| As an athletically minded individual, I am extremely | | | | wearer. They provide a great deal of cushioning, the |
| grateful for the existence of modern athletic shoes | | | | better to protect the feet from repeated impact with |
| (sometimes called tennis shoes or sneakers). If you're | | | | the ground. Additionally, those running shoes specifically |
| ever bored, consider for a moment what it would have | | | | designed for racing have no heel to speak of. The lack |
| been like to be a devotee of physical activity 100 | | | | of heel improves the foot-to-ground power transfer, |
| years ago. Shoes at the beginning of the 20th century | | | | allowing the runner to race more efficiently. |
| didn't exactly scream comfort. If you wanted to pursue | | | | Cross-trainers are a popular kind of athletic shoe. The |
| a sport in those days, you were basically stuck with | | | | advantage of this shoe style is that is it balances |
| your everyday footwear. Contrarily, the athletes of the | | | | support and cushioning with flexibility and light weight. It |
| 21st century can chose from a dizzying array of | | | | can be used for running, walking, tennis, aerobics and |
| athletic shoe options, each designed to cater to the | | | | many other kinds of exercise. All of the large athletic |
| demands of a specific sport or pastime. | | | | shoe brands manufacture cross-trainers, including Nike, |
| All athletic shoes serve the same basic purpose: to | | | | Adidas, Reebok, New Balance and many others. |
| protect the wearer's feet by mitigating the challenges | | | | Still other athletic shoes are designed for trail hiking and |
| of whatever pastime they are pursuing. To that end, | | | | running. These shoes feature relatively high tops, which |
| they all feature soles made of dense rubber and | | | | increases support for the ankle. Also, trail shoes have |
| bodies of flexible materials that allow the foot to | | | | additional treads on the soles, the better to provide |
| breathe. Some "athletic shoes" are not really intended | | | | superior traction on uneven terrain. These shoes are |
| for physical activity; rather, they are designed to mimic | | | | ideal for hiking trails that require more support than |
| the style of true athletic shoes for fashion purposes. | | | | provided by typical athletic shoes, but do not |
| Such shoes can sometimes be slipped on and off, | | | | necessitate traditional hiking boots. |
| depending only on Velcro or elastic for a tight fit. | | | | Lastly, some athletic shoes are designed simply for |
| However, true athletic shoes always feature | | | | walking. These shoes are excellent for everyday life, |
| shoelaces that can be laced up and over the arch of | | | | especially when an individual has a job that requires |
| a foot, tightened according to the needs and desires of | | | | being up and about all day. Walking shoes are |
| the wearer. | | | | designed to provide stable and secure support for long |
| Beyond this basic definition, there are numerous kind of | | | | periods of time. Additionally, they often feature |
| athletic shoes, all designed for specific athletic pursuits. | | | | moisture-wicking materials that prevent feet from |
| For example, some athletic shoes are intended simply | | | | becoming too hot and sweaty. Walking shoes are |
| for running. Such shoes possess specific features to | | | | especially popular among nurses, who have to be on |
| help the athlete in that physical exercise. Running | | | | the go all day long. |
| shoes are lightweight so as not to slow down the | | | | |