Athletic shoe

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An athletic shoe is a generic name for a shoe designed for sporting activities, and is different in style and build than a dress shoe. Originally known as sporting apparel, today they are known as casual footwear. Depending on what part of the world you live in, they can also go by the name sport shoes, running shoes, gym shoes, tennis shoes, sneakers (American English), trainers (British English), runners, 'running shoes', 'sneakers' (Canadian English), or sandshoes (Australian English). In some urban areas in the United States, the term for casual athletic shoes is kicks. In Hiberno-English the term is runners. In South African English the term used is takkies.

1 Use of athletic shoes
- 1.1 Use in sports
- 1.2 Casual use
2 Invention
3 Etymology
4 Choosing the proper athletic shoe
5 Popular Brands
6 Trivia
7 References
8 External links

[edit] Use of athletic shoes

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[edit] Use in sports

The term athletic shoes is used for running, basketball and tennis (amongst others) but tends to exclude shoes for sports such as football (soccer) and rugby, which are generally called "boots," or "cleats".

The shoes themselves are made of flexible material, typically featuring a sole made of rubber. While the original design was basic, manufacturers have since tailored athletic shoes for the different purposes that they can be used for. An example is the spike developed for the shoe soles for running.

[edit] Casual use

Athletic shoes have also been tailored for the casual market, and are popular especially with young people. The terms sneakers and trainers tend to be associated more with the casual use of athletic shoes.

Sneakers that are worn casually are made with a more simple "retro" design which are made to be more aesthetically pleasing than sneakers specifically designed for sports or exercise. Ironically enough, however, sneakers that were once designed for athletic purposes are now more commonly used for fashion. Examples include Converse's Chuck Taylor All Star which was designed for basketball and Adidas' Samba, a soccer boot created for indoor soccer.

Designs vary enormously depending on the origins of the manufacturer. German sneakers have a much more aggressive look, while Italian designs are somewhat more romantic, with finer lines and materials that are more expensive.^{[citation needed]}

These casual shoes are derivatives of shoes worn, and endorsed, by athletes as well as other celebrities. The market for casual athletic shoes is quite large leading to a lot of competition between companies, and their eagerness to sign up celebrities to endorse their products. Popular brands include Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Reebok, Converse and Fila.

Sneakers have become an important part of hip hop culture since the 70s. These days, numerous rappers sign million dollar deals with major brands such as Nike, Adidas or Puma to promote their shoes. Some rappers, such as Fat Joe, are even known to collect sneakers as a hobby.

[edit] Invention

The first "sneaker" was invented in 1893. It was made of canvas and was invented so boaters would not have to wear dress shoes when they were on deck- compare boating shoes.

[edit] Etymology

The term sneaker was first used in 1916 by the United States Rubber Company for the Keds brand, because rubber soles made the shoes quiet. The British English term "trainer" derives from "training shoe". Image:Sneakers.jpg Plimsolls (British English) are indoor athletic shoes, and are also called sneakers in American English.

[edit] Choosing the proper athletic shoe

Choosing the correct athletic shoe is very important to avoid injury and accidents. Feet do a lot of hard work when performing different activities and should be properly protected. Failure to protect feet during various activities can cause a lot of stress and pain to parts of your body such as you ankles, knees, hips, back and muscles. Therefore, wearing the proper athletic shoe is nearly as important as how well you can perform the activity itself. When choosing the proper shoe there are several things you need to consider.

First, what type of foot is wearing the shoe? A flat foot needs to have a shoe with less cushioning as well as a straighter fit shoe. A foot with high arches, needs a shoe that has more shock absorption and has a bit of a curve to it.

Secondly, what activity will the shoe be used for? Sports such as basketball and aerobics, requires a shoe that supports the ankle. This is to protect as the ankle while side to side movements are performed. Walking shoes also require a certain type of shoe. Walking shoes need to have a thick sole in the heel area, approximately 2 1/2 inches thick, with a BXB type sole design (helps the foot roll naturally as it moves). Running and hiking shoes require more comfort and need to be lighter in weight than walking shoes. Running shoes need to have a very flexible in the toe area.

Lastly, consider what type of surface the shoe will be performing on? If running on a trail versus a track, it may be advisable to wear a shoe that is made for trails. Outside activities that require a lot of cutting to move in different directions need a cleated shoe.

To choose the proper shoe, these three considerations to need be matched up: foot type, the sport being played, and the surface the activity is performed on. If playing a sport three times a week, a sport specific shoe is recommended in order to prevent injuries. Overall, the shoe needs to be functional and comfortable. If it is not, the proper shoe proper shoe does no good. Make sure room is allowed in the toe area, and that the back of the shoe is tight against the heel to prevent slipping. Another thing to keep in mind; when shopping for the proper athletic shoe, try on shoes with the socks you will be wearing and make sure to do it thirty minutes to an hour after working out to ensure that your foot is at its largest size. If it is too tight in the store, it will not stretch out enough during your activity without causing you some discomfort.