We all have them don’t we?  Usually more than one pair.  They’re lying at the bottom of our closet gathering dust.  Worn just enough that you’d rather use a different pair but not worn enough to throw away.  What am I taking about?  That stacks of used walking sneakers of course.  We’ve all fallen prey to the impulse to purchase a new pair of sneakers not because we really need them but because you’ve tired of you old pair and just want a change.  Now this walking gear been sitting there for a month or two, what to do with them?  Throw them away?  There is a better idea.  There are a number of organizations that will gladly take them off your hands…or in this case your feet.

The first obvious recipient would be your favorite local charity organization.  Those that collect used clothing.  Goodwill Industries comes to mind, but there are many others.  They typically have drop off points or schedule periodic pickups. 

That’s the obvious one but there are many others.  For example Nike has a program called Reuse-a-shoe.  You drop off your old walking sneaker at one of their locations (a locator can be found on their web site) and they will break the shoes down into its component parts and recycle it into what’s called Nike Grind.  A raw material used in constructing the soft flooring for basketball courts and running tracks.

Soles4Souls is another great organization that ships walking sneakers both new and used to the needy around the world.  They encourage people to set up shoe collection drives and provides some “how to” information.  Their motto “Changing the World, One Pair at a Time” gives you their perspective.   You simply box up your old sneakers and send them to one of their three warehouse locations.

Another is Heart and Sole a program affiliated with Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.  They have been collecting and redistributing used walking sneakers to charitable organizations around the globe since 1999.

Others include:

One World Running

Sole Responsibility

The Shoe Bank

Another excellent source for finding drop of locations is Recycled Runners. Com.  A directory of sneaker collection programs.  Keep in mind that most of these organizations are looking for slightly worn walking sneakers so if the old sneakers are really ”old” save them for the Nike recycle program. 

So if you’re tired of stumbling over that stack of old walking gear why not donate them to one of these organizations.  You’ll be helping the needy, the environment and yourself.

Technorati Tags: donation, goodwill, green, recycle, running shoes, Walking Gear, walking sneakers

Foot Pain, Ugh!!! It can be a major issue with exercise walkers, especially for those just starting out or those restating a program after an extended layoff. In fact there are nearly 60,000,000 Americans with some sort of foot problem. These problems run the gamut from bunions, blisters, sore or weak ankles, heel and arch pain and painful joints. Since the foot is the structural basis for your entire body, foot problems can also lead to knee and lower back issues as well. In addition, foot injuries often time take a long time to heal, keeping you out of action for protracted periods which may ultimately cause you to abandon your exercise routine all together.

There are a number of preventative walking equipment and walking procedures that will help you avoid foot related injuries. Below is a list of a few.

For a beginner or someone restarting a walking program the suggestions are basically to buy good walking equipment and to start your routines slowly.

1. Start your exercise program with short walks. Keep them short for a week or so. If all is well gradually increase the distance.
2. On your initial short walks try and find soft, flat surfaces, avoid concrete. Walking on a track or a trail to start out will minimize the pounding on your feet, legs and back.
3. When first starting out on your exercise regime, take your short walks at a leisurely pace, increasing speed gradually.
4. If you develop foot, ankle, knee or lower back pain, stop walking. Get home the best way you can. (Another reason to carry a cell phone with you when you walk). Don’t push it. Don’t’ try and walk through the pain. Once home rest the affected area. Give it time to heal properly before restarting your program.
5. If you experience a repetitive injury of the same type in the same location, you may want to consider visiting a podiatrist or sports medicine practitioner and having your feet, gait and posture evaluated. Orthodontics may be in order. Note: Be sure you visit a professional no self-diagnosis. Improper fitting orthodontics will end up causing more harm than good.
6. Take a look at your feet after a walk. Look for any signs of redness or irritation. If they do appear address them immediately. Examine your walking equipment and try and identify the cause. You can apply moleskin or pressure pads to help compensate for any problems you uncover.
7. Take care of your feet. Keep them clean and be sure to keep the nails trimmed. A little preventive maintenance can go a long way in preventing injury.
8. How about walking equipment.   First and foremost select a sneaker specifically designed for walking. Try to avoid the bargain basement when you are out shopping for a pair. Stick with brand names that have developed a solid reputation for producing a good, quality product. Avoid fad sneakers. Those that promise enhanced results. They seldom do. Make sure the one you select fits well. Bring a pair of walking socks with you when trying on sneakers. The sneaker should be comfortable, snug but not too tight or have pressure points.
9. After purchasing a new pair it’s important to break them in properly. Alternate wearing your old and new pair until your feet have gotten use to the new sneakers and the new sneakers have gotten use to your feet.
10. The other important item in proper foot protection is a walking sock. Here you should stick with a synthetic or wool composition or a blend of the two. Selecting this style will help keep your feet dry and free of blisters. Avoid cotton socks. Make sure that the socks you select are the correct size and fit well. Improper fitting socks can bunch up and cause all sorts of foot pain and problems.

