What is Cross Country?  Simply put, cross country running is a form of running that is completed on natural terrain, as opposed to long-distance track running or road running. It is an open-air competition that goes back thousands of years. Cross country is incredibly entertaining and a great work out for our bodies. It can be performed as an individual or as a team sport, and you’ll find that unlike many other sports, cross country is an autumn or winter sport primarily. So, it goes without saying that weather conditions will vary wildly, with some competitions being in the rain, snow, hail, or heat. And you quickly get an idea of why you need the...

Why you Should Invest in Nursing Shoes Being a nurse or medical practitioner in any capacity is a highly demanding job, where you need to be on call at any time, be ready for anything, and most importantly - be where you need to be at a moment's notice. I started my career as an HCA and have been a nurse for the past 3 years in ED. I've been through dozens of shoes and this list consists of my 11 best shoes for nurses that are tried and tested. Naturally, this means you’ll find yourself on your feet most of the time while you’re on the frontline of healthcare and you’ll need a pair of...

What is Supination? Supination, also known as underpronation, boils down to putting an excessive amount of weight on the (outer) edges of our feet rather than the ball of the foot when walking. This is a significant walking abnormality that requires correction, as it can create serious problems if left untreated. Some of the causes of supination include: having abnormal bone structure, in such a way that their alignment is off and affects the way you walk, chronic conditions such as diabetes or obesity, having high foot arches that cause underpronation naturally during the gait cycle, or due to external foot injuries. Supination typically leads to foot aches as well as constant...

Hazards of Working Long Hours on Concrete Floors If you are in a job where you often find yourself standing up straight for long portions of the day, such as a construction worker, retailer, officer, or nurse, you’ll realize that standing on concrete all day can be a taxing endeavor by itself. Without proper support, standing for prolonged periods of time can lead to a whole host of complications like lower back, leg, and foot problems ranging from mild pains to even the development of conditions like plantar fasciitis that stem from too much stress on your foot from standing all day. For this reason, it is best to try and...

Tennis is a widely popular sport enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a sport that involves focus, strategy, and incredible stamina. It also involves a fair amount of running and hence, the shoes you pick will need to have enough cushioning for ground impact and stability/support for lateral displacement. Thankfully, tennis shoes have come a long way in terms of function and design. Tennis shoes now pack a serious amount of features inside them due to the increasing demands of the game. We went in search of the best tennis shoes in 2021 and put them to the test. This list will give you an overview of the features that matter and why...

What is Cross Training? Cross-training is the practice of engaging in more than one type of workout to maximize performance and improve overall fitness. For example, you can couple your running or cycling with strength training or CrossFit to target those muscle groups not used while running. Even being engaged in two or more sports can be considered cross-training. But, for an effective workout, you're going to need the best cross training shoes. Cross trainer shoes (as the name suggests) are multi-purpose training shoes that can be used in a variety of different physical exercises or sports without buying an individual pair of shoes for each sport. They are versatile shoes...

Importance of Shoes for Teachers  Teachers are an essential part of our society and it’s no doubt that our silent heros spend an awful lot of time on their feet whether it be teaching students in front of a black/whiteboard or walking around from one class to another.  There are a whole host of negative effects that stem from standing for prolonged periods of time. For this reason, it is important for our teachers to not just be conscious of their foot health, but also to utilize shoes that are effective at mitigating the stresses of standing for extended durations.  Unlike healthcare workers, teachers don’t have to deal with workplace hazards like liquid...

Our dependence on our feet when it comes to laborious work cannot be stressed enough, and making sure that they are adequately taken care of is at the top of the list of importance. This ranges from overall foot health - such as making sure your foot doesn’t get into bad habits, to making sure they are well protected from the hazards that are present in your specific workplace. In this guide, we’ll answer some basic questions along with some in-depth ones, like what safety footwear is, what regulations and qualities exist, the jobs that require some form of safety footwear, and finally an exhaustive list of appropriate qualities to look for when dealing with a variety of...

What causes bad knees? Our knees are designed to provide balance when we are standing and aid in movement when we are in motion. The knee joint’s role is to provide robust support to your lower body and help with weight distribution. When you have harsh impacts or improper weight distribution while the joint is moving, it can result in dislocation or subluxation, which is the malalignment of the joint. This misalignment is a result of tearing or fracturing of our ligaments, cartilage or bones. Sometimes it is not just high impact or distribution issues, but also improper hip joint movement, creating more pressure on our knees.  What is its effect on our body?

