Florida 4-H Consumer Choices 2011-12:
Teacher Guide
Athletic Shoes
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Situation
Shopping for athletic shoes is designed to teach youth more about their fit, materials, and
construction. Because of the emphasis on fitness, there are now a variety of shoes on the market,
many of which are designed for a specific use. Also, they are a popular shoe to wear every day.
Athletic shoes can be very expensive. Understanding how to select them based on their intended
use, fit, and construction will assist youth in better managing their resources.
Objectives
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Youth will gain knowledge about selecting athletic shoes for an intended use.
Youth will become aware of the materials and designs of athletic shoes.
Youth will learn how to recognize quality materials and construction in athletic shoes.
Recommended Agenda
1. Read the Athletic Shoe Shopping Information and What to Look For sections first.
Discuss and take any questions that students may have about the different types of shoes.
2. Pass out the Worksheet 1 ‘What is Important to You?’ and have the students fill them
out. Then review some of the students’ answers and discuss them.
3. Then review the Athletic Shoe Information Guide, to view the information and features
of the four different athletic shoes used within the examples. Discuss with the students
the different features and price points of each shoe.
4. Have the students fill out Worksheet 2 – Rate the Athletic Shoe. Discuss each category
with the students and why they chose their rating.
5. Finally do the 3 Consumer Choice Situations that are provided within the Teacher Guide.
Extra Activities
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Have examples of different types and qualities of athletic shoes. Discuss materials,
styles, soles, and quality of construction.
Have several pairs of athletic shoes:
o Discuss quality of materials
o Discuss quality of construction
o Identify sole type
o Have one person try on – ask them the difference in fit
o Discuss which is a good buy, which is a poor one
Have them inspect the shoes they are wearing and evaluate them.
Take a field trip to two or more stores (discount, department, specialty) that carry athletic
shoes.
o Was the same brand and style in more than one store, was it the same price?
o Compare quality of materials and construction with price
o Compare types of soles
Compare the quality of 3-5 pairs of athletic shoes that are of the same style.
State a shopping situation. Let them select a pair of athletic shoes. Have them give
reasons for their choice.
Discuss the importance of wearing socks with athletic shoes.
Discuss the care of athletic shoes.
Compare the quality of “unknown” brands to “known” brands of athletic shoes.
Ask students to discuss the disposition of old athletic shoes and the environmental
benefits of recycling programs? Refer to webpage, http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/
nikebiz.jhtml?page=27&cat=reuseashoe , for information about one recycling program.
Other companies may offer similar programs. This might be a good school project.
Background Information
A few years ago it was relatively easy to buy shoes for exercising and active sports, because
there were not many choices. Today that is not the case – there are lots of choices. There are
literally dozens of different styles. Many of which are designed for a special sport because the
foot and ankle go through different motions. Therefore, you must be better prepared for that trip
to the store to purchase shoes for the physical activity of your choice. Think about buying
sporting equipment for your feet!
Fit
The most important consideration in the purchase of athletic shoes for exercising and active sport
is fit. It is better to shop at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. Remember:
 To buy by fit and feel – not by size
 To wear the socks that you will be wearing for the activity
 To tell the salesperson your activity habits
 To explain the features you are looking for in an athletic shoe
 To try on both shoes
 That feet expand about ½ a size during activity
 That men’s shoes usually have higher arches and narrower heels
 To walk, run, jump (on hard surfaces) in shoes to check fir and comfort
 To never buy shoes that you have to “break in” or stretch
Materials
There are several materials used for the uppers. Nylon is lightweight, breathes well, and is
washable. Canvas breathes well, is lightweight, is more flexible, is washable, and is less
expensive. Leather conforms to the shape of the foot, gives good support, and is more
expensive.
Types of Shoes:
 Running shoes are made for forward movement. The sole (must by grabby) is made for
traction and durability, has front-end curves to protect toes, solid ridges in soles, wellcushioned heel, elevated heel, arch support, and padded inside. Racing/running shoes are
used for competition. They may be flatter and lighter than running/training shoes.
