Choosing aerobic shoes for go rather than show

Press, 24 July 1986, Page 21

Choosing aerobic shoes for go rather than show

For anyone who has been doing aerobics in stocking feet or old sneakers, a shoe that calls itself “aerobic” is going to seem mighty special — and hence, certainly adequate. But the high-tech designation of “aerobic” can be misleading, the experts say. Many aerobics shoes are little more than pretty faces — impressive to look at, but lacking in intelligent materials and design. But aerobic shoes are getting better, and the reason they’re getting better is that consumers are wanting them that way. Injuries are dictating safe design over appearance. People are preferring to feel good rather than look good. "Serious exercisers who may have loved their first pair of aerobics shoes have long since given

them to the dog to chew,” reports the U.S. magazine “Dance Exercise Today.” “We’re starting to see more substantial shoes,” says Peter Francis, director of the biomechanics lab at San Diego State University and a consultant to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Aerobics shoes aren’t quite up to par with running shoes yet, but they’re getting there. And considering the complex demands that aerobic dance places on a shoe, this progress is to be commended all the more, Francis adds.

“The problems associated with aerobics are far more intricate than those associated with running. Runners absorb shock on the heel — a much easier situation to design a shoe around than shock being absorbed by the forefoot,

“Bodywork”

by

PORTER SHIMER

as is the case with many of the movements used in aerobics. The problem of motion control, for example, is very complex when impact is being

received by the forefoot” While many shoe manufacturers are addressing these complexities of aerobic dance, however, many are not, and this is where dancers should beware, the experts say. “Dance Exercise Today” recently completed an extensive testing of 21 leading U.S; shoe models. Shoes were worn for a minimum of three classes by 250 licensed aerobics instructors, then judged in 14 categories: here are the highlights:

Three Best Shoes for Women: The Avia 440, the Reebok Charisma, the Kangaroos Cheer.

Three Best Shoes for Men: The Reebok Mid-Cut Workout, the Avia 445, the Kaepa K-640 (high top).

Both Reebok shoes will be in Christchurch shops shortly. The others are not available here, but the

sports shoe specialists Front Runner recommend the following brands of aerobic shoes:

For women: Reebok Freestyle, Converse Aerodyne, Nike Jenny, Diadora Stella. For men: Reebok Exofit, Converse Discovery, Nike Workout.

“Several years ago, runners began to support the shoe companies that, were doing the most to produce the safest and most efficient shoes possible,” Francis says, “and that’s what aerobics people have to do, too.”

Smarter shoes will come from smarter purchasing, in other words. There’s no better foot for kicking research and development into gear than yours.

Copyright Universal Press Syndicate.