kylefrancisharter.com – Kyle`s Fashion

Athletic shoes are a special part of men’s clothing. Active men need shoes that are durable, lightweight and well made. Basketball shoes are typically the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks on men’s athletic shoes. There are many other types of shoes besides basketball. All sport shoes for men are made basically the same with a few differences such as cleats and height.

There are also a few categories of shoes that make a difference in wear and comfort. From the cheapest shoes to the most expensive men’s athletic shoes vary. It is important that you find the right shoe to fit you individual needs for training, durability and comfort.

The first category is Motion Control Shoes. These shoes are the most rigid, control orientated and durable. The normal motion of the foot is important to keep in mind when purchasing these types of shoes. The motion control shoes help limit the motion of the foot so they are not excessively moving around making injury a greater risk.

Another type of shoe category is Stability Shoes. Stability means that there is good support, cushioning, and durability. Men who are of average weight and do not have a need for motion controlled shoes will find these provide the right support.

Cushioned Shoes are ideal for those who do not have a lot of excess motion in their foot and are not in need of additional support. A man of average weight and size may find these to be appropriate for him.

Another type of shoe would be the Lightweight Training Shoes. These are very light and are intended for racing and fast paced training. Efficient runners with no motion control problems will find these are perfect for them.

Finally Trail Shoes are good for off road or inclement weather. They have extra stability for added traction. They are very durable. It is imperative to plan ahead when exercising and playing sports. Alternating your shoes is a way to give your feet a brief workout. They will rest the muscles used in the other shoes while working ones to adjust to the ones you changed into. Also your work out or sport shoes will last longer if you wear them only when needed as opposed to all the time.

Some final tips for buying men’s athletic shoes are to always shop late in the day since feet tend to swell a bit as the day progresses. It is important to always measure your feet while standing; the change in size is enough to make your new shoes uncomfortable if you don’t. Make sure you try on both shoes with socks on. Some people’s feet are slightly different sizes. When you choose a pair always buy the size of your larger foot.

If the shoes hurt the first time you try them on then don’t buy them. They will not get more comfortable later on. Before training in your new shoes break them in by wearing them around the house. If you should need to return them stores generally won’t accept them after they have been worn outdoors.

Can you put yourself into the “Imelda Marcos” category of owning hundreds of pairs of shoes or are you in the “Sandie Shaw” category of bare foot when ever possible?  I have to admit to being rather patial to shoes and would buy more if funds and my husband would let me!  Equally I love to walk bare  foot through the sand and in the summer, at home, I am often shoeless.  It isn’t that straight forward.  Many women in the western world don’t just buy shoes for practically reasons, in fact for quite the opposite reason. a practicality.  Shoes are a way of expressing our characters.    Some of Georgina Goodman’s shoes are impractical to wear, but beautiful pieces of contemporary art.

Think of the woman in the film “In her Shoes”.  She has rows and rows of beautiful shoes at the back of her closet.  They are virtually all un-worn but she buys them to cheer herself up when she is down.  She enjoys the pleasure of ownership!

We need shoes for many different occasions.  Smart shoes for work, hiking boots for walking the dog, wellies for gardening, trainers for running or going to the gym, slippers to keep our feet warm at home, flip flops for the summer, fashion boots for the winter…..and so on.  Then we may need a pair of black shoes and a pair of brown shoes for work.   The list is endless.  So even if you put yourself down as a “SandieShaw”, I am certain you have at least 6 different items of footwear.

The style of shoe you wear can either make or break and outfit.  Even if everything else is perfect, wearing an inappropriate shoe or one that doesn’t suit the wearer can ruin the overall look.   There are a few basic rules to consider when choosing shoes.

If you have short legs or wide ankles, try and avoid a loafer shape or ankle straps, it will only draw attention to an area you may wish to disguise.  A heel of some description will elongate legs and make calves and ankles look slimmer. Try and match your shoes to your hemline and hosiery.  

When buying boots, try and avoid the top of the boot finishing on the widest part of your leg unless you are wearing them with a long skirt or trousers.

If you find walking in high heels difficult, either practise or don’t wear them!  It is not a good look, hobbling along in heels you cannot cope with.

Match your shoe to the occasion.  Simple but elegant for work, flip flops for the beach, casual shoes for the weekend, a really good quality pair of trainers for running or for going to the gym, not for wearing with jeans. 

Leather is better than synthetic material if you have a problem with foot odour.   Alternate shoes so you give them time to air in between wearing them and look after them with good quality polish.

According to figures I found on the internet, the average American woman owns 40 pairs of shoes.  Which ever way we try to justify the number of shoes we need, 40 is way over the top.  I would say that women buy shoes not only for reasons of necessity but for the pure pleasure of owning a beautiful pair of shoes.