Shoe Styles

Stability - this category represents the majority of features necessary for a well-balanced blend of cushioning and support. Each shoe in the category offers a specific form of cushioning, such as Asics Gel, or Nike Air as well as structured motion control features designed to help reduce the degree and rate of PRONATION.

The correct foot characteristic for a stability shoe is a medium to low arch.

Cushion - with an emphasis on cushioning, this category offers shoes for runners and walkers with fewer biomechanical problems who require less support. Suggested for people with rigid high arches and a more efficient foot strike. Also great for walkers and runners who utilize orthotics or custom footbed inserts and require less motion control.

The correct foot characteristic for a cushion shoe is a high arch.

Motion Control - This category offers product which helps protect against excessive pronation and offers a cushioned ride. These shoes incorporate major support features such as dual density (harder) rubber on the medial side of the shoe, as well as a wider, more supportive base. Those who need additional support and may require orthotics will appreciate the combination of cushioning and stability in a motion control shoe.

The correct foot characteristic for a Motion Control shoe is a low arch to a flat foot.

All Season - This category offers products designed for those who train on a variety of on and off road surfaces. These shoes combine cushioning and support technologies with and emphasis on flexibility, traction, durability, and water resistency. Great for outdoor enthusiasts who demand a rugged yet comfortable shoe for a variety of outdoor-active uses.

The correct foot characteristic for All Season shoes are high arched and normal arched.

Speed - an elite category of shoes built for more performance-oriented
runners who seek the ultimate in lightweight shoes for faster paced training. These shoes incorporate special weight reducing features such as minimal reinforced uppers for lightweight support with greater flexibility, and lower midsole materials for an extremely responsive ride.

The correct foot characteristic for Speed shoes are high-arched, and normal arched.

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Types of Feet

Normal Foot - Normal feet have a normal-sized arch and leave an imprint that has a flare but shows the forefoot and heel connected by a wide band.

Foot Characteristics: A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel, then rolls inward (pronates) to absorb shock. Runners and walkers with a normal foot usually have a semi-flexible arch that requires varied degrees of support.

Best Shoes: Stability shoes with moderate control features such as a two density midsole.

High-Arched Foot - High-arched feet leave an imprint showing a very narrow band connecting the forefoot and heel.

Foot Characteristics: A curved, high-arched foot is generally termed a
supinated or underpronated foot (the terms are synonymous). This type of foot usually doesn't pronate enough, so it's not an effective shock absorber.

Best Shoes: Cushioned shoes with plenty of flexibility to encourage foot motion. Stay away from motion control or stability shoes which reduce foot mobility.

Flat Foot - Flat feet have a low arch and leave a nearly complete imprint. That is, the imprint looks like the whole sole of the foot.

Foot Characteristics: this imprint usually indicates an overpronated
foot that strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inward (pronates)
excessively. Over time, this can cause many different kinds of overuse injuries.

Best Shoes: motion control shoes, or stability shoes with firm midsoles and control features that reduce the rate of pronation. Stay away from highly cushioned curved-lasted shoes that lack stability and control.

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Ted's Perfect Fit Guarantee
We at Ted's Shoe & Sport are determined that the shoes you buy will function and fit your needs perfectly.

That's why we offer you our "Perfect Fit" Guarantee.

• Buy a pair of shoes from "Ted's Shoe & Sport"
• Run, Hike, Work, Stand, or just walk around in your shoes.
• If for any reason your shoes hurt your feet within 30 days of purchase, just return them - accompanied with your sales receipt.

Then, after we exhaust all custom-fit techniques, we'll gladly go to another model to accommodate your feet.

All perfect fit guarantee returns are store credit returns only

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How do you know when your shoes are dead?

How long should they last?
As a general rule most running shoes will provide cushioning up to 500 miles, though many runners report a breakdown in cushioning after as few as 350 miles. Shoes with compression molded EVA midsoles can vary in durometer or density from the moment they come off the factory line. This means that the relative cushioning properties and life span of each midsole can vary from shoe to shoe. Most shoes with polyurethane midsoles will break down at a slower rate keeping their “feel” for a longer period of time.

Try the press test:
When an EVA midsole is compressed, it creates visible lines or wrinkles in the midsole material that can be viewed from the sidewall of the shoe. As the midsole is further compressed, the number of compression lines increases and they grow closer together. When these lines first appear it means that the midsole is compressing normally. By using a simple pressure test you can determine whether ornot your midsole is compacted. Using the broad part of your thumb, push on the outsole, upward into themidsole, it should be easy to see the midsole compress into these lines. As the shoe breaks down, the midsole will compress less, with the same amount of pressure applied. When the midsole shows heavy compression lines and the press-test reveals a minimum amount or “lack” of compression, you can be sure that the midsole of the shoe has been compacted to a point where little of no cushioning remains.

Rotate your shoes:
Most runners have their own way of telling when their shoes are broken down, most of which have to do with aches and pains in the specific areas of their legs, knees and hips. To avoid injuries and other problems, it’s a good idea to rotate your shoes every 250 miles so that you have 2 pairs of shoes to wear at all times. The first pair should be the newest pair, the one that you will wear on the majority of your runs… especially the longer runs. The second, the older pair should be used for shorter runs and inclement weather days, when you want to keep your new shoes clean. Wear the second pair until your have compressed the midsole and then retire them for gardening shoes. Once this occurs, the first becomes the second pair and it’s time to get a new first pair. If you use 2 pairs of shoes of the same model, be sure to mark them with some easy to identify reference mark, so that you don’t confuse the older pair with the newer pair.

When a shoe passes on:
If you have an abundance of excess running shoes that you won’t ever wear, you may be interested to know that Nike will recycle them. As part of an ongoing program initiated by their Environmental Action Team, The Nike Re-Use a Shoe program offers consumers a chance to recycle their old shoes, to be used in re-surfacing running tracks and sports courts. Simply contact your local Nike retailer and see if they participate in this program. They accept many brands of running shoes, except metal cleats that will damage the machines.

contact:
Nike Recycling Center
C/O Re-Use a Shoe
26755 SW 95th Ave.
Wilsonville, OR 97070

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