Choosing The Right Workout Shoes

Your footwear can make all the difference to your workout. It is important to have more than one pair to rotate between and to know when it's time to ditch a pair. They may be your favorite sneakers ever, but if they are completely worn out, you are doing more harm than good to your feet and your workout.

The type of shoe you choose depends on a few things, 1) the type of activities you perform and 2) comfort.

 If they are not comfortable do not force yourself to wear of buy them just because they look cool or are the popular shoe. Everyone's feet and how they move is different, so the same shoe won't fit the same way on different people.

Running

Designed specifically for runners, and can be broken down into further categories as indoor or outdoor, or for flat or trail surfaces. Running shoes are designed to protect your feet on impact with the ground. There is more support at the balls of the feet. Most often not a lot of lateral movement is done in running, so moving from side to side is tight and running shoes will not support the motions well.

Walking

Are flexible through the ball of the foot and provide a greater range of motion through the front of the foot as you step forward. There is typically more arch support since that is where the impact is heaviest. Often these are more bulky and heavier than running shoes.

Crosstrainers

Designed for multipurpose, these are great for gym-goers who do a variety of workouts. Whether it is weight lifting, jogging, yoga, or spin class––these are typically flexible and cushioned shoes for a variety of movements. A little heavier than running shoes, but not as heavy as walking shoes.

Court Shoe

Mainly used for basketball, racquetball, or tennis, these shoes will hold up well with lateral movements. The sides are typically wider and allow for more side to side motions. Also will provide more ankle support.

 

Studio Shoe

Relatively new since the explosion of yoga and pilates, where you often aren't wearing shoes–-these are great for those who don't feel comfortable going barefoot. Still very light and for indoor use only, they cover the foot in key areas and are flexible to allow comfort when moving from pose to pose.

 

Barefoot Shoes

These are popular among people who don't really like wearing shoes and those who are outdoorsy. One company, Vibram Five Fingers, is best known for these shoes. They look like feet, with a separate place for each of your toes. Their website claims "FiveFingers not only encouraged a more natural forefoot strike during running, but also allowed the foot to move and work in a completely natural way, while providing grip and protection over a variety of surfaces".