DAN'S PAPERS, June 13, 2008 Page 77 www.danshamptons.com
Sport Fashions and Must-Haves for Kids By Alison M. Caporimo For kids in the Hamptons, summertime means one thing – sports! From baseball and tennis, to running and camp, kids need time outdoors, with the pastimes they love. While choosing the right sport or camp at the beginning of the summer is a very important decision, the sportswear accompanying the activity shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether your child is running around camp or passing a soccer ball, the right sneaker can make all the difference in the world. Tara Farrell, the manager of Gubbins Sporting Goods in Southampton, highlighted the most popular sneakers for 2008. “New Balance is the way to go,” she said. New Balance sneakers carry narrow and wide width shoes to ensure that each shoe fits perfectly. The Adidas Barricade and all models of Merrells sneakers have also been selling out, Farrell says. Adidas Barricade sneakers are commonly worn in tennis, but their appearance attracts kids from every kind of sport. “Children love their sleek look,” Farrell said. Merrells tend to run a little wider and offer great support. They are well ventilated, which is perfect for summer footwear. Merrells also have no laces, which is great for kids on the go. They carry a wide variety of models within their line as well, including a sneaker sandal with shock absorbing cushions allowing kids to run from the field to the beach without changing footwear. While the sneaker is a very important aspect of footwear, the sneaker’s sidekick – the sock – is commonly overlooked. The sock directly touches the skin and its fabric and cushioning affects the foot.
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Under Armour socks are very popular among athletic children. The socks have knit-in arch support designed to reduce foot fatigue and increase blood circulation. “They are also made out of a material that reduces blisters,” said Farrell. Along with their socks, Under Armour carries a shirt that is perfect for summer. Under Armour shirts have a second skin feel. They are abrasion free and made from a technical fabric that allows for rapid moisture transfer away from the skin. With sweat receding from the skin, the moisture quickly evaporates, leaving your child cool, comfortable and free from rub burns. The next popular item can be seen on almost every foot this summer, child and adult alike. Crocs have taken the slip-on shoe market by storm. Margaret Donohoe, owner of Sunrise to Sunset Surf & Sport in Southampton, says they fly off the shelves. Made with anti-microbial and odor resistant materials, Crocs are great for camp showers and pool time. They are slip resistant, light-weight and buoyant, which means that they won’t stray far from kicking feet in the ocean. While most sportswear is geared towards boys, Roxy, Quicksilver’s sister brand, is a fun and bright clothing line perfect for young girls. They carry light, breathable shorts available in different lengths to ensure your child is comfortable in
whatever sport she participates. Roxy sportswear “is covered in glitter and hearts,” said Donohoe. “Girls love it.” Sports require schedules so it’s important for your child to be on time. The Quicksilver Windy model watch is water resistant and shock proof, making it great for the pool. And no bright summer day is complete without the perfect sunglasses. Oakley sunglasses have lenses with high definition optics, which means your child will have sharper vision on the field, court and beach. The lenses are 100% UV filtering and come in various shades that improve depth perception. Oakley sunglasses are also impact resistant, so they won’t break if your child slides into home plate or accidentally sits on them in the dugout. Last, but definitely not the least important summer sports item, is sun block. Blue Lizard is a new Australian brand is been very popular in Donohoe’s store. Blue Lizard uses an advanced formula to protect against UV rays. It’s also waterproof and comes in various formulas – sensitive, sport and face – to fit your skin’s needs. Sports are very important, and the gear your child wears plays a large role in his or her performance. The right pair of sneakers can make that winning goal more memorable, and that soft jersey may just come to be his or her lucky shirt.