Why Cold-Weather Running? If done properly, cold-weather running can be very rewarding and helps you build endurance like no other. If you’re an experienced runner, you probably know the drill and have learned from experience what it is like running in cold weather. You know what works best for you, and you look forward to the time of year where you’re getting better personal times and records because the sun isn’t oppressively beaming down at you in the sweltering heat.  For those of you who aren’t so experienced, and might even be a bit intimidated by the idea, here is a teaser of the positives you should expect when cold-weather running: More calories...

Editor's Note: We have updated our list of soccer cleats for 2021. We based our review on 40 hours of research and testing of 34 different cleats. Our review is based on the combined value of comfort, design, and performance they offer to the wearer and even though the final list won’t satisfy all tastes, you’ll end up finding something you’ll like A LOT. Soccer is a game of wits, stability, endurance, and stamina. So, you've made it into your high school/college soccer team and you want nothing but the best soccer shoes for your money, but how do you know which ones are actually the best? This guide is by no means a be-all and...

At some point, no matter how long our species persist living on earth, there will come a moment when a man or woman sets a running speed record that will never be broken. It may happen next year, it may happen in 500 years, or it may already have occurred and we simply don’t know it yet. But given the fact that our planet will, no matter what, eventually be destroyed by the very star that gives us life, there is a point at which someone will run the fastest known time that is never beaten. For now, every few years new records are set on tracks, in marathons, in trail races, and in all manner of running competitions....

Overall Verdict  If you’re someone who is looking for a shoe you can wear on any track, road, or treadmill, you can’t go wrong with the Pegasus 37. If you’re coming from the Pegasus 36 and looking for a replacement, these aren’t a bad option as they are definitely improved upon in terms of breathability, yet similar enough for you to feel at home. Pros+ Comfortable lightweight upper+ Excellent cushioning and responsiveness+ No-nonsense design+ Flexible and supportive upper Cons– Needs a bit of breaking in to reach peak comfort – May feel a bit snug to some– Some heel slippage Intro

With the Big Cat back in action winning his PGA Tour event for the first time since 2013, we were left wondering how much has the Tiger really made in each of the US states throughout his tournament career? And so we crunched the numbers... Just in case you can't pinpoint your state, the table below shows how much he earned in each state. Taking a look at the numbers, we can conclude that Tiger Woods has made money in 27 out of 51 states (more than half of the US states). His international earning outside of the US stands at $9,739,160. So, how did Tiger Woods do in your state? Let's not forget that Ryder Cup 2018 is right around the corner. It's set to take...

Flat Feet: What are they? Simply put, flat feet are the condition where a person has little to no arch in their feet. Typically the human foot has a noticeable arch that raises parallel to the ground, serving a very specific function - distribution of body weight across one’s feet and legs, and giving us a “spring in our step”. Our foot arches have to be flexible, in order to be malleable to ever-changing environments we traverse. Whether you are hiking up steep mountains, walking to the kitchen, or playing basketball, our feet need the right kind of support to not only prevent stress on the rest of the leg but also to help us...

Why is Arch Support Important? You may not realize it, but the arch of our foot is one of the most important structural features of our foot, absorbing the majority of the pressure and stress our bodies put on our feet every time we walk.  You can imagine that constantly walking and stressing our arches can lead to severe issues and musculoskeletal changes in our foot shape, so it is of utmost importance we take proper care of our feet and especially our arches. Here are just a few reasons how shoes with good arch support can help you immediately: Helps distribute pressure A shoe with proper insoles that take...

Flat-feet, also known as fallen arches, is a fairly common condition among humans, that can be easily diagnosed by taking a simple look at the shape and formation of one’s foot. If you're looking for the best walking shoes for flat feet (men or women), there are few things to take into consideration. The prominent characteristic of flat-feet is the lack of a gap between the upper and lower sections of the foot. This “gap” forms an arched shape and is unmistakably not present in some - and instead of having a bow-like shape, some people have completely flat straight-lined feet. What causes flat-footedness? For some people, being flat-footed...

Running has been the greatest workout routine throughout all of human history, and for good reason; you can start at any point, in any physical condition, it doesn’t require anything but your own body, and can be done quite literally anywhere. With that said, running isn’t the be-all and end-all exercise. It is incredibly good at burning fat, but just like anything else, with enough practice, your body gets good at it. You’ll find that you’re getting great at running distances or times you would have felt impossible earlier on in your running career, you essentially plateau. As a result, you’ll find yourself having to get more and more creative with your routine to see consistent improvement. Fortunately, we have devised other forms of...