 Tennis, racquetball, or badminton shoes are built for quick stops in all directions. The
shoes are made so that you can pivot, move laterally, start and stop. They have smooth or
slightly patterned soles, good traction, padded ankleband to cushion and protect ankle,
padded innersole and tongue, and a rubber toecap. There are two kinds of soles for tennis
shoes – non-skid for clay courts and smooth for carpet surface. Either of these may be
worn on cement surfaces.
 Basketball shoes are made so you can pivot, move laterally, and can twist and turn.
They may be low or have ankle high uppers (collar), have a heavily patterned thicker and
stronger soles, and arch support.
 Aerobics shoes have extra padding to absorb shock and they need to be flexible.
 Walking shoes have more flexibility in soles and shoes to facilitate heel to toe roll of a
normal walking foot.
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Biking shoes have self-gripping closure, cleats, and a notched heel tab.
Water sports shoes have a slip-resistant rubber sole.
Different features and Styles that relate to comfort and fit. Some of these are:
 Pumps that cushion the heel and have a built-in pump for a snug custom fit and to help
the shoes conform to the shape of the wearer’s foot
 Energy return/air that have a midsole with an air cushion
 Padded collars that protect the Achilles tendon
 Beveled rocker heel and toe that align the foot
 Shock-absorbing technologies that have capsules or a bladder containing gas, silicone,
honeycombed plastic, and foam encapsulated in polyurethane.
 Cross trainers that work for more than one sport
Types of Soles
There are three types of soles – waffle, textured, and crepe. Waffle soles are soft, give better
cushioning and are good for use on dirt and hills. Textured (other designs) soles absorb contact
stress and may pick up small stones. Crepe soles have less traction and are most durable. Most
soles can be ground off and resoled by a professional.
Construction
Before purchasing a pair of shoes, be sure to test for:
 Cushioning/shock absorption, resiliency, and comfort
 Flexibility by walking and looking in the mirror to see how it bends where your foot
bends
 Stability by rising up on the balls of your feet – your toes should spread easily without
hitting the sides of the shoe
Socks
It is very important that you wear socks to protect your feet. Without socks, you may have
abrasions, friction injuries, general foot discomfort, and odor problems. Select socks of cotton,
wool, or manufactured fibers. Wool socks are best when it is cold and damp. Be sure to keep
your socks clean.
Remember
The cost of shoes for exercising and active sports will depend on the
 Materials used
 Special design features
 Amount and kind of cushioning and support
 Workmanship
 Brand name
What to Look For
When shopping for any product it is important to consider what you should be looking for in
your purchase. Some things are obvious, like budget and functionality, but others are not so
obvious. Below is a list tips for evaluating the construction, styling, and fit of a shoe you may be
considering.
Carefully check the construction and styling:
 Sole to upper should be firmly attached
 Bend the shoe to see if it flexes easily at the ball of the foot, in order to be a good shock
absorber
 Striping will help resist side-to-side motion of the foot
 Padding at the side (ankleband) and tongue gives extra comfort
 Inner sole should be soft and resilient with adequate arch cushions
 Heel Counter should be very sturdy, resilient, reinforced with extra stiffening and
stitching for shape retention and heel support
 Lacing should not buckle and should conform to the foot
 Toe Guard will add to wear life of shoe
 Stitching should be neat and even, double stitching will lengthen wear life
 Ventilation holes will help keep your feet cool
 Heel should be slightly raised and cushioned to reduce shock
 Mid sole should be at least ½ inch thick to absorb shock
 Outer sole should be flexible.
 Seams should be smooth to the touch
Carefully Check the Fit of a Shoe with the following fitting points:
 Toe Box – about ½ inch between the end of your toes and the end of the shoe when you
are standing, except for soccer shoes, which should barely touch your longest toe and
there should be room for you to move your toes independently
 Uppers – should hold the foot securely in place
 Heels – should not slip out of the shoe
 Instep – wide enough for your foot
 Flexibility – bends with foot, give sense of support
 Arch – has good support
Know what you are looking for in an athletic shoe and choose a good pair of shoes in the quality
you need for your planned activity.
