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8 Tips for Endurance Running During the Summer

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When summer arrives, many people who usually exercise outdoors tend to neglect their exercise routines because it is simply too hot to train. However, this move may not always be necessary if you implement a few of these handy tips into your daily workout.

1 – Wear sunscreen

It is crucial to apply sunscreen before heading out with your new Keen shoes to do a summer run – especially if it is cloudy. When applying sunscreen, be sure to include the top of your ears, the back of your hands, shoulders, neck, forehead and entire face. This will go a long way in preventing melanoma in later years.

2 – Stay hydrated

Although it’s important to remain hydrated all year round when running, this becomes even more essential during summer. If you struggle to carry a water bottle on your run, consider investing in a hydration pack. This will enable you to sip as you run while wearing your latest pair of New Balance shoes.

3 – Run early

At this time of the year, it is best to lace up your Keen shoes and go on your run as early in the day as possible – before temperatures rise too high. This will prevent you from having to struggle with high humidity levels as well.

4 – Give swelling feet the right care

During summer, it is normal for your feet to swell a little more than normal after a run. In most cases, this can be countered by using shoes that are a half size bigger than normal and by increasing your intake of water and electrolytes. Try to elevate your feet for 20 minutes to half an hour after running, as this can help reduce swelling.

5 – Consider trail running

If the heat of the asphalt or pavement is too much to bear in summer, now may be the time to consider moving your running on to the cooler forest or park trails. In most cases, these are shaded, which can help prevent you from becoming overheated or sunburned. You may need to invest in one of the many Keen shoe options that have been manufactured for this purpose.

6 – Wear the right shoes

It is essential to wear shoes that have not only been designed for the type of running you do, but that are also the right size. Having a proper fitting when buying a New Balance or Keen shoe model will help prevent chafing and blisters from developing, and you should be able to fit at least 1 finger between the back of your foot and the shoe. If not, take the next size up.

7 – Dress accordingly

Along with your New Balance shoes, be sure to wear lightweight clothing that is moisture-wicking and breathable, as this will ensure that you are able to enjoy your run as much as possible without overheating. Clothing should also be light colored, as this will help deflect heat away from your body.

Using the right New Balance or Keen shoes while running will make all the difference between enjoying your run and having to hobble around for days afterwards due to blisters or painful feet and arches.

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How Long Does it Take to Get Fit? [infographic]

How-Long-Does-it-Take-to-Get-FitAlthough getting fit is on the bucket lists of many people out there, few of them are aware of the fact that there will be a fair amount of dedication and commitment required in order to achieve this goal. If you have wondered how long it will take you to get properly fit, you may want to dust off those New Balance running shoes and read on.

#1 – What is your Starting Point?

Have your recent activity levels been putting couch potatoes to shame or have you already started getting some exercise in here and there? One of the main factors that will determine how long it will take you to get fit will be whether you are already partially active or not. If you are not active in any way during an average day and you are willing to commit fully to getting fit, you can expect the process to take anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks. However, if you have already made a start with exercising and getting mobile, getting fully fit may not take as long.

#2 – Start Slowly

The most important thing to remember about getting fit is that it will not happen overnight. You will also need to give your body time to adjust to being more active, so don’t attempt to start out by pulling on your New Balance running shoes and trying to run 5 miles in your first week of getting active. This will either result in serious injury in the form of muscle strain or you will find yourself feeling completely demotivated because you weren’t able to complete your run without feeling completely winded.

#3 – Increase Gradually

According to the U.S. Department of health & Human Services, adults should be exercising for approximately 150 minutes per week. However, you may find yourself only being able to engage in brisk walking or jogging for a few minutes at a time in the beginning – which is perfectly OK. Start off with brisk walking and running a few yards in between, and increasing the amount of running gradually.

#4 – No Fancy Equipment Needed

In most cases, the only accessory that can be deemed as necessary for helping you get fit is a good quality pair of New Balance walking or running shoes and snug-fitting socks. These will not only help keep your feet comfortable; they will prevent most forms of foot injury and reduce the amount of shock that is experienced by your ankles, knees, hips and lower back. It can also be a good idea to invest in one or two moisture-wicking shirts and pairs of shorts, as they will draw perspiration away from your body.

There are many excellent pairs of New Balance shoe types on the market, which means that you will be able to find at least one or two pairs that are a perfect fit for your feet. It is recommended that shoes be fitted as late as possible during the day. This will ensure that they don’t become too tight or uncomfortable, as feet expand or swell slightly as the day goes on.

