Sporty Blog - The Sport Blog

If you are looking to buy sports shoes for a loved one this Christmas, or if you simply think you deserve a festive treat of your own, you will need to research the best options out there for the recipient’s training needs to ensure that you bag the perfect pair. JD are the king of trainers and are a great choice if you are looking for sports shoes with specific features for athletes in particular.

Sports shoes are an integral cog in the machine of good athletic performance, and they can help reduce the risk of incurring an injury during training and avoid the chance of a problematic health condition years down the line. Failure to wear correct footwear that is designed to meet the demands of the activity you are doing can result in discomfort, strains and - if you’re really unlucky - broken bones.

If you are searching for a decent pair of running shoes that combine both impressive practical features and stylish design, why not take a look at our top three list of running shoes currently on the market for inspiration:

Best for Stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6

Being five per cent lighter than the earlier GTS 5 design, the GTS 6s embody an upgrade in both the features they offer and the smooth run they provide. They come equipped with a firm mid-sole and dual density medial post, offering fantastic support of the foot and ankle.

Best for Comfort: New Balance 1060

The tight-fitting New Balance 1060s boast durable Abzorb material in the midsole that is deigned to soften the pressure between the foot and the surface area of the trainer. They also come with Abzorb SBS material under the toes and heel for added comfort.

Best for Speed: Nike Air Zoom Vomero

If you or the recipient of the shoe is a keen sprinter and are looking to improve performance, the Zoom Vomero may be the sports shoe for you. The Vomeros are Nike’s top-end lightweight running shoe and boasts an ultra-lightweight and cushioned design.

If both quality and price are a main consideration, you may find that it is better to buy online, as this allows you to compare product features and prices across retailers. This makes it much easy to track down some of the best deals around. It is also useful to take a look at online reviews of the designs you have in mind to judge their reliability.

So, way back during the lamented ‘Dawg-dazes of summer up here in the Northwest; Hmm? I don’t think it ever arrived… Whilst the Boyz ‘O Summer, a.k.a. Major League Baseball were actually showing up for their nightly games, there was a little charity basketball game held in Seattle.

The H206 Charity Classic was held in Seattle’s Key Arena, the former home of the Seattle Supersonics - before Clay ‘BA Bennett stole the Sonics and relocated to Oklahoma, which I believe many are still overly dismayed about!

As this one day return of professional ‘B-ball to the Pacific Northwest occurred on Saturday, July 22nd and was the first NBA approved basketball game in the Emerald City since 2008; featuring the likes of Philadelphia 76ers Spencer Hawes, Atlanta Hawks Jamal Crawford, Portland Trailblazers Nolan Smith and Minnesota Timberwolves Michael Beasley - who were just a few of the NBA stars competing. While former Supersonics greats Jack Sikma and Shawn Kemp coached the Home team.

And the Seattle (Home) team defeated the NBA Elite squad 140-122 in-front of 5,070 fans - with the charity game benefitting youth activities thru Seattle’s Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club with a pledge of $100,000 being made.

Former UW Hussky standout Spencer Hawes - who had a silhouette of the Space Needle coifed into the back of his head specifically for the game scored 27-points and New Jersey Nets Terrence Williams added 25-points - as the two players battled for most points scored and MVP honours, which Williams won.

Afterwards, Hawes took the microphone following the game to Half-court and led the fans in a chorus of “Seattle Come Home!” Although I don’t think it’ll be happening anytime soon?

This rare glimpse of Professional Basketball in Seattle, who’s NBA Franchise, was relocated after 41-years… Was followed-up next by another twist, when none other then the Seattle Mariners honoured a bevy of Supersonics elite on-field at Safeco Stadium - with the likes of Lenny wilkens, George Karl, Gary “the Glove” Payton, Shawn “ManChild” Kemp, Jack Sikma, Gus Williams, Slick Watts,Tommy “Gunner” Chambers, Hersey “Chocolate” Hawkins, Freddy “Downtown” Brown, Nate McMillan and others before commencing play against the Tampa Bay Rays, which were once coached by ex-Mariners Coach Lou Pinella.

As its pretty funny, how the money grubbin’ GREEDY Team Owners and Players of the National Basketball Association have allowed Bennett to steal a storied NBA Franchise from the 14th largest Television market to the 45th!

And while Payton tries securing backing for a professional team’s reemergence in the Seattle marketplace, albeit first he needs a new “State of the Art” stadium built, since apparently Key Arena isn’t worthy - which is always the rage before Pro Sports takes up residence in a city… Typically at the expense of its Taxpayers!