Many of you have a favorite pair of sneakers you’ve had since forever, and they’re starting to show their age, or some of you have wished those old sneakers you loved were still around today. Consistent maintenance and taking care of your sneakers is a good way to make them last longer, so you can wear them for years to come, and also a good way to make sure your current sneakers look like they came fresh out of the box. How Do You Properly Clean Sneakers? The first question you’re probably asking yourself is, “how do I clean my sneakers to make them look like new?”. There is...

What shoes go with everything for men? When it comes to picking the right pair of shoes for a man, the answer can be deceptively simple: considering what else you’re wearing with it. It may be difficult when you think to yourself what shoes work best for a given event when you think of them in a vacuum, but when you take into account what you’re comfortable with everything else you're wearing (the shirt, pants, and accessories), you can easily determine what shoes make the most sense with that particular outfit. For example, you’d probably not find that canvas sneakers ‘match’ a two-piece suit, as you wouldn’t find a pair...

Do Athletic Socks Really Help? If you’re an athlete, you probably already know very well how much of a difference a good pair of athletic socks can make, compounding the greatness of a good pair of running shoes. If you’re not so aware of the ins and outs of quality socks, know that modern socks are some of the most advanced and helpful pieces of clothing in current-day athletics. They add to the overall support, breathability, and temperature regulation of your shoe experience. A good pair of socks makes the difference between an engaging workout and a disastrous blister. So, here's our list of the 9 best athletic socks and other tips...

Some of you might prefer running on a challenging or dynamic terrain as opposed to just running on a paved road. Trail running is often a welcome break from the monotony of treadmills or tracks. Trail running is a simple and fun way to reignite your passion for running without changing the formula all that much. What is Trail Running? Trail running is an exhilarating workout where you move away from paved roads. The aim is to combine the act of running with the steep gradients and hikes on unpaved terrain. Trail running is an amazing way to get a full-body workout where you use your legs and (often-times) your hands to traverse the off-beaten path....

What are Water Shoes? You might be accustomed to shoes that you can partially submerge, but there are shoes specifically made to function well in water, with traits like thermal protection, high traction, and efficient water drainage. If you enjoy activities like kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, sailing, or most any other activity where you’ll find yourself surrounded by water, having the right pair of shoes makes a world of difference, and tremendously improves the output you get from these activities.  What to look for when buying water shoes? This question is a bit of a tricky one to grapple with because the best water shoes are the ones that...

What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is the condition that causes a stabbing pain in the heel area which usually occurs in the morning. This condition is quite common and is caused due to the inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot connecting the heel bone to the toes.  Plantar fasciitis usually worsens with excessive use especially if you’re a runner or work on your feet for long hours. It is also prevalent among people who are overweight. Sometimes, wearing the wrong type of footwear can also aggravate or cause plantar fasciitis. This is why proper plantar fasciitis shoes are important to alleviate and minimize this condition.

What Are Metatarsal Pads? Metatarsal pads are cushion pads placed inside shoes to relieve the pressure from the foot's metatarsal heads. They are positioned under the ball of your feet to keep the metatarsal heads cradled and cushioned. With the right placement inside of your footwear, metatarsal pads help lengthen the tissue on the top of your foot, thereby off-loading pressure typically placed on the ball of the foot via proper toe alignment. If you exercise heavily or work a lot on your feet, these are probably a good thing to implement into your soles to improve your foot's overall health - a common issue that may obstruct you over time.

What are Stability Running Shoes? You may not be aware of this, but at the most basic level, existing running shoes are divided into two distinct classes - Stability and Neutral. Though it may not be overtly specified when you buy them, every shoe in current production is one or the other.  This distinction is determined by the shoes’ medial post. A medial post, also known as a dual-density midsole, is a device inside of the midsole that is actually firmer than the rest of the midsole. Shoes that have a medial post are known as stability shoes because the post acts as a stabilizer for your medial rearfoot and reduces arch pronation. This is inherently...

If you’re just getting into Zumba, or are looking for a pair of replacement shoes, we’ve compiled for you a list of what we consider to be the 9 best Zumba shoes you can buy, all with ranging styles and quirks. We also included a few frequently asked questions in case you're completely new to the scene and aren’t quite sure about certain things when it comes to shoes dedicated to Zumba.  The Best Zumba Shoes 1. Ryka Influence Trainers Check Amazon More Pictures First up are the Influence trainers designed by Ryka. These shoes feature a full fabric upper with perforations across the shoe...