Check our this post for more info on sock selection.

As the foot is the foundation of your body’s entire structure so proper foot care is the foundation of a good exercise walking routine. Buy the correct walking equipment and follow sound exercise walking procedures. You take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you.

Technorati Tags: back pain, blisters, foot injuries, foot problems, walking sneakers, walking socks

Who hasn’t got caught in the rain or snow or step into one puddle or another and ended up with a pair of soggy, smelly walking sneakers as a result. Here may be a product that will resolve the problem quickly and easily. .. Stuffitts

What are they?

Stuffitts are shoe inserts designed to address moisture and odor problems in walking sneakers. They feature two cedar-chip filled, shoe-shaped inserts connected by a removable leash. The outer cover is made from advanced wicking material. The fabric consists of two 2 distinct layers which enhance its’ ability to remove moisture from the surrounding shoe material. An inner bag contains highly absorbent cedar chips which traps and holds the moisture wicked from the shoe. The inner bag is inserted through a zippered heel in the outer cover. A configuration that enables the cedar bag to be removed enabling you to throw the wicking outer cover in the wash. Stuffitts are joined together by a 36” adjustable, detachable strap which can be connected or separated, making the sneakers easy to sling over a doorknob or place side-by-side under the bed.

How do they work?

Simply insert Stuffitts into your shoes over night. Stuffitts eradicate odor by absorbing moisture, the growth medium for the odor producing bacteria that give your sneakers that awful smell. Eliminating this moisture creates an inhospitable environment for these bacteria and they along with the smell disappear. While air drying a wet sneaker can take more than 24 hours, Stuffitts absorb nearly 100% of the wetness and order causing bacteria, doing most of the work in an hour or so. Stuffitts claim to be able to dry out your sneakers 25X faster than air drying. They come in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large and three colors : Black, Blue, and Red. The cedar inserts last six months before they need to be replaced.

Are they effective?

I undertook a broad internet search to see what the overall reaction to the product was from actual users. In general, the responses were extremely positive. Stuffitts appear to do what they are meant to do and do it quite well. So if you find yourself with walking sneakers that have need of a serious detoxification program you couldn’t do worst that stuff it with Stuffitts.
 

You can order them online at: www.stuffitts.com

Technorati Tags: foot odor, moisture removal, odor control, ordor removal, shoe odor, Stuffitts, wet shoes

Bird Cage Backpack

You really have to have a special relationship with your bird to spend $129 on this little gem. Known as the “Pak o Bird” it comes in three sizes which should fit most sized pet birds, unless your into domesticating raptors. The backpack is fully features with a privacy curtain, adjustable food cup and a durable dragonwood perch. The mesh is see-through but bite-proof to prevent any escape attempts while you and Tweetie are out and about.

Heated Hiking Boots

From the “If your not warm, your not walking fast enough” Department, Columbia has a line of boots that have dual heaters built into them . They have three temperature settings and powered by rechargeable lithium polymer batteries that runs for 3 to 8 hours before requiring a recharge. No clue as to where your going to get that recharge while you’re out hiking, perhaps a long extension cord. Oh and they have a LED display which gives you an actual read out of how warm your feet are. Just in case you couldn’t figure it out on your own. Yours for just $250.

Electricity Generating Backpack

Lightning Packs developed a backpack called the Suspended Load Backpack that actually generates electricity. As the user walks, the spring-mounted backpack bounces slightly, turning a gear on a generator creating power . It can generate up to 7.4 watts, enough power an MP3 player, a LED headlamp, a PDA, a hand held GPS, a cell phone and who knows what else, all at the same time. Now I know where you can get a recharge for your heated hiking boots.

