Reach Spring Break fitness goals with the right shoes

For many students, starting a workout regimen for Spring Break raises the question of which shoes, or no shoes, to wear. This decision should be based on personal comfort, intensity of the workout and which type guarantees the least injuries and joint problems. The main goal of increased exercise is to gain muscle and improve body health, — so finding the right footwear is essential. Between Five Finger shoes, going barefoot, Skechers Shape-Ups and the average running shoe, finding the right shoe will help determine what option is best for feet and overall health.
 
Five Fingers vs. no shoes
Many people think running barefoot is associated with a greater chance of injury and joint problems, but the recent invention of Five Finger shoes has changed some minds. Many people would agree that running barefoot on the beach is comfortable and does not cause injuries, but running on concrete raises concern. Dr. Nicholas S. Romanov, two time Olympian coach, has had more than 30 years of experience with fitness and describes the surprising benefits of exercising barefoot for Pose Tech. He explains that body weight is placed more precisely on the foot when there is an absence of shoes and helps develop muscles in the feet and related areas of the hips and legs. Five Finger shoes, on the other hand, have presented a new alternative to running barefoot with possible benefits. Five Finger shoes are produced by Vibram and sold through Recreational Equipment Inc. and other retailers. This substitute provides minimal protection to the foot and gives some of the same benefits, making the runner feel as though they are not wearing shoes. The retail price for Five Finger shoes ranges from $75 to $125 at REI locations.

Sneakers vs. Skecher
Many fitness enthusiasts, athletes or otherwise, have heard of the major name brands of running shoes such as Nike, Rhebok and New Balance. Recently, Skecher added its name to the mix with their model Shape-Ups, which resemble Masai Barefoot Technology shoes.

This style of shoe is meant to adjust posture, assist in reducing joint pain and increase weight loss. Many experts have noted that Shape-Ups prevent injuries and reduce stress on one’s hips and knee joints, but some may question whether the benefits outweigh the cost compared to other name-brand prices. Purchasing through Skechers, Shape-Ups range from $110 to $120. However, they can increase muscle strength and definition and help posture and perfect one’s running style.

Journalism freshman Erin Shintaku frequently wears her pair of Shape-Ups and agrees the idea of the shoe works and claims that it has improved her balance while she walks.

“If you have the money, they are worth the cost,” Shintaku said. “Even if the results are minimal, because they are also very comfortable.” However, these shoes are not made for working out. They are intended to aid fitness goals by wearing them for day-to-day activities. Skechers Shape-Ups serve to prepare the body for more vigorous workouts by strengthening muscles and improving stability. If a person has suffered joint and muscle injuries because of past fitness exercise, wearing Shape-Ups could be a valuable purchase to restore muscles prior to working out again.

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1 comments

Silvia Bruno

Fri Mar 5 2010 11:04

Tried to comment and didn't work - hope this isn't a double post. Anyways - really recommend you try another pair like the Sketchers called NGR Shoes (www.ngrfit.com). They use weights instead of that curved sole but you definitely feel it. Also wondering if it is true that those toes shoes are good for running. Anyone?

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