner. A good walking shoe will have:

Uppers made from leather or synthetic materials, which tend to be more durable and better looking for casual wear than running shoes.

Some models, like the Rockport range, also have orthopaedic innersoles in their shoes for additional support.

A firm heel and some form of rear foot cushioning