Tips & Tricks

Running is one of the oldest sports, activities, or hobbies around; it has literally existed as long as humans have. Running -- or jogging -- has had its fair share of popularity booms over the years, and it seems that the running world has been on fire for the past decade, thanks in large part to social media.

That said, there still exists a whole separate world of running that’s different from road races, color runs, and obstacle course racing, a type of running that challenges every part of you, both physically and mentally, and rewards you with breathtaking views and opportunities to experience the very best of nature in ways that are otherwise inaccessible.

What am I talking about? Trail running.

Whether you run through the woods near your home, a hillside, through a mountain pass, or through a community park, trail running -- while similar in nature to road running -- presents many opportunities and challenges that differ from more “traditional’ types of running. You’ll be pleased to know that while trail running is really hard work, you may very well find that spending significant amounts of time training on trails results in speed and strength that you can easily transfer over to the roads, making you feel like you can work harder, longer, and go further, without as much effort.

If you’re interested in taking your running to the next level, I can’t encourage you to check out trail running enough. Below, I’ll describe some tips that will help you get started with trail running.

My tips to help you get started with trail running include the following:

Find some trails near you to run.

This is obvious, but if you want to run trails, you’ve got to find them first! Check out a map of your hometown, and see where you can find the big patches of green; that’s usually a safe place to assume is a trail or park system. Similarly, there are often trails that run parallel to rivers or big bodies of water. It’s ok if you don’t run trails every single day; in fact, even if you just run them on the weekends, when your schedule isn’t as crunched for time between work and family obligations, you can still reap the physical and mental challenges and benefits that this sport confers.

Don’t buy new stuff right away; first, experiment.

It can be tempting to go to your nearest running store and buy all new trail stuff right away. However, you may first find that what you have will already work quite well for your needs. Experiment for a while on your trail runs to see what you need to change. You may learn, for example, that your usual trainers work just as well on roads as they do on trails, but you may instead find that you should buy taller socks that would help keep out “nature” from your shoes and ankles. Similarly, you may have to buy a hydration vest for the first time in your life, particularly if you plan to be spending large amounts of time out in the trails. And hey, as a bonus, whatever money you don’t spend on gear you’ll have to use on future racing and trail running endeavors!

Chat with knowledgeable locals.

When you’re doing something for the first time, it’s highly likely that you don’t know what you don’t know. That said, with trail running, it’ll behoove you to connect with a local trail running group, folks who have been doing this stuff for a long time and who can help show you the ropes. Ask them all the questions you have, follow them on training runs so you don’t get lost, let yourself be the new runner who doesn’t know anything, and in time, once you’ve become more experienced and knowledgeable, you’ll be able to pass on all your newly-acquired wisdom and knowledge to the next newbie.

Expect to be sore in different places.

If you’re used to running roads, you may be surprised that your body is sore in different ways, in different places, when you begin running trails. This is normal! When you run roads, more often than not, you’re moving just in one plane of motion (forward, sagittally). When you run trails, though, you constantly move back and forth between different planes of motion to account for all the varying terrain, ascents, and descents you encounter. With that in mind, your body -- which is unaccustomed to such a variety of motion patterns -- will take a little bit of time to get used to this new way of running. You may find that areas like your hip flexors, ankles, and small stabilizing muscles are incredibly sore after your first few trail runs. That’s ok -- and they’ll get stronger in time.

You’ll be slower on trails than on roads. That’s normal.

Finally, when you begin running on trails, expect that your pace may be significantly slower on trails than what you post on roads. This is normal and to be expected because think about it: how fast can you really run if you’re running straight up a mountain, or over rocky and rooty terrain, or on a downhill that’s peppered with rocks the size of your head? The terrain you encounter will dictate your speed, and that’s part of the joy and challenge of trail running. Similarly, don’t be surprised if you find that walking, or power hiking, some parts of your run to be more efficient than running. Even the professionals’ power hike when it makes sense to! Rely more on your perceived rate of exertion than your GPS or splits when you’re running trails, and I bet you’ll find it more enjoyable and the experience much richer.