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5 Perfect Pairs of Shoes for the Cottage

Are you anticipating your next vacation at your vacation cottage, but aren’t sure which footwear will be the most practical to take along? Instead of trying to fit your entire shoe collection into your luggage bag, take a look at the 5 suggestions below, all of which are guaranteed to be practical – and comfortable.

#1 – Casual Slip-ons

Regardless of whether you are looking for high quality Rockport men’s shoes or women’s styles, this brand is known for being able to deliver the goods. Men’s and women’s slip-ons are available in suede, smooth or even canvas finishes, enabling you to get just the right look when wearing them with your casual vacation clothing. They are great for just lounging around the cottage or even for taking an afternoon walk to the nearest coffee shop.

#2 – Boat Shoes

When it comes to buying Rockport women’s shoes or men’s casual footwear, these are by far one of the most popular options. These are normally crafted from the finest leather and can be purchased with embellishments or as plain shoes as well, depending on your personal preferences. Most boat shoes are also known for being slightly wider than other types of footwear, so if you struggle to find comfortable casual shoes, these could be the answer.

#3 – Sneakers

No cottage vacation’s luggage would be considered as complete without at least 1 pair of sneakers being included. When shopping for Rockport shoes for women or men, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to sneaker options because they are available in numerous colors, styles and finishes such as canvas, leather or synthetic fabric uppers.

#4 – Adventure Sandals

If you’re going to be walking along the water’s edge, you won’t want to be wearing shoes that could take a while to dry. In addition, you will want to ensure that any sandals you wear remain firmly on your feet, which makes those in the Rockport men’s shoes range a great option. Adventure sandals consist of either Velcro or buckle fastening straps around the foot and ankle areas to promote a good fit, and there are also some of these available in the Rockport women’s shoes range.

#5 – Hiking Boots

In cases where you are going to be spending a lot of time exploring the trails around your cottage on foot, you will certainly want to be doing so in a sturdy pair of hiking boots. When shopping for men’s Rockport shoes, you will notice that there are many types of hiking boots available, which are durable, comfortable and highly water-repellant.

When shopping for Rockport shoes for men and women, it is essential that the pairs you choose fit as comfortably as possible right from the beginning. This footwear range is known for being one of the most extensive and longest-lasting, with many customers reporting that they have had their Rockport shoes for many years. If you would like to see for yourself what it is like to own some of the best shoes on the market, take a look at the range available here.

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4 Basic Shoe Styles Every Man Needs in His Wardrobe [infographic]

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Over the past few years, more men than ever have realized that they are what they wear – and the footwear they choose is most certainly is no exception to this rule. Here are 4 styles and types of shoes that every man should ensure that he has in his collection, regardless of what line of work he may be in or how he enjoys spending most of his free time.

#1 – Loafers

Regardless of whether a man spends most of his time in an office that has a semi-formal dress code or he attends a lot of events that require the use of something smarter than sneakers, including a good quality pair (or two) of men’s Rockport shoes in the form of loafers into a wardrobe is a must. Nowadays, loafers are not only available in men’s Rockport shoe ranges in a variety of colors; men can choose whether they want plain loafers or those that have been embellished with tassels or buckles.

#2 – Mephisto Men’s Shoes in Black Leather

Most men will be required to attend at least a few formal events in their lifetimes, and as a result, they should ensure that they own at least one pair of Mephisto men’s shoes in a black leather finish. When teamed with a suit, these shoes will ensure that they look their best at the next wedding or other formal events such as work functions, and dinner evenings. Nowadays, there are many black leather dress shoe options available at affordable prices.

#3 – MBT Shoes

MBT shoes for men have become extremely popular over the past few years and many style options are available. These range from sneaker-type shoes to sandals with raised or stacked soles and slip-ons in various colors and the padded and raised soles make wearing these shoes extremely comfortable. Smarter designs in this range are available in suede and shiny finishes, meaning that there is sure to be something to wear with even the smartest gray or black suit.

#4 – Timberland Shoes

Over the years, the range of Timberland shoes has grown from consisting of mostly outdoor boots to incorporate open sandals, flip flops and loafers as well. However, no men’s footwear collection can be considered as being complete unless at least one pair of Timberland boots is included. Many of the styles in the Timberland range ore waterproof as well as comfortable, and they are known to last for many years, making them one of the best footwear investments ever.

When it comes to deciding which men’s Rockport shoes or other shoe brands to purchase, the above mentioned options are a mere sampling of what we have on offer. However, these are some of the best and most fashionable brands and styles that are currently available. This means that any man who owns and wears them will not only be in fashion; he will be able to wear any of these shoe styles with absolute pride whenever he sets foot out of the house.

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Summer Office Etiquette – is it Ever OK to Expose Your Toes?

