Shoes keep your feet safe. They protect you during exercise from a lot of irritating things, including dirt, glass, rocks, thorns and hot pavement, that might otherwise slow you down or force you to perform avoiding maneuvers. At times you may wear one pair of shoes for the entire day, so it's important to choose a shoe that is comfortable. A few shoes made for exercise and everyday wear differentiate themselves from the pack in terms of comfort.
Vibram Five Fingers
Five Fingers by Vibram is a line of shoes made to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot; the shoe protects the bottoms of your feet with a thin layer of rubber. The shoe has no ankle or arch support whatsoever; according to the manufacturer, the shoes are designed to approximate the human foot's natural function. Five Fingers design resembles feet with individual spots for each toe; the black styles are famous for resembling those of a gorilla, so don't be surprised if you get some laughs. As of 2010 Five Fingers offers 11 models of shoes; its product usage chart designates the KSO model as suitable for every category of exercise.
New Balance 993s
New Balance's model 993 shoes have arch and heel support with a very thick layer of rubber on the shoes, which can make you look taller. Because these shoes are for stability and support in addition to running, they are worn often by senior citizens. Phil Woods, a senior who is famous for walking thousands of miles, swears by New Balance 993.
Nike Free
Although Nike Free is similar to Vibram Five Fingers because of its minimalistic design and thin sole, which are meant to simulate the comforts of barefoot walking, it almost looks like a normal shoe, and does not have separate places for each toe. The shoe has grooves in its top framework to lighten it and make it more flexible. Like almost all runner's shoes, the Nike Free is good for walking, as well.
Vivo Barefoot
Vivo Barefoot by Terra Plana are similar to the Nike Frees in that they have a thin sole with minimal framework and look like normal shoes; according to the manufacturer, the shoes help your posture and strengthen your feet. The Vivo Barefoot line also offers more active models than Nike Free and has specific models for running, walking, and even business wear. Terra Plana recommends you practice walking in these shoes before you use them to exercise or run.
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