Which women's fitness shoe is best?
A good pair of fitness shoes is different from a good pair of any other kind of shoe because fitness shoes need to do more than just look cute. Aside from having style, a fitness shoe should be able to support the foot arches and ankles, provide comfort and cushioning and enhance performance while exercising. With the wrong pair of fitness shoes, you could finish your workout in worse shape than when you started, but the right pair can take you far.
Running Shoes
If you are a serious or competitive runner, you should look for a shoe that it is lightweight and helps you move fast. According to Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief of Self Magazine who conducted a search for the best sneakers, The Saucony Grid Sinister is the right choice for running shoes. It is designed for women who wish to have that extra push because it comes equipped with a special "flexion plate" inside that is designed to help propel you forward. It is super lightweight so you can move easier and faster and works best for women with no pre-existing foot or ankle problems. The sole is very flexible and bends with ease, while at the same time pads your foot for extra comfort.
The sides of the shoe are designed to be breathable, keeping your foot cooler as you work out and preventing the buildup of sweat and odor. It is ideal for someone who is looking for maximum speed in their performance.
The Saucony is available from Gear West and comes in white with gold accents. As of August 2010, it costs $45.
Workout Shoes
For someone who enjoys exercising and is looking for a comfortable shoe with a good support base, "Self" magazine recommends The Ascis Gel Nimbus 9. The Asics company has already released eight previous editions of the Gel shoe and with this ninth one, they claim they have made the most improvements so you are getting their best version yet. The Gel Nimbus's most highly acclaimed feature is its comfort level. The inside has extra padding to provide the most comfortable and cushioned fit and is perfect for someone who needs extra arch support. If you have weak arches or simply run often and put a lot of pressure on your arches, this padding is made for your foot.
The Gel Nimbus is also equipped with a "crash pad" by the heel area of the shoe, which means that it provides extra support in the back to "catch" your heel as it comes back down with each step. Because the shoe is not lightweight or designed to make you go faster like the Saucony, it is recommended for someone simply looking for a good workout, rather than a racer trying to win a competition.
The Asics Gel Nimbus can be found on their website, asicsamerica.com, and comes in white with blue, green or gold accents. As of August 2010, it is $120.
Walking Shoes
If you are headed out for a long walk or a full day on your feet, "Self" recommends a shoe with a good fit to avoid chafing and blisters, while providing support and comfort. The Reebok Premier Hatana does the job and is one of the best sneakers available for women because it was made specifically for women. Focusing on the unique characteristics of a woman's foot rather than imitating a men's sneaker, the Premier Hatana has a narrow heel and front area to accommodate women's naturally thinner feet. This snug fit is designed to help the shoe fit better and, therefore, prevent chafing while providing more support. The mesh and synthetic leather top is designed to be breathable and comfortable, while the sides of the shoe are made of lightweight material to keep the shoe lighter.
The Reebok Premier Hatana is available on shoebacca.com and is mostly white and gray in color with small red, blue and black accents. As of August 2010, it runs for $85.
Athletic Shoes
If you participate in sports other than running or walking, such as basketball, soccer or anything else with a lot of short, fast movements and jumping, an athletic type of fitness shoe is best for you. These kind of shoes are usually low-cut and designed for easy mobility so that you can keep up with the other players. According to Monica Neave, exercise editor for Bella Online, a website specifically geared to women's tastes, The Asics Women's Gel FX Cross-Trainer is the best choice. It is perfect for workouts, cross-training and competitive sports because it provides traction for fast stopping and starting, extra cushioning for comfort and a springy bottom that makes it easy to jump high.
The Asics Gel FX Cross-Trainer is available on asicsamerica.com and comes in an attractive silver and blue color. As of August 2010, it costs around $80.
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