sportstyle

"Great arch support is critical to foot health maintenance. The other very important feature that helps to preserve overall body health and wellness are rocker outsoles, which put far less pressure on the flex point and arch of the foot, as well as help to alleviate lower back pain." Megan Gold, design director, Alegria "It all starts with the last. Proper fit is crucial to overall foot health and how the foot feels throughout the day. Materials under foot are crucial to long term performance. We use advanced polyurethane midsoles and insoles that are proven to have cushion and support that lasts wear aer wear. Support in both the heel and under the arch help promote proper body alignment and keep the foot performing at its best." Matt Dieckhaus, VP of sales and marketing, Latitudes "We are committed to fit as the building block for foot health and wellness. We achieve that not only with our extensive size and width offering but also by emphasizing: 1. Extra depth footbeds and spacer insoles to customize fit. 2. Adjustable closures like hook and loop, lace and zip combinations and uppers with variable stretch. We also have several styles that offer an elastic lace and a single hook and loop to secure the fit." Jennifer Sokso, director of marketing, Propét "Proper fit and letting the foot circulate are most important to wellness. Insole, outsole and material components factor into the overall comfort. With the market strength in the lifestyle and sneaker categories, ease of wear is a priority. Slip-on features enhance the consumer experience." Rich Rask, president, Rieker "To start, it's critical that you're wearing properly fitted shoes, good cushioning for shock absorption and responsiveness, a supportive arch and temperature-relevant upper materials—textiles that are breathable and have stretch for the spring/summer weather or leather for cooler or rainier conditions. A consumer should aim for a wide toe box to be able to splay their feet and toes. Texture on the footbed can promote blood circulation for faster recovery." Estelle Maranan, director of innovation, sustainability and biomechanics, Vionic "A feature like a wider toe box is important for a recovery shoe. Our shoe is craed with a breathable, seamless upper that shapes to the foot while adding gentle flexible support. Our lightweight EVA is highly durable and shock absorbing to reduce stress on feet, joints, and back—which is ideal for recovery. Sweat-wicking and special yarns that help ensure an optimal body temperature while preventing the buildup of perspiration." Sarah Humphries, marketing director, Zensah 24 • September/October 2024 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com FOOTWEAR / WELLNESS KLOGS/AUSTIN All KLOGS styles are effortless to slide on and off, including Austin. Fit to be dressed up or down, Austin is tough, yet comfortable (and inspired by the Lone Star state!) thanks to shock-absorb- ing TRUBase outsoles and soft leather uppers. TRUComfort insoles cradle and cushion the foot, helping to reduce foot, back and leg pain. MSRP $144.95.

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