Woolly the Fashion Blogwoollytheblog.com

People have come to use the term “tennis shoes” a little bit more broadly in order to categorize under this name different types of comfortable athletic type of shoes, also referred to as “sneakers” or “trainers.” Everyone needs a pair of athletic shoes to exercise or perform different tasks, from cleaning the lawn to walking the dog around the park. However, due to the extensive variety of styles and models, knowing which athletic types of shoes best fit your current needs is rather intriguing. Shelves full of colors and designs do not provide only a huge selection of sports shoes for the prospective buyer to choose from, but can sometimes be the cause of a major headache. Thus, it is imperative for you to know which types of athletic shoes can help your feet feel comfortable while playing tennis, or exercising in general, even if you have never considered yourself to be an athletic type of person.

According to experts, sports footwear is now in the midst of the most rapid changes in the history of athletics. As new markets emerge and athletes need more support and comfort, consumer groups have been further categorized leading business executives working in the athletic footwear industry to rely constantly on research results. At the same time, most of the consumers, unaware of the different features each pair of athletic shoes has, are getting more and more confused just by viewing or listening to the companies’ advertisements and the salespeople “briefly” describing their store’s extensive sports shoes assortments. In this constantly changing environment, it seems difficult even to memorize the type of shoe one needs, much less the different elements each brand carries.

But there is no need for you to despair. Even if you do not plan to use them for any type of outdoor athletic activity, you should be familiar with the main sports footwear categories that you will come across when visiting a shoe store. Apart from running, any type of gym-related fitness activity like aerobics, for example, can be easily performed when one wears running-shoes, or any type of sneakers that provide support and cushioning. If you want to avoid slipping and falling while playing baseball, perhaps it is best to consider purchasing a pair of shoes that provides good traction; running-shoes or cross-trainers can suit you needs. Basketball needs you to jump to throw the ball, run and tackle. These movements can be easily performed when your feet are protected by specially designed shoes for this type of running and jumping game. American football and soccer need cleats, as anything else might cause injures not only to your feet, but also to your head. Hiking activities can be best pursued with a pair of hiking boots, which provide excellent ankle support and traction without making it difficult for you to lift your feet from the ground while crossing the forest. Finally, returning to the original question, tennis shoes are best for tennis. Many people decide to play tennis and wear other types of shoes, but not all shoes provide the needed support for the side to side movements performed when playing tennis or any other racquet sport. Thus, be careful of your final selection.

Concluding, if you need to purchase a pair of athletic shoes just to complete your casual appearance when outdoors, any type of the shoes described above can cover your walking around needs. But experts recommend you to select buying a pair of walking or canvas shoes, as these will allow your feet to breathe normally and will not increase your feet’s precipitation levels. Tennis shoes are recommended, but last, after the running, basketball and cross-trainers types.

When you were a kid you had at least two pair of shoes. One pair was your “good” one your mother referred to as your “dress shoes,” while the other pair was your “everyday” shoes, most probably of athletic nature. These shoes, specially designed for sporting activities, were given the generic name “athletic shoes,” which is still considered a category that consists of running, basketball and tennis footwear.

Originally introduced as part of the sporting apparel, athletic shoes are now worn as part of a casual look. Going for a walk, running across the shore, or playing outdoor games, are examples of the instances that people of all ages select to wear them. But how did all begin and why do more and more different types of athletic shoes being produced?

It is much more than the supply and demand curve, but it all comes down to that. Modern sneakers have beginnings in various sports shoes. One ancestor is the expensive British upper-class footwear of the late 1800s, used for lawn tennis, cricket, croquet, and at the beach. While at the turn of the twentieth century, football and baseball players wore essentially the same shoe type as before, the leather high-topped lace-ups with leather soles and cleats, the need to have footwear that provided a good grip onto the ground was the reason why a variety of lightweight shoes were introduced.

Special shoes that would allow runners to move and lead to positive results, like increasing their speed and thus, their competitiveness, were ordered. Thus, as the need for greater speed increased, so did the athletic shoes’ number and styles. By refining and improving the shoes’ traction, sportswear companies created a subcategory in sports apparel; the shoemaking industry that is now worth billions. The sneakers’ demand emerged as athletes drew spectators to games and scientists invented new ways to accelerate human limits and improve athletes’ scores.