Thus, I’d guess you could say that Seattle is currently one of the few major cities not impacted by the ridiculous NBA Lockout thingy! Which is potentially hurting Oklahoma’s coffers right now? Aw Shucks! Don’t worry, Clay Bennett will make it all Oakie Dokey; Honest!

Was in the checkout line the other day when I heard the cashier gushing effusely over this year’s Major League Baseball Worlds Series being the best ever Baseball he’d ever witness… To which I wanted to say “Put a Sock-in-it Bubbah! Although I must admit I don’t follow Baseball and only idly listened to this year’s Game-7 as background dinner noise. As I guess I’d haveda been rootin’ for Texas since ex-Mariners Adrian Beltre was playing for them…

Yet all of this Baseball fervor made me harken back to the fact that the Seattle Mariners did a really cool thingy this past September when they unveiled their very first ever statue in tribute to Mariners “lifer” Dave Niehaus.

Ironically the larger-then-life statue of the Hall of Famer MLB Broadcaster - the voice of the Mariners since their inception was unveiled prior to the game vs. the Texas Rangers.

The bronze statue fittingly features Niehaus at a desk behind the microphone, replete with Dave resplendent in a baseball motif tie, headphones on and his scorebook opened to October 8, 1995; the very game that the Mariners defeated those Dastardly Bronx Bombers, aka NY Yankees for the American League Division title… Of which I can still vaguely recall listening to Niehaus going Bonkers during the Playoff series - as the entire town was swept up into Mariners Fever!

And I could be confused over when exactly Mr. Niehaus said it, as I’m not sure if it was used during the series… But, my all time favourite Niehaus Tagline is: “Get out the mustard & rye Grandma; it’s Grand Salami Time!”

The Niehaus bronze statue also fittingly has an open seat alongside Dave, to which admiring fans can sit at alongside the Mariners Maestro and have their picture snapped if so desired.

The likeness epitomizes the spirit of this overly popular Broadcasting legend - who called an unbelievable 5,284-games between 1977-2010.

Its located in the main concourse nearby Section 105 in right center field of Safeco stadium, which Niehaus was MC for the Ballpark’s opening in 1999.

The beautiful bronze statue was sculpted by Chicago artist Lou Cella, who attended its private unveiling along with several members of the Niehaus clan who posed for a photograph with Dave’s wife Marilyn seated alongside whilst several Grandchildren scampered over the desk whilst inspecting the likeness of their late Grandfather…

Riding on the crest of Rave Green Sounders FC euphoria… I eagerly awaited the start of the Major League Soccer Playoffs - ultimately leading towards the Championship match for the 2011 MLS Cup at Los Angeles this year…

Wildcard Round
The New York Red Bulls traveled to Texas to play against (No. 7) FC Dallas, where New York was victorious 2-0 - advancing to play the league’s Number One seed; the star studded Los Angeles Galaxy, who’ll fly to the East Coast for Game-1 on October 30th.

The second Wildcard match featured the (No. 9) Columbus Crew traveling to Colorado, where the reigning MLS Cup Champions Colorado Rapids defeated Columbus 1-0, and then moved onto Kansas City to face Sporting Kansas City also on Sunday…

Playoff Format
Whilst I must admit I’m not overly knowledgeable upon Major League Soccer’s Playoff format, I find it a tad bit strange that the higher seeded teams are forced to start Round-1 of the Semi-finals by playing on the .road. And then travel home for the second game of the aggregate two-match round one format before beginning single game eliminations until the Championship match concludes.

Thus looking up the Playoff format, the Top-3 finishers of each Conference, i.e.; Eastern and Western are automatically given berths to the Quarter (Semi) Finals, whilst the next four highest finishing teams are awarded single game Wild Card elimination matches before advancing to the next round.

NOTE
Muddying the Playoff format for Mwah - is the fact that the winners of the Supporters Shield, awarded to the MLS Team with the best Overall record - is automatically awarded the berth against the lowest seeded Wild Card winner. And the higher seeded Wild Card winner is automatically entered against the Conference Champion who didn’t win the Supporters Shield.

Conference Semi-Finals - Match 1
Starting off the Semi-finals action on Saturday night were my Home team, aptly known as the ‘Rave Green, aka Seattle Sounders FC, who were the No. 2-seed (Western Conference Runner-Up) traveling to Sandy, Utah to faceoff against Western Conference No. 3 seeded Real Salt Lake.