Glove Shoe

FiveFingers are thin, rubber foot gloves made by Vibram, an Italian company…and I always though Italians had a sense of fashion. Their design is based on a theory that all the cushioning typically found in athletic shoes is bad for you and that the only “natural” way to walk or run is barefooted. I tell you what, I don’t care how good they are, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing these things in public. They cost $75 to $85 a pair.  Why they aren’t call FiveToes is beyond me.

So there we have a couple of real beauties that can be truly classified in the “What were they thinking” category of walking equipment. If you’ve come across any other walking gear that meet the exacting standards of Wacky Walking Equipment send me an email and I’ll be sure to include them in the next installment.

Technorati Tags: backpacks, hiking boots, walking sneakers

We spend a great deal of time talking about your walking shoes and there’s a very good reason for that. Walking shoes are an essential piece of walking equipment gear. It’s important that they are the proper shoe for the task i.e classified as “walking shoes or sneakers”. It’s important that they fit properly and provide adequate cushioning and support. Its’ important that they be checked periodically for wear and tear. And it is important they they be properly maintained. You spent a bit of time and money to select and purchase just the right pair so it’s to your benefit that you spend a little time and money to properly take care of them.

With leather shoes or boots the first thing you want is to apply additional weatherproofing. Moisture is a shoes worst enemy. While most outdoor shoes claim to be “weatherproofed” the quality and durability of that feature will vary greatly. Therefore, it’s a good idea to go the extra step and apply an additional coating just to make sure. Weatherproof sealants are readily available at most athletic shoe or outdoor gear stores. Apply the sealant per the instructions on the product. Pay extra attention to the stitching and stitching holes. Those are usually the first things that rot. If your shoes are suede or fabric, there are waterproofing sprays that will do the job. Be sure to select the right product to your shoes material. One more tip…after you’ve got your new walking shoes waterproofed, wear them around the house for a day or two to break them in. Your shoes will thank you and so will your feet

OK you’ve taken your first walk, they feel great and you’ve taken them off. Now what? Don’t just throw them under the bed and pull them out again tomorrow. How you treat you shoes from this point will have a huge impact on how long they last and the level of comfort and support they provide. Moisture is the enemy of shoe, regardless of the material they are made of. First thing you need to do after your walk is clean your shoes of all mud, dirt, grass and any other type of grim you’ve pick up during your walk. With leather shoes a rag and brush usually will do the trick. With fabric shoes it may be necessary to use a little soap and water on the uppers to get out all the grit and grim. Never, never throw them in the washer and /or dryer. Don’t soak them either. Hand wash with a rag, a brush and a bit of soap and cold water. Let them air dry. With a suede shoes it’s best not to get the wet. Simply use a toothbrush to clean away the dirt and grim. Difficult stains will usually require a special stain remover. Nubuck and durabuck leather should be treated the same way as suede with regular brushing and an appropriate stain remover when necessary. Never put your walking shoes next to a heat source wet or dry.

Next either stuff them with newspaper or invest in a pair of cedar shoe trees and allow them to completely dry out. It’s really a good idea to have two pairs of walking shoes. This will allow you to alternate and give each pair time to completely dry out between walks. As the shoes age take a quick look at the soles and heels to check for excessive wear. Weatherproofing doesn’t last forever. It’s a good idea to occasionally reapply the weatherproofing materiel. Don’t over do it, follow the instructions on the can or bottle. If you’ve gotten caught in the rain and your shoes are soaked, allow them to air dry completely before you do any cleaning or polishing. Again NO DRYER.

With the popularity of fabric shoes, the art of polishing leather seems to be in decline. So for those who are unfamiliar with the process we offer the following. First buy a polish that contain both wax and conditioning agents. Don’t use liquid polishes. They dry out leather and cause cracking.

Use a brush or damp cloth to remove any dust and dried mud from the uppers, heel and sole. Next remove the laces. Apply the polish with your applicator brush in a circular motion. Be sure to work the polish into all the nooks and crannies .Once you done applying the polish let the shoes set for 15 minutes. After the wax has dried. brush them with a polish brush, soft bristled, and then buff them to a finished shine with a buffing cloth, Re-lace them and your ready to go.

