The quaint notion that a single pair of sneakers, another term for athletic shoes, could be used for every sporting activity died in the latter part of the 20th century. At the same time, women began participating in sports in huge numbers. As a result, shoe companies are producing specialized sneakers to meet the needs of women for a wide variety of athletic activities. In addition, sports shoes for women take into account of the different physiology between the sexes. For example, women have wider hips and tend to overpronate more when their feet strike the ground. In addition, women who wear the same size shoe as men are 10 percent to 15 percent lighter on the average, so women's running shoes can contain less cushioning and weigh less than men's running shoes.
Gym Shoes
Sneakers for the gym are classified as fitness class shoes or cross-trainers. They can be used for short jogs in a pinch, but their true home is indoors. The top 2011 recommendation from the testers at "Shape" magazine is the Nike Zoom Fly Sister One, which hugs your feet and has an extremely flexible outersole. The magazine's top cross-trainer is the Asics GEL-260 TR, featuring gel inserts under the heel and forefoot for extra cushioning. The top cross-training choice for 2011 from the testers at "Fitness" magazine is the Avia A 1433, with excellent side-to-side stability. The second choice is the New Balance 1010 with a stabilizing wraparound lacing system.
Foot Shape And Sensitivity
For women who overpronate -- roll their foot from outside to the inside when it strikes the ground -- the Reebok Premier Road Supreme is the choice of the testers at "Shape". A plastic ridge in the midsole helps keep your foot stable. "Fitness" magazine's top choice is the Brooks Infinity 2 and its runner-up is the Saucony Pro Grid Guide 2. For those with flat feet who underpronate, the Asics GEL-Foundation 8 has a wide base and low heel to keep your foot steady. For those who need extra cushioning, recommended sneakers include the Saucony Triumph 7, New Balance 1063 and Saucony Pro Grid Triumph 6.
Road Runners
"Shape" says the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 is the pick of the litter for distance runners, with its firm foam on the inner side of the midsole and gel filled insert under the heels for shock absorption. For more speed, the light and stable Mizuno Wave Rider 13 is the choice. Nubs on the outersole provide more traction for hill climbs and mesh on the uppers keeps your feet cool.
Trail Runners
The top choice from "Fitness" is the Brooks Cascadia 4, described by a tester as feeling "like road shoes with killer traction." The Nike Air Pegasus + 25ESC, lightweight with excellent traction, was the runner-up. "Shape" likes the Montrall Rockridge for rugged terrain and the Patagonia Tsali for mixed terrain. The former features nubs that provide security against slipping and the later has a shock absorbing plate up front and a sticky rubber outersole.
Other Activities
The Timberland Lionshead is the top walking shoe, in the estimation of the testers at "Fitness," for its combination of cushioning and support. Runner-up was the Asics GEL-Motion. "Shape" chose the New Balance WRW 760, with a plastic bar in the midsole for ankle stability and uppers that stay cool. For tennis, "Fitness" likes the Adidas CCIvy III and the Nike Lunar Lite Speed. The former gives you excellent lateral movement and a ventilated sweat wicking sock liner. For cycling, the selection from "Fitness" is the Shimano SH-WR 40, with assymetrical straps to alleviate pressure on the top of the foot, and the Specialized BG Torch Road Shoe.
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