The dictionary defines the athletic shoe or sneaker as “a sports shoe usually made of canvas and having soft rubber soles; also called tennis shoe.” As today, uppers can be of leather, nylon, canvas, plastic, or combinations of these, and the shoe bottom surface has come to include any type of natural or synthetic rubber soles, tennis shoes are not equivalent to any other type of athletic shoe types. Sure, the term “tennis shoes” has become a generic term for athletic shoes, but this should not give the wrong impression to people that all sports shoes are the same or that one should wear them interchangeably regardless of the game/sport played.

Running shoes on a tennis court, for example, are a sprained or broken ankle waiting to happen. Running shoes are built with a thick, soft heel to maximize cushioning for straight-forward, heel-to-toe foot impacts. Playing tennis is all about sudden starts and stops, as well as moving quickly from side to side. The trouble is that, during extreme stopping, cornering, and pivoting, if the sneaker’s outsole is too rigid, the tennis player loses contact with the playing surface, which results in a loss of footing.

In addition, since runners do not usually move sharply sideways, while “on the run,” the running shoe sole is totally unsuitable for the sideways movements a tennis player makes.

From Keds, which were the first tennis shoes in 1917, to today’s extraordinary designs and expensive advertising budgets, shoemakers continue to design shoes with an eye towards accommodating various types and shapes of feet. When one adds to this equation, the trendy variety of styles, the outcome speaks for itself. There is always an option available for our feet will feel comfortable while playing a friendly match of tennis.

