Tall Men's Shoes: Get A Good Fit

Here are a few things to think about when choosing an athletic shoe.

Basketball Shoes
What's most important when choosing a basketball shoe? The Height Site recommends checking a few key areas:

• Flexibility. Should be most flexible in the forefoot, for making jump shots.
• Cushioning. Should absorb shock in the ball of the foot, for landing from jump shots and rebounds.
• Heel. A snug-fitting heel cup is essential to keep the ankle in place: the shoe can be high-, mid-, or low-cut, depending on the amount of ankle support desired.
• Tread. For playing outdoors, the sole should be harder and the tread deeper; a smoother tread works well for playing on a court.

John Burleson of the Sports Authority, offers this advice:

• Cushioning. Cushioning is especially important in the forefoot area. Each shoe manufacturer has its own cushioning "system" For example, Nike has "Air" and Reebok promotes its "Hexalite" material, composed of hexagonal air chambers, while Asics uses a gel based system.
• Side Support. Side Support, also called lateral and medial support, is important for making quick directional changes.
• Fit of heel cup. Try on the shoe and then put your little finger in behind the heel. It should fit snugly.
• Traction. Keep in mind the surface on which you play most often. More traction is needed on an outdoor asphalt court than an indoor's hardwood floor.
• Laces. "Rope" laces are more convenient than the more traditional flat laces because pulling on the ends will tighten up the laces on the whole shoe at once.
• Socks. They should be breathable and pull moisture away from the foot.

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Running Shoes
Need new running shoes? Here's advice from Jeff Galloway, former Olympic runner and founder and president of Phidippides International aerobic sports stores, headquartered in Atlanta:

• Don't Rush. Take time to shop, and find a knowledgeable salesperson. Good advice is crucial.
• Take Note of the Past. Check the wear pattern on your old shoes to see whether you have floppy or rigid feet. Floppy-footed runners wear out their soles on the outside and inside edges; rigid-footed runners wear out the soles predominantly on the outside edges. Floppy-footed runners can sacrifice cushioning for support; rigid-footed runners can sacrifice support for cushioning..
• Know Your Feet. Determine whether your feet are curved or straight and whether you have high arches or are flatfooted. The shoe should fit the .
• Examine The Shoe. The heel of running shoes flare out to give the foot a broader, more stable base. Without the flare, it might be a crosstraining shoe.

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Crosstraining Shoes
Crosstraing shoes are a hybrid, an all-purpose shoe for those who participate in a variety of fitness activities, such as basketball, weight lifting, or light trail hiking. If you tend to specialize in one type of activity (such as basketball), consider buying shoes designed specifically for that activity (for example, high-top basketball shoes for ankle support). To shope for an all-purpose crosstraining shoe, shoe manufacturer Nike recommends that you keep the following points in mind:

• Comfort. This is paramount. Try to simulate the activity when you try on the shoe, such as rolling from side to side for court sports, fast movement for walking or running, or walking an incline for light hiking.
• Main Activity. If you tend toward one activity a majority of the time, (such as running), look for crosstraining shoes that support that activity (for example, heel and forefoot cushioning for running).
• How You Move. If you intend to use the shoes for activities with lots of lateral movement, such as court sports or aerobic classes, look for good lateral support.

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