Trail running is like recess for adults. It’s one of the few times we have to simply go out and be with nature, in all her unadulterated bliss, and unsurprisingly, it can do a huge number for our mood and our mental health. Enjoy the amazing opportunities and views of beautiful landscapes that trail running affords you, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride and the challenge! Both your body and your mind will thank you for giving it this awesome new experience.

AUTHOR’S BIO: JANE GRATES

A hiking addict, fitness enthusiast and a full time writer. Performing at the crossroads of reality and purpose to craft delightful experiences.

The Black Friday sale is one of the most anticipated events by most of us. I mean, who would want to miss the biggest sales and discounts of the best deals of the year, right?

Well, it’s surely is a great time to buy nice Black Friday basketball shoes to take care of your feet until the next year. However, with the large volumes and numbers of basketball shoes available in the market today, it could be hard to choose the absolute best that suits all your needs.

That’s why we have come up with these trampoline reviews to hopefully help you find the perfect match for you. We have conveniently included the top brands and models of basketball shoes plus their important features and highlights. 

Five Best Black Friday Basketball Shoes

Just like in buying any good investment, it pays to research about the features first before making a decision. In order to help you compare the best shoes available to you, here are their brief product reviews.

1. Nike Youth KD 8 Basketball Shoe

This model from Nike is part of a series of some of the highest quality and best performing shoes from Nike. The shoes feature full coverage cushion and amazing traction. With the perfect size, you also get excellent support.

● It offers a modified herringbone pattern on the rubber sole that appears to be almost digitized. These offer reliable traction on the hardwood court.

● The new full-length articulated Zoom Air cushion unit provides a very explosive and springy support at the sections underneath the balls of the feet. The full-length cushion also flexes better than most other shoe models.

● The lightweight Phylon cushion is responsive yet stable.

● The shoes use a performance woven material called Flyweave that’s comfortable, high-performance, and durable

● The woven material used in the upper allows for a shorter break-in period than other plastic materials.

● The lockdown is secure and pretty solid.

● The forefoot fits snuggly to keep the feet in place.

● The Flywire cables in specific areas of the sole provide reinforcements during lateral movements.

● Form-fitting uppers follow the natural shape of your feet for better support and comfort.

● The flat and wide unit ensures stability and prevents collapse or folding os the bag.

2. Air Jordan 11 Retro “72-10” Basketball Shoes

Some people say that this model is one of the most anticipated basketball shoe releases of the year. Based on the 1995 to 1996 Chicago Bulls team, the color combination is a more modern take on the classic red and black colorway.

● Stylish looking leather upper and translucent rubber sole.

● The durable rubber outsole features a herringbone pattern for excellent traction and stability.

● The tumbled leather upper and shiny patent leather rand are both pleasant to look at and durable.

● Excellent comfort is provided by the soft padded collar.

● The synthetic overlays also provide a supportive fit, especially on the forefoot.

● The Velcro brand strap fastener ensures a snug and secure fit.

● Superior cushioning is guaranteed by the encapsulated air-sole units.

● These shoes fit perfectly and true to their size.

3. Nike Jordan Men's Air Jordan Retro 10 Basketball Shoes

One of the best on-court options, these shoes offer all features a player could ask for. The shoes are crafted incredibly using the finest materials.

● These require no break-in period and can be used on-court straight out of the box.

● The overall traction is solid and stable on any court surface condition and all sorts of movements like sudden stops, quick cuts, crosses, or jab steps.

● Offer good cushioning with the Phylon midsole to provide smooth heel-to-toe transitions without compromising court feel.

● You get what you pay for regarding materials. Each pair is handcrafted with organic, high-quality materials.

● Fits fantastically for an easy, quick, and pain-free breaking in period.

● Retain their shape despite being made of pliable leather.

● Secure and snug fit.

● The mesh tongue provides ventilation.

● Provides minimal yet effective support especially along the midsole section which features a molded arch.

4.Nike Hyperdunk 2014 Men's Basketball Shoes

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These Nike Hyperdunk 2014 Men’s Basketball shoes are also another solid choice, suitable for any position on the court floor.

● These shoes offer good traction, especially on a really clean court.