The following articles report on research completed, in whole or in part, under a grant from ACFAOM. Thanks to all those whose voluntary contributions to ACFAOM’s Research Fund make such grants possible. Comparing Negative Casting Techniques: Foam versus Plaster of Paris Richard Berenter, DPM, FACFAOM Introduction: This study was undertaken to determine whether there was any difference in the clinical outcomes related to the type of negative casting technique utilized in the manufacture of functional foot orthoses. Those practitioners who favor foam casting blocks argue that the technique is cleaner, faster, more cost effective and just as reliable a method to produce functional foot orthoses versus the plaster of Paris technique. On the other hand, a number of practitioners have argued that the foam block technique is inferior because the foam is incapable of capturing the shape of the foot with the subtalar joint in neutral position and the midtarsal joint maximally pronated thereby leading to an inferior foot orthosis, which will be less effective at reducing patient symptoms. Materials and Methods: A total of 38 patients were enrolled in the study. All of the patients presented with lower extremity symptoms associated with abnormal lower extremity function as determined by gait evaluation. At the time of the initial visit, each patient signed a consent form and completed the top portion of the data sheet which included both personal information and the amount of pain in each extremity (patients were asked to circle the amount of pain on a scale from 0-10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worse pain ever felt). Upon completion of all paper work, both feet of each patient were casted via the semi-weight bearing foam block technique and by the non-weight bearing supine plaster of Paris method. Both sets of casts were sent to a professional orthotic laboratory with a prescription filled out for an orthotic shell with a medium amount of arch fill, average heel cup depth, normal orthotic width (to the lateral border of the 5th metatarsal and bisection of the 1st metatarsal shaft) and a thickness of polypropylene which would behave in a semi-rigid behavior for the patient’s stated weight. A laboratory technician was instructed to randomly select one of the two pairs of negative casts and keep track of which casts were used without the knowledge of the principal investigator. In this way, a double blind study was established since neither the principal investigator nor the patient knew which casts were used to construct the foot orthotics. Approximately 2-3 weeks following casting, the patient was dispensed a pair of functional foot orthoses and asked to walk around for a minimum of 10 minutes to gauge the comfort level of the orthotics. Each participant was asked to use one of 4 descriptive terms (very comfortable, comfortable, slightly uncomfortable or very uncomfortable) to describe the comfort level of 5 different regions on each foot orthosis corresponding to the heel region, medial arch, lateral arch, middle of the orthosis and distal edge. Patients were then sent home with standardized break-in instructions for the functional foot orthoses and returned to the clinic at intervals of 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-orthotic dispensal. At each follow-up visit, patients were asked to fill out a data sheet gauging the level of symptoms and comfort level of the orthoses. The data was then compiled and saved in a spread sheet format and upon completion of the study, the laboratory technician was contacted in order to identify which patients belonged to which study group, the foam box or plaster of Paris casting technique. Results: The data was compiled and the two study groups separated by casting technique. An independent investigator (non-podiatrist) was contacted and asked to analyze the data to answer the following questions: 1. Does the negative casting technique (foam vs. plaster) make a difference in the ability of the orthotic device to reduce symptoms? 2. Does the negative casting technique (foam vs. plaster) make a difference in how comfortable the orthotic device feels to the patient? The data was analyzed in a variety of methods such as the mean reduction of pain, Fischer exact test and Chi-square with T-tests. A simple comparison of the average reduction of pain after four weeks of orthotic therapy indicates that the plaster of Paris orthoses achieved a mean decrease of 82.43% of pain versus 61.14% reduction in pain with foam box cast orthoses, with a level of significance p< 0.01. However, further analysis of the data demonstrated that casting technique had no statistical difference in the reduction of pain in patients presenting with high levels of pain, but a significant advantage for plaster of Paris orthotics in reducing moderate amounts of pain. The difference between the comfort levels of the orthoses from different casting techniques was also extremely interesting. No statistical difference was noted in the comfort level of any of the five regions studied (the heel, medial arch, lateral arch, middle of orthosis and distal edge) at the time the orthotic was dispensed. However, after one month of orthotic wear, the orthoses manufactured from plaster of Paris casts were statistically more comfortable in the medial longitudinal arch and the distal edge regions. Another analysis performed on comfort level of the orthotic devices compared improvement of comfort level between the orthoses from the two casting techniques. In this analysis, only the medial longitudinal arch was statistically more improved in the plaster of Paris technique versus the foam box method. Final Thoughts: The analysis of the data was fascinating in that both casting techniques were able to show some marked reduction in symptoms and reasonably comfortable orthoses. However, there were some statistical advantages of the plaster of Paris orthoses over the foam box devices. Further research needs to be encouraged and might include studying the differences between orthotic devices from plaster casts versus over-the-counter pre-fabricated devices and also against orthotics constructed from computer-digitized images of the foot. The Evaluation of Cleated Shoes with the Adolescent Athlete in Soccer John H. Walter Jr. DPM, MS, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA Chairman and Professor, Department of Orthopedics and Medicine 8th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Gregory K. NG DPM 2nd yr. Podiatric Surgical Resident, Parkview/City Ave Hospitals, Tenet Health Systems Philadelphia, PA 19124 Abstract Thirty-six children between the ages of eight and eleven were tested to determine if soccer cleats placed their feet in a dorsiflexed or “negative heel” position at midstance while running in cleated shoes. A comparison was made between non-cleated shoes and cleated shoes using both F-scan in-shoe sensor system (Tekscan INC., Boston MA), and videotape analysis. Negative heel position is afoot that is in a dorsiflexed position, relative to the lateral aspect of the heel and forefoot greater than ninety degrees during the stance phase of running while wearing cleated shoes. It is this dorsiflexed foot position that is responsible for increases in the amount of pressure placed upon the calcaneal epiphysis or secondary growth center of the calcaneus. In addition to the increased pressures placed on the calcaneal epiphysis a dorsiflexed foot position during the stance phase increases the amount of pull from the soft tissue attachments which is primarily from the tendo achilles and secondarily from the plantar fascia The study attempts to link the negative heel position to the high incidence of inflammation of the calcaneal growth center, or calcaneal apophysitis commonly found in the youth soccer population. Treatment options for calcaneal apophysitis are also discussed Introduction A comparison was made between non-cleated shoes and cleated shoes using both F-scan in-shoe sensor system (Tekscan INC., Boston MA), and videotape analysis. When the foot is positioned in a dorsiflexed position greater than ninety degrees to the supporting surface during the stance phase of running, a negative heel position is created (figure 1). Thirty-six male test subjects between the ages of eight and eleven were tested in an effort to prove that the wearing of cleated shoes placed the foot of a young soccer player in a negative heel position more so than if wearing non-cleated shoes. Soccer is one of if not the most popular sport in the world. Currently more children in the U.S. now play soccer than Little League Baseball. 