Find the best shoes for your workout

Other Sports Footwear
A few years ago the major manufacturers of athletic shoes began branching out. High-top basketball-type shoes became popular, particularly when they were advertised by hoop superstars. Now, not only do the manufacturers make running, aerobics, and racquet-sports shoes, they produce footwear for every imaginable athletic activity and for all types of surfaces. Baseball players, for example, now have shoes designed specifically for use on artificial turf to protect them from injuries such as turf toe. It is not feasible for this book to discuss in detail every type of sports shoe on the market today. I can only advise athletes to consult with their trainer, coach, or a knowledgeable sports-shoe salesperson, and to try on the models available for their specific sport in order to determine the best possible shoe to buy. The rule should be that if shoes do not feel comfortable during the physical activity, do not wear them at all. The lower limbs could be injured and overall performance will suffer if the shoes do not fit comfortably. Many of the major athletic-footwear stores now provide various surfaces on the premises to allow customers to try out the shoes under typical conditions for their type of activity.

Some athletes worry about whether they should buy all-leather shoes or shoes that are half leather and half nylon mesh. All-leather shoes are more durable, obviously, but they are also heavier. The half-and-half shoes are lighter and provide greater breathability for the foot. You must weigh the trade-offs for yourself and buy the shoes in which you feel the most comfortable. There is no noticeable difference in performance between the two types.

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