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Release date 06/29/2009
Athletic shoes are designed for a range of activities such as aerobics, weight training, light running, and court games. Consumer Reports enlisted a group of 12 panelists to test a total of 20 pairs, 10 men’s and 10 women’s, for cushioning, stability, fit, flexibility, breathability, and weight. Testing took place over three months, and panelists tested the shoes in a variety of activities from jogging and aerobics to weightlifting and kickboxing.
Consumer Reports identified the men’s Champion Amp 2 from Payless ($45) as a Consumer Reports Best Buy. Although technically a running shoe, it’s appropriate for many uses. For women, Consumer Reports recommends the Ryka Core Strength XT ($70), which earned a “Very Good” Rating across all categories, and the Avia A104W ($45), which scored well in every category except breathability, so it’s a good choice if ventilation isn’t a priority.
There were two models of shoes that caused problems for the Consumer Reports testers despite their catchy designs. The SmoothFit Mobile II Trainer, by Reebok ($70), has a tongue design that caused bunching for some panelists, which, combined with the lacing design, made it difficult to get a tight fit. And the women’s Champion C9 Rocksie (Target, $28) had elastic banding secured with Velcro instead of lacing, making it hard to secure it snugly on the foot. It also lacked effective cushioning.
“Don’t fall for flashy redesigns, even though they may look enticing on the rack,” said Gayle Williams, deputy health editor, Consumer Reports. Williams emphasized the importance of fit when purchasing an athletic shoe. “Buying the right shoe is really an individual decision,” Williams said. “You have to pay attention to how the shoe fits your foot, no matter what you’re going to be doing.”
Tips For Choosing The Best Fitting Athletic Shoe
Get expert advice. Consumers will probably pay more at an athletic footwear store than they would at a discount store, but they’re more likely to find a seasoned salesperson who can help them get the best shoe for their needs.
Shop with the right socks. Consumers should bring along the type of socks they expect to wear with the shoes; socks vary in thickness, which can affect the fit of the shoes they’re trying on.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.