1 Not only has there been an increase of young soccer athletes; there has been an increase in the frequency of play. During the 1990′s there has been an increasing trend of single sport youth athletes who train year round. Many young soccer players now participate in all four seasons of the year playing both indoors and outdoors. With the increase in the number of young athletes playing soccer and the increase in the amount of playing time, there has been, significant rise in the incidence of young players presenting with foot pain such as inflammation of the calcaneal epiphysis, more commonly known as Sever’s Disease (osteochondritis). Other common names for the calcaneal epiphysis are traction epiphysis or apophysis. *This study was made possible from a grant from The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine and a soccer shoe donation from NIKE. Three etiological factors which can lead to the inflammation of the calcaneal epiphysis are: increased pressure, increased pull, and overuse are the factors that cause an inflammation of the calcaneal epiphysis.2 A negative heel position would increase the direct pressure and tendinous pull, while the repetitive nature of soccer would introduce the third factor listed, overuse. Thus, the sport of soccer exposes young participants to three main factors that can lead to Sever’s disease. Soccer shoe design has remained relatively unchanged when compared to other types of athletic shoe gear such as with running shoes (figure 2). Current designs in soccer cleats lack pressure absorption and motion control which can at times place the foot in an unstable position leading to injuries such as: stress fractures, sprains, strains, tibial fasciitis (shin splints), exertional compartment syndrome, ankle capsulitis/impingement, patelia-femoral dysfunction, and heel pain (figure 3). Lack of motion control, improper arch support can lead to skeletal misalignment leading to postural symptomatology such as medial/lateral knee pain, iliotibial hand syndrome, hip, and lower back pain. Prepubertal long-bone growth spurts often exceed the growth of muscles and tendons. Shortening of the triceps surae group, as a result of the rapid growth of the tibia, may diminish ankle dorsiflexion to less than 10 degrees, possibly creating a strain on the tendon especially at the area of its insertion (calcaneal secondary growth center). 3,4 Negative heel position created by the cleated shoe can increase the amount of heel cord pull on the calcaneal epiphysis, by dorsiflexing an ankle joint which may already be limited due to muscle contracture secondary to growth spurts. A combination of repetitive overuse through soccer practice and games, with the negative heel position created by the use of cleated shoes, place the young athlete at risk for developing not only calcaneal apophysitis but also tendinitis of the posterior heel cord (tendo Achilles), and plantar fasciitis. Very few epidemiology studies to date have been done which look at the relationship between the use of cleated shoes and foot injuries sustained by young athletes. Micheli LJ, Fehlandt AF Jr., reviewed 724 cases of tendinitis or apophysitis that were diagnosed in 445 patients seen in the Sports Medicine Division at Boston Children’s Hospital between 1980 and 1990. Age of the patients ranged between 9-19 years. Of the 38 soccer injuries noted in boys dealing with tendiits or apophysitis, 18(47%) were diagnosed as calcaneal apophysitis, 9(24%) were diagnosed as Aehilles tendinitis, 4(11%) were diagnosed with tibialis posterior tendinits. A total of 82% were due to either calcaneal apophysitis or heel cord tendinitis. Of the 26 soccer injuries noted in girls dealing with tendinitis or apophysitis, 8(31%) were diagnosed as calcaneal apophysitis, 6(23%) were diagnosed as tibialis posterior tendinitis, 4(15%) were diagnosed as Achilles tendinitis. Results totaling 69% were due to either calcaneal apophysitis or heel cord tendinitis. According to Micheli and Fehlandt, both Sever’s disease and heel cord tendinitis make up the majority of youth soccer injuries resulting from either tendinitis or apophysitis (boys=42% girls=69%). Methodology Frame by frame video analysis of 36 male test subjects was performed on soccer fields, to study the length of time for the test subjects to move from heel strike to heel lift while running in both cleated and non-cleated shoes. Freeze frame comparisons were also made of the same video to evaluate the dorsifiexed foot position in cleated shoes. Video was obtained of test subjects that ran past at a moderate running pace commonly seen in soccer play. F-scan pressures vs. time pedobaragraphs were taken of both cleated and non-cleated shoes (running shoes) to note pressure distribution while running. All test subjects were between the ages of eight and eleven, weighing from 75 to 110 lbs, and had standard biomechanical, gait, and postural exams performed. Results Of the 36 test subjects, 11 were determined to have cavus or high arched foot types, 14 with rectus or normal foot types, and the remaining 11 with pes planus or low arched foot types. All test subjects had adequate ranges of motion at the subtalar joint (STh, midtarsal joint (MTJ), first metatarsal phalangeal joint, and ankle joint with the exception of 5 subjects who had limited ankle joint dorsiflexion. All testing was performed on outdoor soccer fields. For consistency the same researcher performed the biomechanical exams. 187 questionnaires were gathered noting foot and leg pain among young soccer players between the ages of eight to thirteen years old. (figure 4) When compared to non cleated shoes, frame by frame video analysis revealed that 23 test subjects took a longer period of time to move from heel strike to heel lift while running in cleated shoes. (Figure 5). Freeze frame analysis demonstrated a more dorsiflexed foot position during full foot contact (an average of 7 degrees) during stance phase while running in cleated shoes in 26 subjects (figures 6a, 6b). F-scan sensor data was able to capture a characteristic plantar pressure “foot print” of very highly focused pressures in the rearfoot as well as a rough transition from rearfoot to forefoot while running in cleated shoes (figures 7a, 7b). A characteristic footprint was reproducible in 21 of the 36 test subjects. It should be noted that the “foot print” was most reproducible in test subjects who had pes planus foot types with limited ankle dorsiflexion. The “foot print” was least reproducible in test subjects with cavus foot types. The average plantar pressure was noted to be in the 3O-psi(pounds per square inch) range in non-cleated shoes, and in the 70 psi range wearing cleated shoes. See also figures 8a, 8b. Discussion Data gathered from both the video and F-scan analysis between running shoes and soccer cleats confirms the negative heel hypothesis. It is this negative heel that plays a crucial role in the high percentages of young soccer players who develop Sever’s disease, by not only increasing the direct pressure placed on the calcaneal epiphysis, but by also increasing the traction on the epiphysis primarily via the tendo achilles. In addition to the increased pull and pressure on the calcaneal epiphysis, the repetitive nature of the sport, constant running in cleated shoes, must also be considered as a factor. If one is able to decrease the amount of negative heel (via. Heel lifts, orthotic management, soccer shoe redesign, etc…), then one can decrease the tendency for young soccer players to develop heel pain and or posterior heel cord tendinitis. Treatment options for mild heel pain or calcaneal apophysitis should include 1/8″ to ¼” heel lifts in both shoes, elastic ankle bracing, ice massage before, during and after play, and warm up stretching exercises. If the pain persists or increases than turf or non-cleated shoes should be worn with heel lifts, bracing, and a reduction in both playing and training time should be implemented. When the symptoms persist and the player is noticeably limping from the pain, discontinuation of play is recommended with immobilization of the foot and anide in a short leg walking cast, cast boot, or soft cast. For more information visit http://www.TallTall.com