.Just remember, moisture will shorten the life of your walking equipment and that’s especially true for shoes. A little time spent in proper care and maintenance can potentially increase the life of you walking shoe and provide you with undiminished comfort and support.

Technorati Tags: outdoor shoes, shoe maintenance, walking shoes, walking sneakers

As has been mentioned several times in various blog posts, your walking shoes are the most critical part of walking equipment assortment. Improper fitting or worn out walking shoes can and do lead to any number of injuries, everything from blisters to stress fractures. So how do you know when it’s time to toss or demote those old shoes and look for something new?

Often times you hear that you should replace your shoes every 2 to 6 months or every 500 mile. But everyone’s walking pattern and style is different so these broad guidelines are not especially informative or helpful. The only way to really get an idea of whether or not to replace your walking shoes is to look carefully at wear patterns on the sole and heal. Here are some things to check.

• Place the shoes on a flat surface and look at it from the heal. It should lay flat. If it leans or there is a gap of more that a 1/8 of an inch between heel and surface, it won’t proved your foot with the proper support and need to be replaced.

• Place the shoes on a flat surface and place downward pressure on the heal and toe. The rock the shoe in toward the instep and back out again. If there is excessive rocking with the downward pressure being applied, it’s time to replace the shoes.

• Push into the shock absorbing pad on the heal and instep. They should be firm and resilient.

• Examine the tread, if worn through or smooth it is time for a replacement

• How do they feel? Are your feet or legs sore? Time for a replacement

• Have wrinkles appeared on the side of or in any indented part of the heel. The shoe will not provide support and should be replaced.

Remember, too, that moisture wears out shoes. A wet shoe cannot stabilize the foot as well as a dry one, and the shoe will stretch out. In addition, wet shoes cannot absorb shock as effectively and will tend to over compress. Rotating pairs so they have a couple of days to dry out before running in them will help. An additional reason to have two pairs of walking sneakers is to have a comparison. By alternating between to sets of shoe, you’ll be able to more easily identify which pair is not giving you proper support and cushion.

One final tip. Take your old shoes along with you when shopping for a new pair. Look for a replacement that has good support and tread in the areas where your old pair shows the most wear.

The age and condition of all your walking equipment is important in keeping you comfortable and injury free while you walk. There’s always the temptation to put off replacing worn out gear but it’s usually a false economy. So always take the time to inspect your walking gear and replace what’s necessary

Technorati Tags: walking shoes, walking sneakers, worn out shoes

A new style of walking sneaker has been gaining popularity, called a toning shoe. Billed as “a piece of exercise walking equipment” by the manufactures. They work by creating a mild instability during your walking activity. Your body compensates for this instability there by working the leg and glute muscles harder than usual…hence generating a “toning” benefit. Although the manufacture’s designs vary, they generally have pods or curves in the bottom of the shoe that create the desired instability. They claim that this imbalance, results in a 11 to 41 percent increased muscle activity in the legs, glutes and calves. Additional benefits include a decrease in joint and back pain.

There have been several manufacture sponsored studies that have demonstrated positive results. In one study, two-thirds of women who wore toning shoes reported a decrease in their cellulite and a significant weight loss of 2.9 pounds. In another six-week test showed that users lost an average of 3.25 pounds. However many podiatrists and exercise professionals remain skeptical regarding many of the claims being made.

A review of available users comments seem to indicate overall approval. The shoes feel very soft and cushy, with a bit of a wobble. At a slow pace, they are comfortable and easy to walk in. Little increase in effort was apparent. At a quicker pace there was a noticeable increase in muscle activity. Users did express reservations about the weight,  the look (some describe them as downright ugly) and the price. They are in the $250 to $300 range. The most frequent positive comment from frequent users was relief of knee and back pain and a general improvement in posture. The toning benefit didn’t seem to rank high on anyone’s list.

There are available in three styles: sneaker, sandal and boot. Currently there are four companies marketing a toning shoe. MTB (mbt.com), Reebok (reebok.com), Sketchers (skechers.com) and Fitflop (fitflop.com). These are really designed as walking equipment only. Because of the instability they are not recommend for anything more than a “slow jog”.

Technorati Tags: fitflop, mbt, reebok, skechers, toning shoes, toning sneakers