17 Dec 2011 Footloose!
by Mathilda Hulett
"Loose, footloose kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise pull me off of my knees
Jack, get back c’mon before we crack
Lose your blues everybody cut footloose"
Songwriters: Kenny Loggins; Dean Pitchford
These lyrics, from the “Footloose” movie soundtrack, are familiar to many of us. Like me, you may find it hard to just read the words. Instead, you may have to hum the tune to sing the song, “Everybody cut, everybody cut, everybody cut Footloose!” If nothing else, the words make for a good mantra. Sometimes thats all anyone needs to get an exercise routine on track – a song to sing, a mantra to follow. Oh, and a good pair of shoes!
This new year, if you have resolved to cut loose and get on track with exercise, start with the proper shoes. No matter your chosen activity, Ryan Lindsey and his team at The Sport Shop in Wilkinson’s Mall in Conway can help get the right gear. Ryan is the athletic buyer and sport shop manager. He and his staff can determine the right shoe model based on your activity, your fitness level and often the doctor’s diagnosis.
As with all tools or gear, there are different shoes for different activities. Wearing the correct shoe allows you to benefit the most from your exercise. If you wear just any shoe, you’re likely to get injured or at the very least end up in some kind of pain.
“If you end up hurting, you’re going to quit,” Ryan said. So, get the right shoe for your workout and the best fit for your gait. You may need a particular model to help stabilize your foot.
Ryan recommends extending the life of your sport shoes by alternating between two pairs. You can expect proper cushioning to last about 500 miles from walking or running shoes. Running shoes are versatile as you transition through your fitness levels.
“There is a big movement towards minimalist shoes,” Ryan said. The Nike Free model encourages a more natural form of running. The true minimalist or “barefoot” craze is supported by the Vibram brand “Five Fingers” model. These are also good triathlon shoes. They can be worn in each race activity. Asics makes a triathlon shoe with bungee cord lacing, which can save transition time. If you like the feel of the minimalist sole but want more of a covered top, New Balance and Merrill brand both have shoes with Vibram soles.
If fashion is as important to you as function, consider going to the bright side.
“Nike is the leader in fashion, featuring shoes in bright neon colors: neon orange, pink and yellow,” Ryan said. “Females tend to go for the orange and pink; males prefer yellow or orange.” If a bright shoe is too much, you can introduce some color with neon bright socks. Just don’t wear cotton socks for exercise.
“That is like wearing a work-out towel,” Ryan said. “Cotton fabric retains moisture, which can lead to blisters. Performance fabric socks may be more expensive, but they are better at wicking away moisture, they retain their shape better resulting in less discomfort and will last longer.”
The Sport Shop works with several 501 area podiatrists. Ryan often goes to area doctors with new orthotic products. Spenco and Lynco brand offer less expensive options to custom orthotics. Ryan and his team will also find the best exercise shoe for diabetics. SAS, New Balance and Crocs are all brands that feature doctor-approved shoes.
To stay on track with your exercise routine in the coming year, pull away from the couch, kick off your dress shoes and cut loose in some bright colored, comfortable, fashion-friendly gear. Come on, sing it with me!