● They have a target Lunarlon at the forefoot and heel inside the Phylon midsole.

● These are ideal for guard players but also work for center play.

● Impact protection is low profile yet satisfactory.

● The materials used are fuse and mesh, both of which are breathable, flexible, and durable.

● Fit true to fit lengthwise.

● Near perfect support thanks to the dynamic Flywire keeping the feet secured to the footbed, the TPU shank giving torsional support, and heel cups preventing your heels from shifting too far sideways.

5. Adidas Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes

Last but certainly not the least, these basketball shoes offer excellent cushion and consistency in every other category. They are also suitable for any player, whether for quick and explosive or slow and big movements.

● They offer excellent traction for your peace of mind all throughout the game.

● Cushioning provides an amazing extra boost, comfort, responsiveness, and impact absorption.

● Brings utmost stability thanks to the soft rubbery TPU wrap on the lateral midsole section that supportively hugs the heel while allowing the heel to spread.

● These shoes feature unrestricted durable Primeknit material. Meaning, there are no glued or fused pieces, but a solid, continuous piece of Primeknit lined with Nylon on strategic places to prevent too much stretch.

● They also fit true to the size.

● The lockdown is great despite only four eyelets.

● A brace can be worn with the shoes without having to get a larger size.

● Only requires a brief break-in period thanks to the stretchable knitted upper.

● These have a stable, wide, flat platform with a TPU cage and spring plate for utmost torsional support and stability.

What to Look for When Choosing Basketball Shoes on Black Friday

In order for you to understand how these shoes were chosen as the best, here are some tips regarding the factors you should consider when buying a pair:

● Before purchasing anything, decide on a budget and stick to it. Sure, quality usually comes with a price, but there are always good deals that will give you the best possible product at a price range you can afford.

● Next, you should seek a sneaker with great traction. Lately, almost all new shoe releases feature excellent traction, but you also have to make sure that these work on multiple playing surfaces. The outsole is an important factor and whether or not it will provide the traction or grip that you need depends on the material and its durability. The thickness, softness, and the pattern of the sole also has a lot to do with its function. For instance, softer rubber materials are meant for indoor use while more durable; harder rubber soles work better outdoors.

● Durability is another important factor. While lightweight basketball sneakers are currently in the spotlight, finding one that is both light and durable is hard. So, you might have to compromise a little weight for the longevity of a pair.

● The choice of materials used for shoes often dictates how durable, easy to clean, and comfortable they will be. Usually, plant-based synthetic uppers withstand the most damage while raw synthetic materials feel the nicest but will give up more easily. There are many options today, however, that combine the benefits of these two. You just have to keep an eye out for them.

● No matter how high quality or durable the materials are and how great a pair’s features are, ill-fitting shoes will just do you more damage than good. Make sure that your shoes fit perfectly by having your feet professionally measured, especially if you often buy your shoes online. Otherwise, you might suffer from pain, discomfort, or even injuries for having to have to do with too-tight or too-loose basketball shoes. It’s also smart to choose materials like suede and leathers rather than hard, plastic-based synthetic materials. Although the latter is more durable, the former will break in more easily and stretch or follow your feet’s natural form over time.

● Comfort is another important factor to consider. With today’s technology, many brands have been able to make soles that offer the best arch support and cushion for the most comfortable experience. Air-based and foam cushions are two of the best choices, the only difference between which is their responsiveness. Air-based cushions generally are more responsive than foam, meaning, they return a bit of the impact that goes into them. However, foam cushions are now becoming more and more responsive, although this trait does not last very long.

● Style, on the other hand, depends largely on your personal preference. Some people look at style more than they do about price while some people couldn’t care less about how their shoes look like as long as they perform well. Either way, be careful about choosing the style and construction of the shoes you buy as these can also affect their overall durability and comfort.

● Your body size, body type, weight, and height are also important factors to consider when looking for shoes, especially if you prefer signature sneakers. Often, models or players where these signature brands are based have a specific body type for which the shoes are designed. For example, LeBron James is a tall guy who needs much more support and less mobility than players with smaller body builts. Kobe Bryant or Derrick Rose signature shoes, on the other hand, are built light and low to the ground for lighter, quicker players. Kevin Durant shoe lines are made for all-around play as well, but since Durant is tall, they also provide a certain level of flexibility and support. Consider individual and team models to choose the kind of shoes that will cater to your needs.

