My Life is Vital™ - How To Find the Best Athletic Wear

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How To Find the Best Athletic Wear

Vital Healthcare Group

Getting ready to try out for a team sport? Whether you are a high school athlete or play in afterschool soccer or baseball leagues, finding the best athletic wear is important. Also, no matter which sport you choose—football, baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, swimming, soccer or more—you’ll need to invest in properly fitting sportswear to play your best on the team.

For most high school sports and middle school sports, team players wear a combination of athletic wear, which is selected by the coaches and the team. In addition, you’ll need some protective gear such as helmets, pads, teeth guards and more.

But picking out athletic wear is not for sissies. There are so many new products available in sporting goods stores and on the Internet. You have probably seen teammates wearing some pretty cool stuff, and you’re probably wondering what is best for you.

Look for athletic wear to match your sport

Each sport has its own special athletic wear and sports equipment you will need to purchase. Sure, your football, basketball or softball uniform may be for “show”—but much of what you wear is for your own protection and safety.

As an example, if you are going out for the football team, a potentially physically dangerous sport, you will need protective gear such as pads, helmets, and girdles to keep from harming your body.

If you’re running track, you’ll need the best uniform available along with shoes that fit like gloves to knock seconds off your running time.

Playing baseball or softball? Again, you will need properly fitting cleats and a protective baseball helmet that keeps you from injury as you slide into home plate.

Items you may need

Here is just some of the athletic wear you will need for popular middle school sports and high school athletics include:

Football team: Football uniform (pants and jersey), shoulder pads, thigh pads, athletic supporter, shin pads, knee pads, rib pads, hip pads, tail pads, gloves, girdle, helmet, football, football cleats, athletic socks, mouth guards.

Baseball team: Baseball uniform, baseball glove, baseball bat, batting glove, baseballs, batting helmet, baseball cleats, catcher’s helmet with mask, catcher’s chest protector, cup (males), catcher’s shin guards, athletic supporter (males), athletic socks, stirrups.

Basketball team: Basketball uniform, basketball, basketball hoop, athletic supporter (males), socks, basketball shoes, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist pads, head bands, mouth guard. Track team: Track bodysuit, running shorts, running shirts, running shoes, comfortable socks, sports bra (girls).

Swim team: Needless to say, athletic wear for swimming won’t break the bank – but it’s important to have some extra practice swimsuits, goggles, swim caps, perhaps an athletic supporter (males) as well as the team swimsuit for meets.

Softball team: Uniform, softball glove, softball bat, batting glove, softballs, batting helmet, cleats, catcher’s helmet with mask, catcher’s chest protector, catcher’s shin guards cup (males), athletic supporter (males), sports bra (girls), athletic socks, stirrups

Buy what fits

No matter what sports team you’re on, make sure your athletic wear and sports equipment fit you properly. When you go to the sporting goods store, talk with one of the sales reps to make sure you get an accurate fit for the team uniform and any additional equipment you need.

The store in your neighborhood will probably have a list of what you need to buy for your team. If not, make sure you get a list from your coach and bring it with you.

Shoes are most important

While many sports involve a lot of running, the shoes you need will depend on the team. You may need cleats for football, baseball, softball or soccer. You will need basketball shoes to jump and stop properly on the basketball court. You’ll need track shoes that will make you light as a feather and fast as lightning.

When you go to the sporting goods store to purchase shoes, make sure you get the right shoe for your sport. Get a professional rep to fit the shoe on your foot and then walk around the store with the shoes on before you buy them.

It’s probably best to buy shoes at night when your foot is the largest. Also, try on the shoes after a workout or run. Bring the same type of socks you’ll wear with the shoe. This will make a difference in size and fit.

Make sure the shoes are not too tight or too big. You should be able to wiggle your toes when you stand in the shoes. If the shoes don’t fit, then keep looking until you find shoes that do fit.

Which brand is best?

Typically, people find a particular brand of shoe or sports equipment and stick with it. Keep this in mind when you are looking around the store for shoes, gloves, and other sports equipment.

Select a brand of athletic wear that is trustworthy and comfortable to you. You can ask your coach or other players for their recommendations, which may help you to narrow it down to one brand.

Have a budget

Purchasing athletic wear is an investment based on your dedication to your sport. If you’re not careful, sports equipment can be quite expensive.

Work with your parents to come up with a budget for your athletic wear. Allow time to earn money, if needed, to pay for the clothing and sports equipment.

You don’t have to spend a lot to get the proper sports equipment. Check out some large sporting goods stores that have a good selection of gear and watch for sales (usually off season).

Most importantly, get the necessary athletic wear and sports equipment for your sport. Don’t shortchange yourself by not purchasing the best you can afford. Your safety, comfort and athletic success depend on it.