Active living
Clothing and accessories for exercise, outdoor activity and everyday movement.
Pick a guide below. Each one explains what to look for and how to use the product safely. It also says when to ask a doctor or other expert first. Sources are listed at the end of every guide.
Guides in this section
Best Running Shoes: How to Choose the Right Pair for You
Choose running shoes by fit, terrain and comfortable support. Check toe room, width, heel hold, gradual transitions…
Kickboard for Swimming: How to Choose and Use One Well
How to choose a swimming kickboard: shape, grip, training purpose, coach-led drills, back-pain limits and why it cannot…
Pickleball Balls: Indoor vs Outdoor and How to Choose
How to choose pickleball balls: indoor vs outdoor hole patterns, the official size, weight and bounce specs, approved…
Pickleball Paddle Guide: Shape, Weight, Face and Rules
How to choose a pickleball paddle: size limits, weight, grip fit, materials, current model approval, permitted…
Swim Cap Guide: Silicone, Latex, Fabric and Long Hair Caps
How to choose a swim cap: silicone vs latex vs fabric, caps for long hair and kids, latex allergy, and the hair care…
Tennis Racket Guide: How to Choose Head Size, Weight and Grip
Compare tennis racket head size, strung weight, balance, grip and strings. Check junior fit and understand the limits…
More guides
Best Bike Helmets: How to Choose One That Fits and Protects
Choose bike helmets by activity standard, fit and condition. Check child sizing, downhill requirements, crash…
Best Hiking Backpacks: How to Choose Size, Fit and Features
Pick a hiking backpack by torso fit, trip load and access. Compare an actual daypack, suspension, hydration features…
Hammock Buying Guide: Camping, Stands and Safe Setup
Compare camping and backyard hammocks by dimensions, complete suspension and stand compatibility. Check site rules…
Swim Goggles: How to Choose a Pair That Seals and Fits
Choose swim goggles by fit, lens tint and care. Compare indoor, outdoor, kids and corrective goggles, with contact lens…
Waist Trainer: Does It Work, Risks, and Safer Choices
Waist trainers explained: temporary shaping, breathing and reflux concerns, wear-time cautions, sizing checks and…
Baseball Bat Guide: Size by Age, USABat vs BBCOR Rules
How to choose a baseball bat: length by age, height and weight from the Rawlings chart, USABat vs BBCOR, Little League…
Baseball Batting Helmet: Fit, NOCSAE Labels and When to Replace
How to choose a baseball batting helmet using CDC HEADS UP guidance: measuring, fit checks, the NOCSAE label…
Baseball Glove Size Chart: Choosing by Age, Position and Fit
How to choose a baseball glove: size charts by age and position from Rawlings and Wilson, fit checks, glove types by…
Catcher's Helmet Guide: Hockey Style vs Two-Piece, Fit, Labels
How to choose a baseball or softball catcher's helmet using CDC HEADS UP guidance: fit, two-piece mask labels, NOCSAE…
Equestrian Helmet Guide: Riding Helmet Fit, ASTM F1163, Falls
How to choose a horse riding helmet with CDC and CPSC guidance: sizing, strap fit, ASTM F1163, SEI or Snell labels, and…
Football Helmet Guide: Fit, Chin Strap, NOCSAE and 10-Year Rule
How to choose and fit a youth football helmet using CDC HEADS UP guidance: sizing, the chin strap yawn test, NOCSAE…
Hockey Helmet Guide: Fit, Cage, Chin Strap and 10-Year Rule
How to choose and fit an ice hockey helmet using CDC HEADS UP guidance: sizing, cage and throat guard fit, NOCSAE and…
Lacrosse Helmet Guide: Fit, Chin Strap, NOCSAE and Upkeep
How to choose and fit a lacrosse helmet using CDC HEADS UP guidance: sizing, the one-finger rule, NOCSAE ND041 labels…
Life Jacket Guide: Sizes by Weight, Fit Test, Kids, Inflatables
How to choose a life jacket using U.S. Coast Guard guidance: sizes by weight, the arms-up fit test, kids' life jackets…
Skateboard Helmet Guide: Fit, Straps and ASTM F1492 Labels
How to choose a skateboard helmet using CDC and CPSC guidance: sizing, the V side straps, chin strap test, ASTM F1492…
Ski and Snowboard Helmet Guide: Fit, Goggles, ASTM F2040
How to choose a ski or snowboard helmet with CDC and CPSC guidance: sizing, goggle fit, the chin strap test, ASTM F2040…
Sports Mouthguard Guide: Custom vs Boil-and-Bite vs Stock
How to choose a sports mouthguard using ADA and NFHS guidance: custom, boil-and-bite and stock types, braces, fit, care…
Youth Football Sizes by Age: Pee Wee, Junior, Youth, Official
Which football size fits your child: Pee Wee, Junior, Youth and official balls by age from Wilson, with USA Football…
Ice Cleats for Shoes: Yaktrax Coils vs Spikes for Winter
Ice cleats for walking and running on snow and ice: Yaktrax Walk, Pro, Run and Spikes compared, sizing over boots…
Ski Goggles: How to Pick Fit, Lens and Over Glasses Styles
How to choose ski goggles: face size and Low Bridge Fit, bright and low light lenses, magnetic lens swaps, over the…
Snowshoes for Winter Fitness: Sizing by Weight and Terrain
How to choose snowshoes for winter walks and hikes: load ratings by length, MSR Evo Trail vs Lightning Trail vs Revo…
Brooks Ghost: Ghost 18, Max 4 and the Right Fit
Compare Brooks Ghost 18 and Ghost Max 4 by drop, upper, rocker and fit. Check current versions, widths and the exact…
HOKA Bondi: Bondi 9 or Bondi SR for Your Routine?
Compare HOKA Bondi 9 and Bondi SR by mesh or leather, outsole, drop and fit. Match the model code and width before…
Ice Skates: Figure, Hockey and Adjustable Kids' Pairs Compared
Compare figure, hockey and adjustable ice skates from Lake Placid, Jackson and Bauer, with model sizing, ankle support…
Snow Sleds for Kids and Adults: Sizes, Riders and Safe Hills
How to choose a snow sled: toboggan vs small kids' sleds, sizes and rider counts, steering, helmets and how to pick a…