The days that women laced up their only pair of womens athletic shoes to go running, play tennis or play volleyball are over. With todays technology and a better understanding of human conditioning, womens shoes come in a wide variety serving many purposes. Owning more than one pair of athletic shoes for women is now a must if you do more than running.

As women go shopping for a pair of athletic designer shoes today they must understand it is a whole new ball game and another world. The mantra "One size fits all" doesn't work anymore . The multibillion-dollar industry offers an overwhelming number of styles, brands, colors, attributes and prices to choose from.

Should you run out and splurge on the latest pair of Adidas athletic shoes? Are they really better than the Reebok, Brooks or Puma athletic shoes? Not necessarily — the more expensive a pair of womens shoes are doesn't mean the shoes will fit you better and be comfortable. Women should pay special attention to comfort, not design or price. When choosing the right pair of shoes from your favorite athletic shoes store that basing your selection on comfort will save you pain and money in the long run.

The Internals Of An Athletic Shoe

Now let's run down the internals of an athletic shoe. Understanding these parts will bring you a clarity to what you are looking for in that perfect running, tennis or soccer shoe.

Insole - This is the portion of the sole that fits inside the shoe to provide cushioning and arch support.

Last - This component of the shoe is the footprint that the shoe is built around. The last comes in a curved, semicurved or straight style.

Outsole - This the outermost portion of the sole, hence the name, that makes the contact with the ground and is treaded for traction.

Upper - Top part of the shoe where the laces reside, fancy designs and bright colors that keep the shoe intact and keeps it wrapped around your foot during your athletic activity.

Midsole - Is usually the only real padded region that lies between the insole and the outsole and provides your foot with comfort, cushioning and shock absorption.

Counter - This region is located around the heel of the shoe and is rigid that provides the stability of the athletic shoe and keeps the heel of the foot in its proper place.

Toe box - Located at the tip of the shoe that gives the toes wiggle room.

Heel tab - Notched area of the ankle collar that reduces stress on the Achilles tendon.

Ankle collar - The region that is around the ankle and is padded for fit and of course comfort.

So, with this information you are now armed with some basics that should make your search at the athletic shoes stores to be more productive.

Remember, comfort in your designer athletic shoes should be priority number 1. With this in mind it should be such a mystery as to what athletic shoe for women is right for you.

Stay tuned to part number 2, where we will go into further detail and tie it all together as to what shoes are right for what athletic activity.