Editor's Note: We have updated this article to include the latest shoes for the year 2021. Our review is the culmination of 40 hours of research and 53 different shoes tested during a 2-month period. We have also taken into consideration the reviews and ratings from other runners. What is Supination? Supination (also known as underpronation) is a condition of the foot where it excessively rolls outwards at the ankle. This results in excessive weight being placed on the outside of the foot. It makes running difficult and often painful. This is why you need the best running shoes for supination to help prevent this pain and discomfort.

What are High Arches? In case you aren’t familiar with the term, an arch refers to the arch of your foot located between the heel and ball of your foot, which is typically slightly curved. When you have a high arch, this natural curve is placed higher than normal, leading to problems that range from occasional pain to more serious issues like walking abnormalities. The reason being that most of the problems stem from the way your aches impact your natural walking and resting positions, and it isn’t uncommon to develop conditions like plantar fasciitis (inflammation in your fascia muscle band), metatarsalgia (inflammation of the ball of your foot), or general foot and ankle instability...

What are Volleyball Shoes? Whether you’re a veteran volleyball player or a beginner, it’s important to know that specialized volleyball shoes will go a long way to improving your performance. Simply put, compared to regular runners, for example, you’ll find all volleyball shoes will have a breathable (typically mesh) upper, traction on the outsole to provide great stability, and ample support within the shoe. Volleyball shoes will also have a good amount of lateral support for when you’ll be darting from one side of the court to the other.  On top of this is the fact that shoes meant for volleyball will offer a fair degree of flexibility since you’ll be moving and jumping on a...

Running is a general term. But did you know that world-renowned runners of today were not Supermen, or DC Comic’s “The Flash” back in the days? In other words, they all started from stage 1 by starting nice, smooth and slow and speeding things up little by little. Yes, sure that some of them may have been genetically gifted as fast runners (looking at you Usain Bolt), but you can’t just put your running shoes one day and call yourself a runner without following proper conditioning and procedures. Well, you get the gist. One might wonder how it could be possible for someone to run without actually running? It seems that the words are just being used interchangeably without the benefit of having it translated into...

If you are looking for a new pair of running shoes, either because you’re getting into running, replacing an old pair, or looking for a different feel or ride than your current ones, this catch-all list is for you. How We Analysed the Best Running Shoes In this article we will cover what we consider to be the best running shoes for men as well as women - neutral, cushioned, and stability shoes all find a home on this list. Some of the models or brands might be staples in the running shoe industry, and some may be lesser-known ones you should really look into.  We've poured 52 hours of research into...

What Are Flat-Feet? Flat-feet or fallen arches describes the condition where a person has a very low or non-existent foot arch, meaning that one or both of their feet are more or less flat on the ground. Normally, humans have an arch to their foot, providing a spring in their step and it helps distribute weight evenly across their feet and legs - it helps your feet stay flexible and adapt to the stress of walking on a variety of surfaces. Common issues include mild to severe pain in the arch, knee, lower back or the rest of your lower body when excessively walking and running. Your feet may also feel “stiffer” from the excess stress...

Nike Running Shoes: A Match Made in Heaven Nike is a name synonymous with sportswear. If you're looking for the best Nike running shoes on the market, then you're in the right place. Running shoes have been Nike's bread and butter since its formation in 1964. The founder, Phil Knight, was a University of Oregon track athlete who sold shoes out of the back of a van at races. Nike pioneered the sponge rubber midsole and was the first of its kind to offer impact protection and cushioning. Advances in Sports Science then gave us the EVA foam in the 1970s which is an air-infused foam designed to be incredibly good at withstanding impact shock....

Light up shoes were all the rage in the 90s amongst kids and adults alike. They are now making a comeback with better LED technology, USB charging, and remote controllers. We’ve covered a total of 14 of the best light up shoes for adults and kids - all of which are perfect depending on what you value. We’ve covered some of the things to look out for, as well as each shoe's best attributes as well as some caveats. Overall, we hope this list will help dispel some myths and enlighten you on the world of LED light-up shoes (not just for kids!) and help you find your perfect pair! Determining the best Light-up shoes for...

Editor's Note: We have updated some of the shoes on our list to reflect the latest selections for 2021. Our review is a culmination of 25 hours of research and testing of 45 different pairs of shoes. What is Jump Training? In this article, we will be discussing the various types of shoes that are dedicated to jumping rope and jump training, or plyometrics, at large. Plyometric exercises, or colloquially known as jump training, are exercises where we exert the maximum force of our muscles in a short time interval, multiple times in succession, to increase our power (speed and strength) long term. Jump training is a great way to learn to...

