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Switching to Zero Drop Shoes for a Race? Train in Them

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Similar to how men’s and womens walking sneakers with a wide toe box support a more natural stride, switching to zero drop shoes can help you feel more comfortable when you run. It’s a great investment in your stride, balance, and endurance, but changing your running shoe doesn’t work like magic. Many experienced runners recommend gradually building up to longer distances in zero drop shoes. Get Comfortable in Your New Shoes Like anything new, you have to get comfortable first. Midfoot strikes tend to feel more natural while barefoot, but when you’re wearing shoes, you may be more used to landing heel first. Most experienced marathon runners know not to wear a new pair of shoes on the big run, so you should start training in zero drop shoes early. Give your feet and legs a chance to get comfortable, and you’ll be well-adjusted on race day. Train the Muscles You Didn’t Know You Had Muscle development is crucial for long-distance performance. It could be a quick process...

Zero Drop Shoes: Are You Walking Toward More Comfortable Feet?

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When you invest in high-quality zero drop shoes, you want to make the most of them. If you’re a runner, a new pair of zero drop wide toe box running shoes may motivate you to stay consistent with your daily runs. If you prefer speed walking or leisurely trail walks, you might wonder if low or zero drop running shoes are right for your feet and activity levels. Here are four answers to common questions about zero drop shoes.  What Are Zero Drop Shoes?  Low and zero drop shoes are designed to support a more natural running experience. They can encourage a midfoot strike and help you move more smoothly through your stride, which may help reduce fatigue over time. Why Do People Run in Zero Drop Shoes? The best zero drop shoes support your body’s natural movement and abilities, offering enhanced comfort for better, long-term performance. They’re perfect for everyday runners, marathon trainees, and athletes who run just to get some cardio in their day. Can You Wear You...

Help Dad Spend Father’s Day in His Favorite Shoes

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Is the dad in your life always on the move? Whether it’s your father, husband, grandfather, or anyone else, Father’s Day is a great time to show him you support his active lifestyle. Make the day special by wrapping up a pair of zero drop hiking shoes or trail runners he can lace up the next time he hits his favorite trail. Here are a few more dad-approved outings he’s sure to enjoy. A Father’s Day Hike Through the Canyon Take your father out for a hike that’s a level of difficulty you’ll both enjoy. If you’re not a big hiker, find one that has great views or is a quick and straightforward out-and-back route with some great scenery. He can wear his zero drop hiking shoes, new or old, and enjoy spending time with you. If you’re also into hiking, make it a day trip and drive an hour or two out to an iconic hiking spot for some great memories.    A Walk Around the Outdoor Mall with the Family Pack up the whole family and head out for a walk around the outdoor mal...

4 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Runs

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Even if you love running, it’s easy to occasionally feel less motivated than usual to lace up your favorite shoes and get out there. You’re not alone! Runners of all kinds need a fresh perspective from time to time. The good news? There are plenty of ways to reignite your passion and put a spring in your step. Here are four valuable tips. Add Variety to Your Running Surfaces If you’re a weekend warrior used to traversing the trails in wide toe hiking boots or dedicated trail running shoes, lacing up a pair of road-running shoes may feel foreign. Similarly, if you’re used to pounding smooth pavement, tackling rugged terrain can feel extra challenging. However, venturing into uncharted territory can elevate a casual run and prompt you to engage in new skills and movements. Switch Up Your Route  A change of scenery may just be the change of pace you’re looking for, even if you stick to your typical running surface! Different landscapes, sounds, and scenery open up a ne...

4 Shoe Features to Look for if You Have Thru-Hiking Plans

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For all your point-to-point hiking ambitions this season, you have to be able to depend on your shoes! They are one of your most essential pieces of gear on the trail, so what features should you consider as you make your way across beautiful, rugged terrain? Here are a few tips to help you find a pair of high-performance trail shoes. Trail Running Shoes & Hiking Boots With the evolution of trail running shoes over the years, many thru-hikers have come to prefer them for long excursions. But whether you choose a trailer runner or hiking boot is entirely up to you. New boot designs have also come a long way and can offer many of the same performance features as trail runners. No matter your preference, here are four features you should keep an eye out for. 1. Wide Toe Boxes with Secure Midfoot & Heel To start, you need shoes you can trust for all the most epic and most challenging miles. Fit is everything. If you are looking for a more natural experience on the ...

Tips to Fit Running Into Your Busy Schedule

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Busy runners know the challenge of a hectic schedule and the passion for exploring the world on nothing more than their own two feet. Finding time to train consistently, or even just log a few miles each week, can be difficult. This is why prioritizing the right gear, like foot shaped shoes , building the habit, and getting creative with your planning can help you do it all. Plan with Purpose  You just got off work, the weather outside is perfect… but you left your gear at home. If this has happened to you, keeping your essential gear packed and ready to go is key to fulfilling that “I can’t wait to get outside” feeling more often. Keep a gym bag packed with an extra change of clothes, comfortable foot shaped sneakers , and other running essentials that might depend on your planned distance, the location, and the weather forecast. Consistency Over Quantity Running can sometimes feel like an all-or-nothing endeavor, making it easy to skip a run when the “perfect” conditi...

The Best Shoe Tips for Half-Marathon Training

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A running shoe can make or break your performance. If your goal is to make a half-marathon feel easier on the feet and a whole lot more enjoyable, then your choice of running shoes matters. When you put in the miles in performance shoes ahead of a big race, you feel unstoppable! Here are some tips for choosing the best running shoes to get you to the finish line Comfort Above All Else It’s easy to get swept up in the hype of what everyone else is wearing or simply choosing a shoe because you love the color or style. But the main priority should be comfort. If your shoes are uncomfortable when you try them on, it’s probably not going to get better after running a few miles in them. Low drop daily trainers are an excellent place to start. At the end of the day, fit and feel matter more than anything if your shoes allow you to perform your best. Replace and Rotate Between Pairs While it’s not “required,” if you tend to log a lot of miles, rotating between two pairs can b...