And I must say it was a crushing Game-1 loss for the visiting sounders FC, which began shakily with veteran Goalkeeper Kasey Keller having to hold off a pressing Salt Lake with three masterful saves, before Salt Lake scored a most controversial score by Alvaro Saborío in the 41st minute on what Sounders FC announcer Arlo White emphatically decreed: “Surely WAS Offside!” Profusely noting it was an Offside Goal by RSL. As the Sounders would be unable to shake this demoralizing score and have a further two goals scored against them in a crushing 3-0 road defeat…

Sunday - October 30:
While I’m guessing the majority of Yuhs Sports fans were busy watching some Pigskin’s tossed around in the NFL, nevertheless, the Top-seeded (No. 1) Western Conference Los Angeles Galaxy flew to Harrison, NJ to take on the East Coast Juggernaught known as the New York Red Bulls - in a match-up featuring Thierry Henry for New York against the likes of David Beckham and Landon Donovan for LA. As the pesky No. 10-seeded (Wildcard) Red Bulls proved unable to stop the Galaxy as their Defense was caught flat-footed crying for an Offside call while Messer Beckham floated a ball to Midfielder/Forward Mike Magee who blasted it into the back of the net for the game’s only score with Los Angeles winning One-Nil (1-0) on the road.

Also on Sunday, the “late” game - saw the No. 1- seed (Eastern Conference Champions) Sporting Kansas City flying to Colorado for Game-1 vs. the (No. 8 Wildcard) Colorado Rapid, with Kansas City being victorious 2-0 in Game-1.

The No. 2-seed (Eastern Conference Runner-Up) Houston Dynamo traveled to Chester, PA to take-on the Eastern Conference No. 3-seeded Philadelphia Union, where Houston won 2-1 over the Union. But at least it was Sebastian Le Toux who scored Philly’s lone goal - while I’m assuming that Brian Ching still plays for the Dynamo who knocked out Seattle in last year’s Playoffs…

Conference Semi-Finals - Match 2
Game-2 between KC and Colorado will be held at Kansas City on November 2nd, with KC leading Two ‘Nil. (2-0) in goals scored…

Meanwhile the sounders FC will be trying to dig their selves out of a massive hole at ‘DER CLINK, Err Century Link Field, when Real Salt Lake comes to town after pasting Seattle 3-0 at home and hence, lead the series on Goals; as the Sounders have yet to score a single goal in MLS Playoff contention and must defeat Salt Lake by a score of 4-0 to advance…

Thursday, November 3:
The second match between New York and Los Angeles will be played at Carson City, CA where New York finds itself behind 1-0 on points.

‘LeToo and The Raiders, Err ‘Philly’s (Philadelphia Union) Sebastian Le Toux, an ex-Sounders FC player - along with his teammates will fly to Houston, Texas to take on the Houston Dynamo who currently lead the Union by a scant point…

As I was sorry to see Seattle let Le Toux be snapped up in the 2010 Major League Soccer expansion Superdraft, but am happy to read that the French-American Forward became Philadelphia’s very first MLS All Star! As I may have to root for Philly instead as it appears Seattle won’t make the cut once again; CRIKEYS!

As you’d have to say that the Galaxy surely are the Odds-on favourites to win the MLS Cup this year? Although I’d be happy with either Philadelphia or Houston beating LA! Whilst I know absolutely nothing about Sporting Kansas City or the Colorado Rapids, while obviously Salt Lake is the enemy…

So, the more time I have to reflect upon it… The more COOLER! It seems to me that I was privileged to be invited by ‘MAN-U Diehard Randal to this year’s US Open Cup at Qwest, Err, Century Link Field, which I’m trying to get into duh habit of calling ‘DER CLINK! (Which may or may not be appreciated?)

As I revel in my good fortune - I have quickly realized that I’ve never-ever-ever been so lucky to attend a Finals of anything professional sports-wise, as I certainly AIN’T gonna be trying to obtain Superbowl tickets, etc. And thus I was just absolutely tickled GREEN to be standing for 90+ minutes inside ‘DER CLINK! In an absolute sea of crazed, frenetic, raucous Sounders FC Fans! Although I suppose I should have been tickled Electric Yellow instead… As green is the Sounders FC home Colour, whilst the departing yellow jerseys have been used for “Friendly” matches, i.e.; vs. Manchester United, etc, International play and US Open Cup matches - get IT?

And Oh by the way, the Sounders FC Ownership group - comprised of: General Manager Adrian Hanauer, Joe Roth, Paul Allen and Drew “The Price Is Right” Carrey ALL Thank You very much for setting the new All-time US Open Cup attendance record of 35,615 - which smashed last year’s mark of 31,000+, which was also set at Seattle.

