How To Buy Running Shoes example essay topic

Harris-Jenkinson Speech 14-10-02 Informative Speech How to Buy a Running Shoe Purpose: To teach people how to buy a running shoe. Introduction: Has anybody here ever walk into a shoe store looking for a running shoe? You were probably dazed and confused because there were just so many different brands and styles to choose from. Now a days, shoe stores stock their running sections with different brands and styles.

If you are one of those people who has not been shoe shopping in years, then prepared to be shocked. Technology and designs of running shoes have changed drastically. Running shoes are better than ever now, due to these changes. Also, with all the different name brands such as Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Nike and others, you can assure yourself your are paying for a quality product. Preview Statement: Now it is just a matter of finding the right shoe for you. Today, I hope to show you how to find the right running shoe for you by getting the right fit, determining the type of foot you have, and the type of shoe to look for.

Body: I. Fit of the Shoe A. Get feet measured. 1. Always measure both feet. 2. Measure width of both feet. 3.

Measure length of the arch. B. What to do when preparing to buy shoes. 1. Buy shoes in the middle of the day when going to buy shoes. (BLOOM.) 2.

Wear the socks you plan to run in. (Allison) 3. Run up and down the store with the shoe on. Get a feel of the shoe. 4.

Check if the size is right. Both in width and length. You should have an average of half and inch from the longest toe to the end of the shoe. (RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER.) 5. Ask questions.

That is what the person helping you out is there for. II. Types of Feet A. Flat Footed 1. Over Pronation: When foot rolls in excessively, causing instability of the foot. 2.

A foot that over pronates absorbs shock well. 3. If over pronation is not prevented then knee pains, heel pain, or lower back injury may occur. B. High Arched Foot 1. Supination: When the foot does not pronate enough, causing lack of shock absorption to the feet. 2. A foot that supinates has very good support.

3. If supination is not prevented then pain in the outside of the shins and feet will occur. C. Normal Foot 1. Neutral: The foot pronates enough to absorb shock, while still in stable motion. 2. A rare case if somebody has a neutral gait. D. Testing for Foot type 1. Wet Paper Test: Have person get their feet wet, then put their feet on a piece of dark construction paper.

If imprint shows whole foot that means he / she is flat footed. If majority of the foot is showing besides the arch then he / she has a high arch. If majority of foot and arch is showing then he / she is normal. 2. Shoe Patterns: Take your current pair of running shoes, turn them upside down and look at the forefoot of the shoe. The pattern will either be down the middle of the shoe (neutral), down the arch side (over pronate) of the shoe or down the outside (supinate) of the shoe.

Most of us will have excessive wear on the outside heel, for that is where we heel strike. The true wear pattern is found by looking at the front of the shoe. (HANC) . Types of Shoes A. Motion control shoes 1. Motion control shoes should be consider for people who have flat feet. 2.

These type of shoes usually have a denser mid sole on the medial side of the shoe. 3. Motion control shoes are used to add more stability to the foot, slowing down the rate of pronation. B. Cushioning Shoes 1. Cushioning shoes should be consider for people with high arches. 2. These type of shoes are usually feel softer in the mid sole.

Example: Nike Air Max. 3. Cushioning shoes are used to absorb the shock away from the foot, thus relieved's stress away from the feet and body. C. Neutral Shoes 1. Neutral shoes should be consider for people with normal arches. 2.

These type of shoes usually a blend of a motion control shoe and a cushioning shoe. The cushioning is available in the shoe, but a stability device is added. D. Type of Running Terrain 1. Trail shoe: Trail shoes have deeper grooves on the sole of the shoe for better traction on muddy or slippery surfaces. This makes the shoe a little more heavier and durable than a regular training shoe. 2. Training shoe: Tend to be more softer and lighter than a trail shoe.

This shoe is more suitable for pavement running rather than trail running due to the sole of the shoe. Summary: The keys in buying a proper running shoe is getting the right fit, knowing the type of foot you have and type of shoe you need. Conclusion: The next time you step into a shoe store looking for a running shoe, do not be intimidated by numerous amount of shoes to choose from. Use the information I gave you to make your life and the salesperson's life a lot more easier. Works Consulted List Allison, Don.

'Basic Training. ' web Access date 4-10-02 Bloom, Marvin. 'The Right Shoes for You. ' Running & Fit News. (1999) Volume 16 Number 2.

' Research and Development Center. ' The Athlete's Foot. (1999) web and development / index. j sp? page = fit tip. Access date: 4-10-02 Hanc, John 'Finding the Right Running Shoes. ' Running for Dummies. Wiley, 1999.135-140.