As summer approaches, rising temperatures usually mean that the amount of clothing being worn will be reduced. While it may be perfectly acceptable to wear short sleeved shirts and skirts that bare a little leg from time to time, there are some important points to consider with regards to the types of shoes that should be worn during the warmer months.

#1 – Some Sandals may be Acceptable

When it comes to wearing sandals in the workplace, one of the first steps you should take is to brush up on company policy surrounding footwear – most corporations have one. Many corporate and more formal places of work will clearly stipulate that no casual sandals of any sort may be worn, especially if you wear a uniform. However, if your place of work has a more casual or laid-back approach to clothing and footwear, it may be permissible to wear a respectable-looking pair of sandals from the Ecco shoes for women range. To be considered formal, Clarks women’s shoes or sandals should not be made from foam or plastic, or be a ‘flip flop’ style.

#2 – Don’t Remove Sandals at the Office

Although your workplace may permit the wearing of Geox shoes in a sling-back or open-toed style, this doesn’t mean that you can slip them off at any time during the day. Regardless of whether your office is a formal or casual environment, it is never OK to remove your Rockport women’s shoes (or sandals) and go barefoot, as it is considered extremely unprofessional behavior.

#3 – Give those Toes some Attention

Many people forget that when they wear sandals in the office, they will be exposing their toes completely. While this is fine in cases where you have recently had a pedicure, you should certainly refrain from wearing any Clarks women’s shoes that have open toes or sandal styles if your toes and nails look as though they would have great success in snatching dinner out of the sky. If you are going to wear sandals regularly during summer, ensure that you have a pedicure performed at least every week to 10 days.

#4 – Keep Spare Shoes at the Office

Although your boss may have given the go-ahead for Geox shoes or sandals to be worn in the office during summer, it may be a good idea to keep a pair of closed shoes on hand. You never know when senior management from another branch might decide to pop in for a visit or insist on holding an impromptu meeting. In cases like these, a pair of Rockport women’s shoes can be a great option for stowing in your bottom desk drawer.

While you may have received the go-ahead from management to wear your favorite pair of sandals to the office during summer, it’s imperative that you exercise common sense in this regard. A general rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t wear a particular pair of sandals or Ecco shoes for women to a semi-formal event, they are probably not suitable to be worn at the office either.

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3 Shoe Styles to Wear to the Office this Spring

Finding the right pair of shoes to wear to work can feel like a chore, especially when there seems to be so many that barely last through one season before falling apart. However, if you are willing to invest a fair amount of money, you can often be rewarded with great options such as Naot women’s shoes, Rockport shoes, Clarks shoes for women and even Josef Seibel shoes – all of which are fantastic quality. Take a look at 3 of the most popular styles for this spring.

#1 – Smart, Simple, Sensible and Black

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to wear shoes that are practical as well as comfortable in the office, choosing something with a flat heel that is easy to keep clean and that looks elegant with virtually any outfit that you wear it with will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Although it may seem excessive to spend between $100 and $200 on a pair of Naot women’s shoes or Josef Seibel shoes, it’s important to remember that they have been well-made and they are known for being extremely comfortable. This makes them a great choice if you are on your feet for most of your work day dealing with clients, and with them being black, they will match every work outfit you own.

#2 – Classic Heels

In most cases, workplace rules regarding shoes will stipulate that something smart must be worn – preferably with a decent heel. While there may be many cheaper options on the market for work shoes, these will not normally be as comfortable as those that are a little more expensive. Rockport shoes have become known for the fact that they make great high heeled footwear for women that is available in a range of colors such as beige or taupe and pale rose. Their high heels can be purchased in closed toe and open toe options, depending on what your preferences are. Sizes in these shoes start from 6 and range through to 10, which mean that you stand a good chance of getting a pair that will fit you like they were specially made for you.

#3 – Chunky Black Heels

If you’re looking for something a little more comfortable and funky than a regular high heeled style in work footwear, Clarks shoes for women have released some lovely chunky high heeled shoe styles recently. Two of the available styles comes in black, with the one being a two-strap design that fits over the front part of the foot and the other being a completely closed toe option, which would be most suitable for a smarter working environment. The heels on both of these shoes are relatively high, which means that they may not be fully suitable if you are spending a lot of time on your feet at the office each day. Additionally, Clarks shoes are extremely reasonably priced, especially considering the fact that they last for many years if correctly cared for.

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5 Men’s Shoes to Wear with Jeans [infographic]

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When wearing jeans, it’s important for men to ensure that they wear the right style shoes with them. Different cuts of jeans, for example, may require different shoe styles to be worn with them. Below are 5 examples of shoes that will look great with most pairs of men’s jeans.

