Sporting Goods Near Me
Whether you’re looking to gear or up for a new season or simply just need something to kick your fitness routine into action, a trip to your local sporting goods store can be an absolute necessity. Sporting good stores are mecca for those leading an active lifestyle. From actual sporting goods, to hiking supplies, kayaks, recreational gear, and athletic clothing: there aren’t many aspects of an active life that a sporting good store can’t cater to.
Are you interested in finding a sporting goods store in your area? Simply browse sporting goods near me on the map below and find a list of sporting good stores near your current location. Need more information on sporting goods? Read on for facts, trivia, and information on sporting goods stores!
Sporting Goods Near Me – Find it on the Map
Sporting Goods Near Me – Sporting Goods Trivia
What is the history of sporting goods?
Many sports out there require a ball, athletic shoes and other sport specific equipment such as golf clubs, hockey sticks, or baseball bats. This makes the necessity for sporting goods quite high. Sports whose key pieces of equipment is a ball include soccer and baseball. According to historians, soccer balls date all the way back to ancient China in the Ts’in and Han dynasties that reigned between 225 BC and 220 AD. Soccer balls of this era were comprised of animal skins. By 1855, Charles Goodyear created a soccer ball made from vulcanized rubber. By the mid 1950s, the ball was made white in color so that the fans and players could see the ball more easily. The history of baseballs doesn’t go back quite as far. Before 1857, baseballs were made from a very hard substance that was used as a core. String was then wrapped around the core and covered in brown leather. In 1857, it was decided that all baseballs should be one size, with a circumference between 10 and 10 ¼ inches and a eight ranging from 6 and 6 ¼ oz. In 1872, the rules changed again and the ball’s circumference was lowed by one inch and the ball’s weight lowered by 1 oz. The same regulations are still in effect today.
Dick’s is the largest sporting goods store in the US.
Who created the first golf clubs?
If you’re searching sporting goods near me in hopes of picking up some golf clubs, consider these fun facts. Before the 16th century, golfers were tasked with making their own clubs out of wood. It wasn’t until King James IV of England had William Mayne make him a set of clubs, that purchasing golf clubs became a thing. According to legend, Mayne’s clubs were designed for longer shots, medium shots, and shots close to the hole. This is believed to be the origin of golf club sets. In the 1800s, iron golf clubs were introduced due to the ease of mass production. Today golf clubs feature some very technologically advanced drivers, irons, and putters.
The Purpose of Athletic Shoes
On your quest for sporting goods near me, you may be wondering the true purpose of athletic shoes. Sure, they may be comfortable, but what is their more scientific purpose in sports? According to podiatrists, the proper footwear is required for effective balance and coordination in sports. The first pair of spiked shoes for athletics were developed by a British company. An early incarnation of Reebok, the first spiked shoes saw success and many found that the shoe’s creator felt this new feature would allow the runner to move faster. Adidas soon developed spiked shoes that could be worn when running different distances. In the 1800s, the world’s first pair of shoes featuring a rubber sole were created. The shoes were initially dubbed plimsolls. Converse released the first
performance basketball shoe in 1917, which was a first for the sport. In 1985, NBA star Michael Jordan created the Nike sneakers Air Jordans. The sneakers still have massive popularity today.
Sporting Goods Near Me – Sporting Goods Facts
The origin of athletics
IF you’re searching sporting goods near me, you may be wondering where athletics first began. Given that they’re such a huge part of world culture and even everyday life, it makes sense that athletics got their start in ancient times. The term athletics is actually derived from the Greek word “athlos” meaning “task” or “contest.” The ancient Greeks truly revered athletics, believing that it was just as wise to train the body as it was to train the mind. Citing that wholeness meant being healthy and strong in both physical strength and intellect. Early Greek athletic events often involved competitive jumping, running, throwing, and even tasks as simple as walking. In North America, athletics is synonymous with all sports and exercises in general. Almost every high school and college in the United States offers a bevy of unique athletic programs, with many focusing on producing scholar athletes. There isn’t anything much more Greek minded than that!
The Rise of Athleisure
If you’re searching sporting goods near me, you may be familiar with the new term athleisure. What is athleisure? It’s any type of outfit that can be worn for leisure or athletics. That includes yoga pants, workout tops, sneakers, and even cashmere sweatpants. The athleisure trend is not only sweeping the US, it has found its way abroad as well. This is why many companies and sporting good stores are dumping a lot of money into developing fashionable and effective athleisure products.
Top Sporting Goods Stores
If you’re searching sporting goods near me, you may be wondering where you can pick up the best sporting goods in your area. While the chains and brands that exist near you may differ, there a few national chains that currently own a large share of the sporting goods market. The largest sporting goods store is currently Dick’s Sporting Goods. Dick’s is known for their large assortment of athletic gear, outdoor gear, workout supplies, and casual athletic clothing. Of course, one cannot discount local sporting good’s stores for their expertise, small town charm, and local athletic goods. Know what you’re looking for and you’ll find a sporting goods store to match all of your needs.