If you are here, you’ve probably joined the 80% of Americans who run to stay healthy or in shape. According to “The Benefits of Running,” a paper published by Elizabeth, running lowers blood pressure and boosts lung capacity. However, if you need the best Adidas running shoes, you will have to look beyond the design and the price point. But here’s the thing: Good Adidas running shoes should provide midsole foot cushioning, excellent arch support, and protect you from injuries. Most importantly, they should boost your athletic performance. So how do you pick the best Adidas running shoe for long-distance or just daily running? To help you make up your...

How do I choose winter boots? When it comes to buying winter boots the most important factor comes down to determining whether you need heavy-duty snow boots or less extreme winter boots. We’ll get into it in detail in the FAQ section, but a quick rundown is that snow boots are meant for harsher climates and winters while winter boots are made for milder winters. The tradeoffs are noticeable so you want to make sure you get the right kind of boot for your surroundings. Also, you should consider what you will be using the boots for - are they more for going out to the shop in the snow, or are they for going...

Can shoes help back pain?  You may not realize it, but our body isn’t just autonomous sections stitched together, but they are a complementary system that works with one another. There is a significant connection between our spine and our legs, with our legs carrying our weight and all of that force is applied onto our feet, and therefore our shoes. Things like poor posture, aging, or lack of fitness all contribute to back pain, and while we cannot control our age, we can help support our backs and relieve pain by improving our natural walk cycle and posture. Shoes with adequate engineering do both of those things well, and essentially...

Many people find running to be an intimidating hobby to get into, especially if this is their introduction or re-introduction into consistent exercise. Fortunately, the road to becoming a dedicated runner isn’t so difficult, as it is mostly about being consistent with your routine and consequently getting better. Here we will give you a set of guidelines to become a runner regardless of your past history - because in the end whether you’ve had a long life of different exercises or just getting into it, you’re still a beginner runner. Top Tips to Get you Started: Before you start - Come Prepared First and foremost, if you...

For those of you who are just getting into the sport of tennis, or perhaps are looking for a fresh pair of tennis shoes since your old ones are worn down and need to be replaced, we’ve put together this buying guide for what we consider to be the 10 best tennis shoes you can buy in 2021. We’ll cover some of the basic and fundamental information before getting to the meat of things. Differences Between Tennis Shoe Types If you’re completely new to tennis, you might not be aware that there are a variety of shoe types, to match the court style as well as the functionality you prefer. These are...

If you're on the market for new basketball shoes, or perhaps you’re just getting into the sport and want to find the best pair for yourself to not look like a clown on the court, we got you covered. We will be introducing you to some of the best basketball shoes to get in 2021. You should be asking yourself - what kind of environment you’ll be playing in most of the time? Whether it's indoor or outdoor, the shoes listed here are suitable for both terrains. It might not seem like a significant difference, but indoor is typically the preferred way to play as there are fewer variables like harsh weather and it is overall less taxing on...

Do You Need Plantar Fasciitis Insoles? In its most basic terms, Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue, your fascia, located at the bottom of your foot. This band supports the muscles in your foot as well as your arch. When this band is stretched too much, you can develop small tears on the surface, bringing about pain and eventually even bony heel spurs. A great way of dealing with this issue, healing your fascia band, and preventing further damage, is to wear supportive insoles in your day-to-day shoes. That is where this article comes in. Here we will list to you what we believe to be the 10 best insoles...

What Are Walking Shoes? If you’re an avid runner, or perhaps someone looking to get back into shape, walking is an excellent outlet as it lets you get in some exercise, perhaps on your off days, without the impact or intensity of a more demanding exercise.  Walking is a less stressful yet productive use of time, and a healthy way to stay active without overdoing yourself. Finding the right pair of shoes for walking can be a little more demanding though, as you need to determine the perfect pair for you. These types of shoes share a lot of the same qualities compared to regular running shoes, though perhaps with a few...

What are weightlifting, training, and powerlifting? Weightlifting is typically used to refer to weight training, colloquially, but weightlifting can also be referring to Olympic weightlifting. Powerlifting only refers to itself, so it is a bit less confusing. To be clear, weight training is lifting weights to increase your strength, endurance, and muscle mass. Technically both Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting can be forms of weight training, depending on your goals. In the end, weight training simply refers to increasing strength through the use of heavier weights. Olympic weightlifting consists of two types of lifts: snatch, and the clean and jerk. The snatch lift uses the legs to begin the lift and gain momentum, and shifting it to...