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April 25, 2007
IT'S 85% CERTAIN YOU'LL BE WEARING THE WRONG SHOES FOR THIS WEEKEND'S WALKING OR BIKING OUTDOOR ACTIVITY.
Around 85% of the walking and outdoor sports population will step into the 2007 hiking and activities season wearing the wrong size or type of shoes.
ExtremeGB.com, the UK's leading outdoor and extreme sports equipment online retailer, has conducted research that shows only a tiny percentage of the UK's adult population actually check their shoe size before buying – and few research purpose and use for sports or outdoor shoes.
"The vast majority of outdoor enthusiasts are wearing the wrong size or type of shoes – and the pain they maybe accept as normal is actually completely unnecessary," said Edward Giles of ExtremeGB.com.
"There are several key issues which can result in a number of conditions or injuries, all of which severely compromise mobility – but while a foot or ankle niggle may be just that around the house or travelling to work, it can be anything from a holiday- wrecker to a life-threatening matter if you're any sort of outdoor enthusiast.
"We have five toe-uncurling tips for sports and outdoor shoe choice," said Edward Giles.
- Get your feet measured regularly – they change shape and size as you grow older.
- Make sure the shoe is fit for purpose – nice trainers don't work on sodden hillsides.
- If you know you're going to get wet, buy for that occurrence. Get waterproofed.
- If that shoe feels in the least bit uncomfortable, then it's probably going to do you harm.
- And don't skimp. Buy cheap, buy twice, and maybe pay for it doubly and more with anything from niggling aches and pains to crippling injuries. Buy the best.
"One London hospital confirms that 85% of shoes worn are the wrong size, while the experience of our feet-on-the-ground team at ExtremeGB – most of whom put the products to the test every week, and can truly be described as outdoors and extreme sports experts – have worked with most of the outdoor shoe and boot manufacturers to understand the issues," said Edward Giles.
"The key point is that people still think that because an outdoor shoe looks the part, it can play the part. Completely false. There is no such thing as a good, cheap, outdoor shoe. A good shoe or boot will cost, but boy, will you notice the difference."
ExtremeGB.com has just started to sell the entire range of Helly Hansen Marine, Leisure and Active wear, and has worked closely with the HH team – renowned sports and outdoor shoe design experts - to get to grips with the key issues relating to foot, ankle and leg injuries and conditions arising from incorrect sizing and choice of shoes.
"The key point is almost immeasurable from a scientific perspective, but a rule of thumb – or toe – is that if the shoe does not feel comfortable, then it is probably going to do you some harm," said Edward.
"The right sort of shoe should feel supremely comfortable, whether at the beginning or end of your activity. On dry land – or occasionally very wet land – shoes and boots should support the ankles and sole. Tight enough to be painful is most definitely not ‘support'.
"If the going gets wet, then the feet simply have to stay dry. Wet feet start to develop blisters perhaps 20 or 30 times faster than dry feet.
"Also, take mountain biking for instance: your stylish trainer is simply not good enough – it will not have the right sort of sole material and grip level to help you stay in contact with your pedals, and lightweight and flimsy uppers will offer little protection from rocks, tree stumps or in the inevitable accidents.
"You need protection, and there are mountain bike shoes designed specifically for that – Helly Hansen's Jaeger shoe is, of course, a good example. The thing is, it has become a favourite for non-biking wear as well, because it is so comfortable.
"People don't realise how important the right sort of padding is for mountain biking – until a juddering landing or a spectacular endo. Shoe choice is crucial once you step or ride off the beaten track.
"The usual outdoor gear just doesn't cut it with some people – especially if they're adventurers and outdoor types who know the difference between something that looks good – and something that actually does the job. Our products have a real ‘wow' factor for outdoorsy types – they are the best and most fit-for-purpose products in their sector," said Edward Giles.
ExtremeGB is part of the GB Group, an established online retailer providing marine equipment (www.sailgb.com), outdoor equipment (www.outdoorgb.com) and sports watches (www.watchesgb.com)
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446 / 07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
www.extremegb.com
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