● Remember your style of play and position when looking for the best basketball shoes. Different playing styles require different levels of support, cushion, traction, lockdown, and fit, or a combination of these. If you tend to occupy several places on the court, there are also shoes made for all-around players.

Conclusion:

We hope that these Black Friday Basketball shoes reviews and considerations can help you choose which brand and model of basketball shoes best suits your taste and needs!

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Have you planned about the shoes that you would be wearing this fall? If not, then it is a high time to purchase for one. It is certain that you are certainly going to enjoy the trends of the fall of 2017 and especially those that are branded. Various names set such trends and provide such footwear as well.

So while you begin your search for the wardrobe of fall 2017, here is a comprehensive list of the footwear style that you ensemble with what you look like.

A Combo Pack

Cleats, sneakers, and shoes which are worn with the socks is not an unusual pattern and style that you would be thinking. There are brands out there in the market viz. Nine West and Tommy Hilfiger that have some of the chunkiest heel designs that will adorn your feet.

One of the Tommy Hilfiger shoes is having rounded toe with the over-the-ankle rocker piece and Western Styled lacing. The checked stocked that you would prefer to wear would give the viewers a feel of the eerie design.

Many designers use this trend particularly, but the favorite of most of the people is pairing of the T-bar d’Orsay with the Edun. They specifically have white socks that would crunch around your ankles and combined with the chunky heel and body painted white. This would make you feel the modern version of the childhood footwear while visiting the Church on the Easter days.

Furr-ocious Shoes

Whether it is faux or real, Fur is hugely famous on the 2017 runway. Fur is something that has been trending on the realistic scene. From hair scenes to coats and accents, it is always ruling the charts. You will get to see the pompoms and other such tidbits on the heels and shoes as well.

Sometimes, the fur coating and the coat treatments that are provided to the sneakers and heels are just beyond the ninth cloud. This will not only give a stylish touch to your footwear but also keep you protected from the chilled external weather conditions. While you are done with these sticking, you will feel that you simply can't-do without these Dune Footwears.

Glitter Glitter All the Way..!!!

I would like them a thousand times…!!! While the sparkling and glittering shoes appeared on the Saint Laurent show, it became the shoes to the beat and the boots flashing as if it is made up of the frosted fire. With every step you take, the boots and the sneakers will be sparkling to the core… The image is also associated with the romantic feeling as well firmness too.

The mixed space exploration comprised of combo pack of the high-end fashion and street style along with the space-inspired glittering and metallic & silver boots. The mix was done by the world-famous designer, Karl Lagerfeld.

Suede Ones..!!

When you purchase for the Suede shoes, make sure that you choose the lovely colors like Camel or Navy Blue. When you look at the beautiful Shoeaholics Suede Shoes, then you will get to understand that why this shoe is being included in this list.

With platform heels, this would give you a nostalgic feeling. But then, you would wonder about the differences then. Well, the main differences that exist in between the two versions are the lace. The lacing in this is on the front side, and the toes are pointed instead of being square-shaped.

Studs here and there!!

There is a recent trend that is taking place in most of the places during the fall. Many footwear designers and manufacturers have started to include designed booties and studs. These appear as the silver half balls with their white base.

From French Royal Shoes to that of the Coach, they have included a shimmering gold body and darkened silver framework throughout the half of the top and the heels as well. This is a trend that is being followed by many leading footwear manufacturers including Gucci.

Pointy Toes

The biggest fall trends of 2017 are the usage of the pointed toe, though it has been noticed somewhere that they toe has been rounded at times. The main and primary aspect is that the pointed toe is being on the chic side. It has been noticed that when you tend to wear these type of shoes and footwear, then your feet would pain.

But still, the people tend to wear due to the sole reason of fashion. The pointed toes exist everywhere, from sequined shoes to futuristic designs. It is becoming the increasing trend of the fall and winter seasons..!!

