Put your best foot forward : 4 tips to up your sneaker game
Trainers, takkies, sneakers – call them what you will, athletic shoes are having a big moment in the limelight and with good reason. The ongoing athleisure trend has placed sneakers front and centre, as men and woman around the globe pair it with everything from Latex and denim, to frothy evening dresses and casual daytime attire.
On the fitness front, trainers also remain a very important part of an athlete’s gear. Whether your workout involves running, walking, sports or gym equipment, a decent sport shoe is a must. Injury caused by inappropriate shoes can needlessly derail your fitness or weight loss attempt. Investing in a quality shoe can help you to prevent foot and ankle damage, and make your workout a more pleasant and comfortable experience.
Suffice it say, a good pair of trainers is a must-have item these days, and there are countless brands and retailers offering a variety of sneakers under different brands. Feeling a tad overwhelmed? No problem – here are four things to keep in mind when you go sneaker shopping at Somerset Mall.
Not all sneakers are made equal
A variety of sports shoes are on the market for every type of exercise. Running shoes that have inbuilt shock absorbers are available for joggers, and lightweight walking shoes are available for walkers. Aerobic shoes are lightweight and shock absorbing to prevent foot fatigue and to cushion the ball of the foot, which is put under pressure from aerobic exercise. If you aren’t sure what type of takkie you need, simply ask a knowledgeable in-store assistant for advice.
The takkie must suit the wearer, not the other way around
The type of shoe you choose should depend on the sport in which you are most active. If you perform a certain type of exercise three times a week or more, choose a corresponding sports shoe. Also, never spend your money on a pair of trainers that hurt your foot from the get-go. Sure, you need to ‘wear it in’, but no sports shoe should hurt you when you first try it on.
A good pair of trainers can help you to avoid injuries
Takkies can be expensive, but it’s important to remember that choosing a proper shoe can help to protect you against common injuries associated with your type of workout. Good shoes can lessen the impact of your step and cushion the foot from heavy landings. In addition, sport or exercise specific shoes can improve your performance, enabling, for example, quick direction changes.
Sneakers have a shelf life
Worn out sports shoes do not provide your feet with adequate protection during your workout. According to Michigan State University Extension, running shoes should be replaced after every 500 to 800 kilometres. If you run 55km a week, this means you should replace your shoes every 20 to 25 weeks.
Here are a few of our favourite sneaker finds at Somerset Mall this season:
Introducing the latest Nike ZoomX NEXT %. This sneaker’s light-weight design makes it that much easier to reach a brand-new personal best.
Reebok and Adidas originals have fused the legacies of the pump and BOOST technologies to give you the limited edition Instapump Fury BOOST 'Prototype'.
Reimagine your boundaries in the latest New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v5. Engineered with a Fresh Foam midsole and MegaGrip outsole to keep your feet on the ground and your head in the game.
Introducing the UA HOVRAPEX, a versatile training shoe designed for explosive movements and maximum energy return.
There you have it – four tips that will help you to shop for your next pair of trainers like an absolute pro, and five examples of the epic sneakers that are available from a variety of retailers at Somerset Mall this season. Keep an eye on the blog in coming weeks and months for more expert insight into lifestyle matters, info on retail events and more!
