CNN/SI - SI for Women - It's Shoe Time - Monday September 27, 1999 11:29 AM

It's Shoe Time

You know that the cool yellow stripes on your running shoes make you look good -- and fast. But what's up with those plastic windows in the heel? (They cushion the blows to your body.) Or the monster tread on the bottom? (It provides trail-run traction.) Or the funky lacing system? (It ensures a snug fit.) There's a whole lot of shoe beyond those stripes, but unless you know what to look for, and what works best in which situation, you'll end up with a shoe that looks great and feels awful. To keep your feet happy, we've dissected four types of sneakers and come up with some favorites for different needs.

Running

Top Pick: Asics GEL-Nimbus $110

Tread doesn't matter much unless you hit the trails, in which case look for "teeth" to provide sure footing on loose dirt and rocks.

Cushioning is critical. Midsoles provide cush, and inserts filled with air, gel or other squishy materials help.

Breathing room in the toe box is vital, especially on downhills, otherwise you're gunning for a black toenail.

Looking to beat Marion Jones? A lightweight shoe and forefoot flex grooves that let you "toe off" harder will help.

Best for....

Fast-paced training: New Balance W1000BL $110
Trail running: Brooks Gila $90
Motion control: Saucony GRID Stabil $90

Basketball

Top Pick: Nike Air Tuned Swoopes $110

Grooves provide both traction on wood floors and flexibility, important for getting up on your toes to fire jumpers.

Side-to-side stability is supplied by a shank or a wrap, which supports and surrounds the arch.

Cushioning is dense enough to soften the impact of rebounding but not thick enough to promote twisted ankles.

Nylon and mesh keep your feet cool, and leather provides ankle support. (All-leather is best for problem ankles.)

Best for....

Weaker ankles: Adidas Response Mid $75
Bigger feet: Reebok Quick DMX $80
Stronger ankles: Converse Chuck Authentics BBall $75

Soccer

Top Pick: Adidas Equipment Predator Maneeta Liga $125

Thin midsoles let your foot slide under the ball. You'll sacrifice some cushioning, but you're playing on grass, right?

Ultrasoft -- and pricey -- kangaroo leather form-fits to your foot; buffalo leather is a step down in softness -- and cost.

Hidden laces and a fold-over tongue flatten out the top of your foot, which is key when you're serving the ball.

Tapered studs in a circular formation mean starts, stops and side cuts aren't as jarring on joints and ligaments.

Best for....

Indoor play: Puma King Indoor $100
Shorter grass: Diadora Brasil RTX 12 $115
Various turf sports: Umbro Dinamica Spin-R-G HG $65

Cross-Training

Top Pick: Nike Air Sunder Max $90

Think of breathable material like mesh or Lycra-spandex as air conditioning for your feet in the gym.

Relatively smooth outsoles ensure you won't get tripped up on a treadmill or in the weight room.

Molded heel cups keep you grounded whether you're squatting or stepping, while higher-cut shoes provide additional ankle support.

Although most gym activities aren't high impact, an insert gives a little extra cush and increases the shoe's life.

Best for....

Cardio machines: Ryka Tryst E.T.S. $70
Weight training: Reebok Power Trainer DMX6 $90
Outdoor adventure: Adidas Karasu $75

Photographs by Michael Mazzeo

Also: Happy Trails