#1 – Sneakers

In most cases, you cannot go wrong when wearing a pair of sneakers with jeans, but with the array of colors and style options available nowadays, choosing the right pair can be challenging. However, many men have purchased sneakers from New Balance, such as the MO20BR and have reported that they are highly durable as well as attractive, meaning that they have been able to get many years’ use out of them. Available in dark brown with black trims, this shoe is sure to match most pairs of jeans.

#2 – Classic Slip-ons

If you’re looking for something a little more casual than regular sneakers, but that still looks relatively smart when worn with jeans, you won’t go wrong with the Rockport PTG slip on shoe. Available in a great shade of navy with white trim around its sole, these shoes slip on and off extremely easily, making them a good choice for anyone who doesn’t enjoy having to fuss with shoelaces when getting ready to go out. These are extremely well-made and offer plenty ventilation to keep feet cool for extended periods.

#3 – Boat Shoes

When an occasion or event calls for something a little smarter than basic sneakers or slip-ons, boat shoes can be a great choice, especially in navy blue. Timberland is known for providing nothing but the best quality and most comfortable shoes for men, and the Icon S O Boat is no exception. These have been finely stitched all round and detailed with genuine leather trims round the top to ensure that they will look just right with a smarter pair of jeans.

#4 – Leather Loafers

If you prefer something that is a little plainer than a regular boat shoe but that still has somewhat of a smart element to it, leather loafers can be the right option. While these may look somewhat similar to boat shoes, they are toned down a little in that they have less of a leather trim and the finish is more suede-based than shiny. The soles have also been color-coded to brown instead of white, and these shoes are also known for being extremely comfortable.

#5 – Boots

Boots have long been a popular option for wearing with jeans because they not only look attractive; they provide an additional measure of comfort in that they fit snugly around the ankles. The Ecco Turn Lace Boot is available in a neutral brown and has been crafted from soft, breathable leather on the upper and a 100% waterproof GORE-TEX coating to ensure that your feet stay dry – no matter what the weather. These boots are shock absorbent and they provide excellent traction as well.

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Mens’ Dress Shoes Color Guide [infographic]

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When it comes to dress shoe colors, you have more to look at than just black and brown. While black may be an easy one to spot, there are numerous shades of brown shoes, and they all have their own creative names. Then you have the reds and burgundy color spectrum as well, adding even more of a dilemma.

Which Shoe Goes with that Suit?

Much of your shoe color decision making could have a great deal to do with what you are actually going to be wearing. Some colors of shoes go better with some suit colors, and some will just look wrong. If you want to maintain a professional look, it really does help to know which shoes to pair with which suits.

Navy Blue Suit

If your suit of choice is navy, you’ve lucked out. You can wear all three categories of shoe colors with your pick. The key is to go by the occasion. If it’s a formal event, wear black. If it’s casual, a shade of brown. If you’re dressed to the nines just to have some fun, red or burgundy will do. The latter add a little flair and only work for casual events.

Lighter Gray Suit

While each color of shoe can go with a light or medium gray suit, you should pair black shoes with it if you are wearing a white shirt. Think black tie affair here; just because you went with gray doesn’t mean you can’t look like you’re the most professional guy in the room. Those other colors of shoes will give you a more casual, and less business-like look.

Darker Gray Suit

A dark gray suit is best with black or burgundy shoes. Because of the dark, rich tones of burgundy shoes they don’t stand out like lighter red shades and brown shades of shoes. Lighter colors will also just look strange with a dark gray suit, as will brown tones. Unless you want to look like you got dressed in the dark, stay away from brown when you’re wearing anything dark gray.

Brown Suit

Don’t wear black shoes with a brown suit. Instead, opt for the other two categories. The important key to remember when it comes to pairing brown shoes with brown suits is that you want to make sure they are distinctly different shades of brown. Don’t wear tan shoes with a tan suit, instead try dark brown shoes.

Black Suit

When it comes to black suits, simply stick with black shoes. It’s easy, it looks classy, and it’s the only color of shoe that won’t make you look like you’re heading to the bar instead of a dinner party. A black suit with anything but black shoes is just far too casual. Although, you may be able to pull off red and burgundy for a more casual look. With such a look you can enter any club, casino and you will always stay in the spotlight!

Knowing what colors look best with each other can really help you come up with a better dress look, especially when it comes to suits and dress shoes.

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5 Most Elegant Shoes for Spring 2016

While elegance can be in the eye of the beholder, you’ll agree these five shoes are very gorgeous, and versatile. Springtime means warmer weather, and that gives you a chance to wear open-toed shoes, sandals, and other varieties of shoes that you can’t wear when it’s cold outside.

