People often throw on a pair of “sneakers” or athletic shoes and go when they want to work out, but sometimes a specific shoe is warranted! These days, there are shoes for so many different types of sports, and those really are worth getting if you’re serious about getting a good work out. Do many types of exercise and don’t want a ton of different shoes? There are shoes for that, too! So let’s dig into picking the right exercise shoe.
Many people ask what type of gym shoes they should wear, but that really depends on what you plan on doing at the gym. Cycling? You’ll need shoes for that. Aerobics class? Something that’ll have some ankle support, lateral stability, and balance. Weightlifting? Running? Walking? There are shoes for those, too!
Running shoes
I often hear people wonder about what running shoes to get, and that’s a great question! It’s such an individual thing, though, that you really can’t rely on what someone else says they wear. The best thing to do is to go into a running store and have someone there analyze your gait and help you try different shoes until you feel like Cinderella—you get that perfect fit!
Do you overpronate? Supinate? Neither? Do you land on your heel or forefoot? They can help you figure this out and pick the right shoes for however your feet work!
I used to go to the local sporting goods store and get cheapish shoes and wear them until they were really worn, but I started having issues with my feet hurting. I finally broke down and went with my brother to the running shoe store (shoutout to TRC!) because he said those shoes actually do help.
Boy, was he right!
I got my gait analyzed and the nice person brought me 3 different kinds of shoes to try and I found my shoe—Saucony Triumph! I wore those for years until they didn’t wow me anymore, so I switched to Brooks after trying them. But it was true—you get what you paid for and the shoes made for running really do make a huge difference.
Typically, you want to buy shoes that are a half size to a whole size larger than what you normally wear, to allow for swelling and to allow the toes room to splay when running.
There are shoes made for walking, and if you plan to start a walking program, you can definitely look into some of these shoes, or go for running shoes. If you plan on a rigorous walking program, running shoes may fit your needs better.
Weightlifting shoes
Strength training in the gym, outside, or at home? You probably want shoes for that, instead of just throwing on your running shoes. Training shoes are usually less padded, closer to the ground, and have more stability for when you do those unilateral moves.
Lifting weights pretty hardcore? Firm, flat shoes with stability are what you’re after. Many people just buy Chuck Taylors or shoes like that, but there are plenty of options. Don’t need anything fancy!
However, depending on how serious you are about your lifts, you may want to invest in a pair of shoes made for lifting weights. These typically have higher heels to help you get into a better squatting position, and they help a lot with stability so you can concentrate on your lifts, particularly for beginners. But again, it’s very individual and you should find what works for you.
Cross-training shoes or “gym” shoes
There are plenty of shoes that are marketed for being used for multiple purposes. These cross-training shoes have some cushioning for running or aerobics (running shoes are best for running), lateral stability, and forefoot cushioning. They are a good all-around shoe if you want to switch up types of workouts, like taking a group fitness class, lifting weights, playing tennis, and you don’t want to switch shoes.
Cross-training shoes are good for those who do different types of exercise. They’re usually light-weight, have some padding, but also have that stability necessary when performing certain exercises on one leg.
Unlike, running shoes, these are usually fine to buy in your normal shoe size.
There’s the info I have on picking the right exercise shoe. So get on out there and get to work, now that you know about what to wear on your feet!