Athletic Shoe Information Guide
Use the following chart to help you learn more about each athletic shoe and its features. As
discussed in the ‘Get Smart Before You Buy’ section, you learned about the different features
and how they can affect your choice of athletic shoe. When reviewing this table take into
consideration the features as well as the prices of each athletic shoe.
Category
Name
Nike
Air Jordan 2011
Price
Style
160.00
Basketball
Use
Sizes
Color Choices
Fabric
Sole Material
Customizable
Indoor or
Outdoor
Basketball and
Fashion
7 – 18
White, Gray,
Red, Black,
Blue, Light Blue,
Navy, Yellow,
Green, Orange,
Purple, and Neon
Green
Synthetic/Mesh
Rubber
Yes, Color
Matching and
Nike iD
Athletic Shoes
Reebok
Adidas
RunTone Action
Samba
99.99
Running and Cross
Training
Running, Cross
Country, Weight
Lifting, Cross
Training, and
Walking
6.5 – 13
Blue, Red, or Black
Synthetic/Mesh
Rubber
No
60.00
Indoor Soccer
Puma
Suede Archive
Eco
60.00
Style Sneakers
Indoor Soccer,
Running, and
Liesure
Fashion
Statement
4 – 13
Black, White,
and Green
7 – 15
Green, White,
Black, Red,
Gray, Yellow,
and Dark Red
Leather
Rubber
No
Suede
Rubber
No
Worksheet 1
What Is Important to YOU?
Below are listed 20 different categories that may be important to you when considering which
athletic shoe is best fitted for you. Circle the number that corresponds to how important each
element of an athletic shoe is to you by rating it from 1 to 3:
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1 means the element is very important to you
2 means the element is of medium importance to you
3 means the element is not very important to you
Category
A. Budget
B. Brand
C. Name
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
Style
Use
Size
Color
Fabric
Sole Material
Customizable
Durability
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Rating
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Worksheet 2
Rate the Athletic Shoe
Use this worksheet to help you decide what is important to you about each athletic shoe. Review
the ‘Athletic Shoe Information Guide’ before completing this worksheet. Use this worksheet and
the ‘Athletic Shoe Information Guide’ when completing the problems your instructor provides.
Rate each category from 1 to 3:
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1 means the element is very important to you
2 means the element is of medium importance to you
3 means the element is not very important to you
Athletic Shoes
Nike – Air
Jordan 2011
Reebok –
RunTone Action
Adidas –
Samba
Puma – Suede
Archive Eco
Price
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Brand
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Name
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Style
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Use
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Sizes
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Color Choices
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Fabric
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Sole Material
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Customizable
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Overall Rating
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Consumer Choice Situation 1
Junior Consumer Choice Situation
for Athletic Shoes
Jane is 14 years old and is looking for a pair of athletic shoes. She plays volleyball, track, and
tennis for her school and has a lot of running and training she has to do. She is looking for a shoe
that she can wear to everyday practice and in the weight room. Jane’s parents gave her a budget
of $100. Which shoe would you recommend she buys?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Nike Air Jordan 2011
Reebok RunTone Action
Adidas Samba
Puma Suede Archive Eco
Answer Guide
The correct answer to this problem is the Reebok RunTone Action. Below is how to come to this
conclusion. Give the students time to review the answers and do the necessary math. It is
recommended you let the students discuss each answer choice and then read them each of the
following so that they can further grasp making smart consumer choices:
A. Nike Air Jordan 20011 – This is not the correct choice because this is a basketball shoe. It
would not allow for all of the running that Jane would need to get out of the shoe. It is
also well over budget at 160!