And it was what unfortunately will (or HAS!) soon become a daily occurrence (grind) in the Pacific Northwest - of drab, dreary, damp and Oh So DARK (by 3:33PM Dazes…) evening in Seattle - as our much enjoyed “Indian” summer has definitely left the building - as I don’t think the Groundskeepers had to dampen the field that night, while we managed to stay dry from the drizzle; but I digress…

The Sounders FC entered the Lamar Hunt (US Open Cup) Trophy hunt in Qwest; Oh Never Mind! Of making History by becoming only the second team ever to win three consecutive Cups; the first-time this ever occurred was from 1967-69 by the New York Greek-Americans’ - a soccer club I’d never heard of prior to this evening’s chance at tying a 42-year old record…

And although I didn’t see it, there was an enormous green banner hung up just outside of Century Link Field depicting three gravesites - with one housing a coffin for DC United and Columbus Crew, with a third spot awaiting the Chicago Fire… See, I told you these crazed Soccer Fans were frenetic!

As we spent the whole evening chanting many things, including multiple choruses of: Seattle… Sounders… SEATTLE! SOUNDERS! SEAA AATTLE!!! SOUNDDDD-DERS!!! With countless volleys being belted out by each side of the sold out stadium - each yelling one half of this chant whilst the game was in progress… Although the crowd didn’t break out my favourite chant which is: “The Ref’s A Wanker!” Albeit several fans around us shouted comments towards the referee regarding needing eyeglasses to correct some reputedly unseen calls upon the pitch!

And even better yet, my Good Man Randal brought a pocket-sized portable radio for me to listen to the game via the soothing tome of Arlo Guthrie; NOT! Err, Bloody Arlo White; the most eloquent announcer ‘Chap and voice of the Sounders FC. As it was pretty funny that I needed to hold the radio to my ear the entire first-half as we couldn’t make the earplugs work - with Randal saying that must be a really LONG cell phone call you’re on; Hya! Before Randal solved the earplug issue during Halftime…

Thus, it became quite enjoyable to listen to the crowd go absolutely ‘Bonkers over an almost made Goal which would totally drown out the radio’s volume and then as the crowd noise subsided I’d get to hear what had just happened via the 7-second delay…

And thanks to said radio, I learned something unusual about US Open Cup play - as Messer White noted how my favourite player Leonardo Gonzalez, No. 19 for the Sounders FC had been precluded from last year’s Open Cup Final because each Squad is only allowed a maximum of five Foreign players on the pitch… While it seemed that the Chicago Fire were trying to pick on my man ‘Leo during the beginning of the game as his name was called out several times. Yet Gonzalez had allegedly been inserted due to his more physical nature and helped keep Chicago on the wrong end of the pitch all night long.

And you’d have thought that the air had been virtually sucked out of the stadium in the final minute of the first half when Sounders FC Forward Fredy Montero’s volley riccocheted off of the Goal-post! With the score remaining knotted at Nil-Nil (0-0) as the teams retreated to their respective locker rooms…

And the game continued on with Arlo White interjecting some Colloquial ‘Witisism’s - noting in the First-half that Midfielder Brad Evans have gotten a clean shave for the game… Along with the Fire’s Sideline doing some Advertising - apparently trying to sell the Ref into calling a Non-foul.

As the minutes ticked-off, we were still scoreless 75-minutes into the match before the floodgate finally broke open on the 78th minute when Fredy Montero punched in a blocked header by Fire’s Keeper Sean Johnson from Jeff Parke off of a Sounders corner kick to put the “Rave Green” ahead 1-0 as the Stadium absolutely erupted in joy!

Osvaldo Alonso capped off the match with a second goal in the final minute of stoppage time in the second half before the crowd went absolutely berserk as the final whistle was blown.

And the Sounders Coach Sigi Schmid’s best quote in the Post-game interview was how the entire stadium stayed for the Open Cup Trophy presentation - apart from a very small corner filled with Chicago Fans who Exited Stage Left immediately!

And what was even more impressive to Mwah was how the crowd absolutely drowned out Seattle’s Goalkeeper Kasey Keller during the trophy ceremonies with cheers of jubilation!

And the euphoria spilled over the stadium as the Sounders Soundwave band was gaily working overtime in celebration, while a delirious crowd jammed into an absolutely packed elevator before spilling onto the adjacent streets in reverie. And whilst making our way back to our car - when waiting to cross the street several more impromptu Seattle — Sounders chants erupted over the victorious evening’s performance…