1: Rose Petal Ramona Black Micro

ramonaThe Ramona Black Micro is the epitome of elegance and a must to go with any little black dress. This shoe, like many dress shoes, can be very versatile – you can not only use them on a night on the town or the office the next day, but you can also pair them up with skinny jeans for a fun look, with a classy edge. The sling back gives you a sexier look, and is perfect for spring fashion.

2: Naturalizer Danya

danyaThe Danya is almost like a hybrid, sandal and dress shoe all in one. It comes in a smooth black or a taupe, so you can vary your style as needed. This is a very airy shoe, and will look just as great with jeans as it will with a sundress. You could also pull this one off with the right pair of shorts, if you needed. You’ll enjoy the comfort too.

3: Annie Allison Black

allisonThese are the sandals of every woman’s dreams. The velvety look to them gives them their elegance, as do the sparkling rhinestones on the t-strap. While they may look like sandals to the untrained eye, they are definitely in a class all their own and would look magnificent worn with any dress clothes, whether for a party indoors or out. It’s also a great shoe to add a little elegance to your beach attire.

4: Annie Bobbie

bobbieThese shoes simply scream elegance, and you’d never realize they are completely made of vinyl, rather than leather. They have an elastic slingback, for comfort. They are completely animal friendly, so they are a wonderful elegant choice for anyone that is nature and animal conscience. With a wonderful design over the transparent vinyl, they give you more coverage without the look of more. The Annie Bobbie comes in black, silver, gold, and bronze. They also have a padded foot bed for extra comfort.

5: Pikolinos Java Sandal B Cacao

pikolinosIf you want a bolder look that is still elegant, but in a more gladiator sort of way, the Java Sandal is an excellent choice. In Cacao, you can pair this shoe with anything and everything. It could go from a work day with a pencil skirt to a night out on the town in a dress or even jeans. You’ll be the talk of the office or the bar when you wear these magnificent sandals.

These are only a few of the wonderful shoe options we have to offer when it comes to looking for something elegant. They are some of the best choices, offering various styles and colors, and they all are friendly footwear for the warmer months.

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Top Trends: 5 Stylish & Super Comfortable High-Heeled Shoes

Wearing high heels doesn’t have to cause you pain and discomfort. Here are five easy to wear high-heeled shoes that anybody can enjoy and which look great for any occasion.

1: Clarks Delsie Stella

clarks-delsieA set of 3¼ inch heels with a 3¼ inch shaft, these black uppers are designed for comfort and breathability. The shoe itself is made of leather, while the interior lining is synthetic to allow for maximum coziness. The uppers are designed to stay on your feet in almost every situation and can be used all day. The come with an easy side zipper that allows you to put them on and take them off conveniently, no matter what else you might be doing.

2: Beautifeel Maya Patent

BeautifeelOffering a simple five centimeter heel, this latex shoe offers shock absorbing technology that can leave your feet feeling great even after hours of standing and walking. The latex sole serves as a shock absorber while also offering an unprecedented amount of flexibility and durability. The heel is designed to be anti-slip, offering a comfortable walking strife and also providing shock absorption that leaves every step feeling super soft.

3: Rockport T M 75 Chelsea

Rockport-ChelseaThese high black leather shoes are designed with elastic on the interior that allows them to fit perfectly with your foot and ankle. This also provides some mild compression to those whose feet tend to get swollen when wearing normal high-heeled shoes. Although black is the most popular color for these shoes, they are also available in other hues, making them one of the most flexible and comfortable high-heeled shoes that you will be able to find on the market today.

4: Josef Seibel Britney 06

josef-britneyA high-heeled shoe that is designed for all-day wear, the Josef Seibel Britney 06 has a lower heel than most, at only 2¼ inches, and a full nine-inch shaft. The leather shoe has decorative wraparound buckle straps around the top for maximum style and a zipper for convenience. The footbed is lightly cushioned so it can be worn over long period of time without any discomfort. While black is by far the most popular color with this shoe, it is also available in grey for those who want something different but equally stylish.

5: Ecco Touch 75 B Zip

ecco-touchThis simple black shoe covers up to the ankle, allowing you to show off more of your leg and providing more mobility for heavier activity. The heel is made through direct injection technology that provides a durable base while staying very lightweight. Textile lining throughout the shoe provides comfort and cushioning that can last the whole day through. Finally, the shoe has a side zipper than makes sure you have stability while also giving you an easy way to put on and take off the footwear.

These are just a few of the great options available to people interested in trying out heels that combine both comfort and style. Just because you want to the style of high heels doesn’t mean you have to give up any comfort or substance.