B. Reebok RunTone Action – CORRECT ANSWER!!! This is the correct answer
because the price of the shoe meets Janes budget and the shoe’s functionality also meets
Jane’s needs. This shoe is a running and cross training shoe. It allows for her to use it for
everyday practicing. This shoe is also not a fashion shoe so Jane would not need to worry
about getting it dirty. This shoe is also $40 UNDER budget!
C. Adidas Samba - While this may be a shoe to consider, it does not allow for the support
that Jane would need for weight training.
D. Puma Suede Archive Eco – These shoes are not the correct answer because they do not
provide the type of functionality that Jane needs. These are fashion statement shoes, not
work out shoes. Jane needs a shoe she can run and work out in.
Consumer Choice Situation 2
Intermediate Consumer Choice Situation
for Athletic Shoes
Bobby loves soccer! He is shopping for a pair of shoes that he can wear the show off his love for
the sport but are still school appropriate. He wants to be ready to play a pickup game of indoor
soccer anytime. He is looking for a comfortable shoe whether he is sitting in class or running
around the gym. It is important to him that his shoe does not make bold of a statement and he can
get them in black. He has a budget of $75. Can you help Bobby find his ‘sole’ mate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Nike Air Jordan 2011
Reebok RunTone Action
Adidas Samba
Puma Suede Archive Eco
Answer Guide
The correct answer to this problem is the Adidas Samba. Below is how to come to this
conclusion. Give the students time to review the answers and do the necessary math. It is
recommended you let the students discuss each answer choice and then read them each of the
following so that they can further grasp making smart consumer choices:
A. Nike Air Jordan 2011 – This is not the correct answer for a few reasons. This shoe is a
basketball shoe and would not provide Bobby with the flexibility and use he is wanting
out of his shoe. Also, it is WAY over budget!!
B. Reebok RunTone Action – This is not the correct shoe for Bobby because it would not
provide him with the support his is looking to get out of a soccer styled shoe. This shoe
does not provide Bobby with the type of use he is desiring for his shoe.
C. Adidas Samba – CORRECT ANSWER!!! This is the correct answer because it come it
under budget and it provides Bobby with the use and functionality he wants in his shoe.
This is a shoe that is designed for indoor soccer and it comes in Bobby’s requested color
of black! This shoe is perfect because it is not bold and simply meet Bobby’s needs.
D. Puma Suede Archive Eco – While this shoe modeled off of an indoor soccer shoe it is not
what Bobby wants. This shoe is way too bold for Bobby and ultimately does not provide
the durability or functionality that Bobby wants out of his shoe.
Consumer Choice Situation 3
Senior Consumer Choice Situation
for Athletic Shoes
Michael likes to look good for the ladies. He is currently shopping for back to school clothes,
including shoes. His parents are very generous with him and gave him $200 to spend on shoes.
He wants a shoe that pops with color and style, the more personal details he can put on his shoes
the better. While looks are important, Michael also wants functionality out of his shoe. He loves
playing a game of hoops with his guys after school. Can you help Michael find the shoe that
provides all of his wants?!
A.
B.
C.
D.
Nike Air Jordan 2011
Reebok RunTone Action
Adidas Samba
Puma Suede Archive Eco
Answer Guide
The correct answer to this problem is the Nike Air Jordan 2011. Below is how to come to this
conclusion. Give the students time to review the answers and do the necessary math. It is
recommended you let the students discuss each answer choice and then read them each of the
following so that they can further grasp making smart consumer choices:
A. Nike Air Jordan 2011 – CORRECT ANSWER!!! This is the correct answer because it
allow for all of the color options, customizability, and functionality that Michael wants
out of his shoe. Also, since Michael has such a large budget, he can afford these shoes.
B. Reebok RunTone Action – This is not the correct answer because it does not provide the
fashion statement that Michael is looking for.
C. Adidas Samba – These shoes do provide some functionality but do not provide the
fashion statement Michael would like to get out of his shoes!
D. Puma Suede Archive Eco – While these shoes are style statement shoes they are not best
for Michael. They would not provide the functionality that he is looking to get out of
them.