Athletic Footwear are a special part of clothing for men. Active men need shoes that are durable, lightweight and well done. Basketball is usually the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of the men sport shoes. There are many other types of footwear basketball more. All the sports shoes for men are made essentially the same with some differences such as cleats and height.

There are also some types of shoes that make a difference in wear and comfort. From the cheapest to the most expensive shoes sport shoes for men vary. It is important to find the right shoe to adapt to individual learning needs, durability and comfort. The first category is the Motion Control Shoes. These shoes are the most rigid, control oriented and durable. The normal movement of the foot is important to keep in mind when purchasing these types of shoes. The motion control shoes to limit your foot movement so as not to move too in a greater risk of injury.

Another type of shoe is the stability shoe category. Stability means that there is good support, cushioning and durability. Men who are average weight and did not need motion control shoes find these provide adequate support.

Cushioned shoes are ideal for those who do not have a lot of excess movement in their feet and do not need extra support. A man of average weight and size May to find those suitable for him. Another type of shoe would light train Shoes. They are very lightweight and are intended for racing and fast training. Riders without effective motion control problems are they are perfect. Finally Trail Shoes are good for off-road or inclement weather. They added stability traction. They are very durable. It is imperative to plan ahead during the exercise and sport. Alternating your shoes is a way to give your feet a brief workout. They will relax the muscles used in other shoes while working to adapt more to the ones you’ve changed. In addition, your work or sports shoes will last longer if you wear them only when needed, as opposed to every time.

Here are some tips for buying sneakers for men are still at the shop late in the day as feet tend to swell slightly as the day. It is always important to measure your feet in a standing position, the change in size is enough to make your new shoes uncomfortable if you do not. 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 largest foot.

If the shoes wrong the first time you try to not buy them. They will not be more comfortable later. Before the training your new shoes to break through the gates around the house. If you need to return the stores generally do not accept, having been raised outdoors.