What's in an athletic shoe?

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Understanding shoe lingo can help you sort through the many styles and brands of athletic shoes. Here are a few features that can affect fit and function. 1. Gel, foam or air midsole: These materials cushion and reduce impact when your foot strikes the ground. 2. Insole: This cushions and supports your foot and arch. 3. Upper: This holds the shoe on your foot. A mesh upper allows better ventilation than a leather or synthetic upper. 4. Toe box: This is the space for your toes. A roomy toe box helps prevent calluses.

Jan. 01, 2020 See more In-depth

See also

  1. 10,000 steps
  2. 5K training schedule
  3. Exercise warm-up
  4. Aerobic exercise
  5. Aquatic exercises
  6. Buying athletic shoes? Check your arch
  7. Buying new workout shoes? Get the right fit
  8. Choose the right walking shoes
  9. Do you need to warm up before you exercise?
  10. Exercise: Are you working hard enough?
  11. Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour
  12. Exercise: How much do I need?
  13. Exercise intensity
  14. Exercising? Take it up a notch
  15. Focus on fit when shoe shopping
  16. How much exercise do you need?
  17. Interval Training
  18. Step it up with an activity tracker
  19. Time for new walking shoes?
  20. Tired of walking alone? Team up!
  21. Walking for fitness: Overcoming setbacks
  22. Walking for fitness: Staying motivated
  23. Walking for fitness: Warm up, cool down
  24. Walking and trackers
  25. Walking for fitness
  26. Walking with ankle weights? Stop!
  27. Want to get more active? Try an activity tracker
  28. Want to maximize your daily walk?
  29. Whole-body vibration