You’ve got your gym membership, training sessions or Crossfit box membership ready, your gym bag packed and able to go, but you’re missing something: the best workout shoes.
Choosing the right shoe for the fitness regimen can be confusing, because not every tennis shoes are created equal. Based on if you’re running, weight lifting, doing group exercise classes, or a combination of the suggestions above, you may need multiple pairs of trainers to be perfect for your activity.
?To first decipher what you need, think about these questions:
- Will I do lots of running or cardio movement? Treadmill, outside jogging, cardio classes, etc.
- Will I be lifting lots of weight?
- Will I be on rubber surfaces (i.e. basketball courts, racquetball courts, etc)
If you answered #1, then you need workout shoes for RUNNING
Running shoes provide ample support for that foot, and cushioning for the foot and ankle. They can also be customized to meet your requirements if you have issues like this problem, pronation, weak ankles, etc. A few solid brands to begin with are Asics, Brooks, or Saucony. Check out?THIS?article from Runner’s World to locate their favorites for Spring 2019.
If you answered #2, then you need workout shoes for LIFTING
Lifting shoes include a couple of different options based on what type of weight you’re lifting. If you’re training regimen includes powerlifting or Crossfit, then you need a shoe with a slightly elevated heel and cushioning such as the Adidas Weightlifting line.
The “drop” (or measurement between where your heel sits in the shoe and also the floor)?should be about 4-6mm to mimic a far more natural or barefoot position. In most tennis shoes, it’s about 8mm, and working inside a slight elevation like that can make imbalanced movement patterns and restrict how well you’re progressing.
If you’re not really a super powerlifter but still prefer to throw around some iron, then stick to a shoe that has a flat sole just like a Converse Chuck Taylor or a Asics Minimis. The flat sole permit the proprioceptors in your feet to regulate as necessary to produce the correct movement patterns against the floor.
If you’re carrying out a mixture of cardio & strength training, then you need CROSS TRAINER SHOES
It provides a flatter surface for the resistance training, but a great grip and cushioning for cardio. My top picks are the Nike Free line and also the Asics Gel Trainers (hellooo waterbeds for the feet!).
As mentioned above, for those who have quite a intense exercise routine with a mixture of all these factors, you may have multiple pairs of shoes! I own running when ever I’m training or coaching clients and need the support, Chucks for my heavier weight training days,?and cross training sneakers for hypertrophy or cardio workouts.
Be certain to invest and spend the money to get tried and true brands if you feel like you need it. You receive that which you purchase when it comes to shoes!