The pointy toes along with the rounded heels with the ankle straps to ankle boots are simply delectable. The pointy toes are the best route of footwear for the fall and winter season..!!

Go Wild

The reptile skin textures are something to be coveted of. It gets even lovelier when you combine it with the wildcat texture. Stylized leopard prints that appear on Michael Kors with the heeled boots look pretty funky yet stylish with themselves.

The unique combination of the tiger stripes with the soft orange or sky blue hues would make it even more attractive and makes it stand out from the collection.

Shoes with Multiple Buckle and Straps

If you love the kind of the gladiator look with the strappy shoes and the silver hardware added at every other point of your heel, you would love the 8” heel with the strappy ones. There is another pattern as well viz. Ribbons, lace-up and suede shoes.

Also, instead of the traditional buckles that are available in the market, you can opt for the designs which are clickable that would make a mid-calf. If you feel that it would cost you a fortune, then you are mistaken. Apart from the rakish looks, it is quite good to look for.

Footwear is among the most sensitive parts of an individual’s personal look; people want to look good and leather boots can achieve such. Leather boots are always a welcomed addition to one’s footwear collection.

Owing to their durability, leather boots have attracted many admirers but imagine the frustration when reality hits the buyer that the shoes are nothing but small in size. However, remedies on how to shrink leather boots exist!

Of Soaked Boots and Socks

This approach to shrinking leather boots entails the use of both the leather boots and socked. For starters, it is good to use lukewarm water to soak the leather boots in.

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Naturally, leather shrinks when exposed to some heat, however, its elasticity is also at risk hence caution is generally advised. Soaking can be done either in a bathtub or a water basin of considerable size depending on what is available. The duration of the soaking can take at least one hour for better results.

Once this has been done, attention can now shift to the socks.

The socks to be used are soaked for five minutes and they’ll be ready for the shrinking procedure. An alternative approach is wearing the socks and placing your legs in water hence soaking the socks. Here the user will have to settle for the option that is not only easy but also comfortable for them to employ. What follows thereafter is the most critical part…wearing the boots with the socks on until they dry!

As one goes on with their daily activities drying takes place thus shrinking the boots! Leather conditioner can be applied later on. This technique works best with genuine leather boots, lesser quality boots are likely to get spoilt.

Water and heat

The presence of a source of heat is mandatory. The water that one ought to use should also be lukewarm to ensure that leather’s natural property to shrinking on heat exposure is utilized. Application of water to the boots takes a different turn to that discussed earlier on. A spray bottle filled with lukewarm water is to be used to sparingly spray water on the loose parts of the boots.

In the event such a bottle is not available, dabbing fingers in water and applying it on the boot may be a convenient alternative.

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There are many ways to dry the leather boots. The boots can be left a safe place to slow-dry on their own. However, if speed is required the boots can be dried under the sun or next to a fireplace. A blower can also be used as an alternative.

It should be noted that excess heat will cause cracking of the leather hence caution should be exercised.

Sewing

Sewing and elastic band on the heel of a leather boot is best suited for the thinner boots. One can start by cutting an elastic band of relevant size making sure that it is in excess to ensure a smooth sewing.

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The band is then aligned to the heel using safety pins (although hair ins can also be used for this), a needle and thread are thereafter used to conduct the process. This method definitely needs a set of good skills and an experienced cobbler to do it best.

Insoles

In the event there exists a space between the feet and the upper section of a leather boot an insole can be the simplest remedy. Options exist between a permanently glued insole and a detachable one which will be placed on top of the existing insole. However, thick and detachable insoles are the best to use to solve the problem and they guarantee comfort to the wearer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is crystal clear that there are ways to address the problem of having larger boots. The boots can be shrunk to a favorable customized size that the owner in question can be comfortable with.

However, care should be taken especially where heating and warm water are in play, this is simply due to the fact that excessive heat does more harm than good on the leather boots. Shrinking of the boots can either be done personally or be contacted out but in any case it’s good to know exactly what is being done to that hard earned leather boot of yours. Information is power so they say, all leather boot loving readers should consider themselves empowered!

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