I get most of my ideas for my blogs from questions or e-mails that I get from friends and I got a great question the other day. A friend e-mailed me and said she was having the hardest time finding a good gym shoe and asked if I had any recommendations.
This could get long, because proper footwear is SO important to an effective workout and I know from personal experience that nothing can ruin it quicker than a pair of shoes that are killing your feet. The problem may be that you have on the wrong type of shoes for your type of workout. The support in a running, walking, and court shoe are all made different based on the motion, stability, and/or flexibility required from that specific activity. You need to make sure you’re wearing the right ones to lessen the strain or chance of injury to your feet, ankles, and knees. You wouldn’t want to wear a running shoe, which is made for straight-on motion, to a class or activity that requires lateral movement, such as kickboxing or zumba. So, if you go to the gym and all you do is run on the treadmill, you definitely want a good running shoe. If you go and just walk on the treadmill, you need a good walking shoe. If you’re not just sticking to the one activity but mix it up at the gym like me, consider a good cross-trainer which are made very versatile for multiple activities.
Just as important as the proper type of shoe, is proper fit. When you try on your shoes, you want to be sure to allow some room for swelling…a good tip is to try them on later in the day or after a workout so that you’ve already been on your feet for a good while. Also, pay a little extra and wear good, quality socks to the gym..you’ll be glad you did. Be sure to have them on when you’re fitting your shoes. Most shoes will need some breaking- in for your feet, and since everyone’s feet are different, you might find checking out some insoles for additional arch support, etc. may be beneficial.
With all of that in mind, now back to my friend’s original question. Since, as I’ve explained, it depends on the particular type of workout, I went back and found an article that I recently saw in Shape Magazine. They had testers try out the latest shoes for eight weeks and then rate them. I figured sharing their results and recommendations may give you a good starting point in your search for your best shoes Below are their top picks for the different types:
CROSS-TRAINERS:
Best Shoes for All-Around Gym Use: Nike Air Max Trainer One
Who needs it: Women who mix things up with cardio, weights, and classes.
What it offers: This shoe "really absorbs the impact of high-intensity moves" like jumping jacks and burpees, and its "super firm" midsole is ideal for strength training and cardio machines. "Soft and pliable" uppers "never rub or dig into skin," and an adjustable strap "keeps your foot in place." ($85;nike.com)
What it offers: This shoe "really absorbs the impact of high-intensity moves" like jumping jacks and burpees, and its "super firm" midsole is ideal for strength training and cardio machines. "Soft and pliable" uppers "never rub or dig into skin," and an adjustable strap "keeps your foot in place." ($85;nike.com)
FITNESS CLASSES:
Best Shoes for Fitness Classes: New Balance 812
Who needs it: Steppers and dancers who want cushioning, flexibility, and traction.
What it offers: "Plush cushioning" and a sturdy midsole prevent ankle rolling. "Even during quick side-to-side moves, I felt stable," says a tester who takes six dance classes per week. Nubs on the bottoms ensure traction and "foot-hugging" mesh keeps feet dry.($85; newbalance.com)
What it offers: "Plush cushioning" and a sturdy midsole prevent ankle rolling. "Even during quick side-to-side moves, I felt stable," says a tester who takes six dance classes per week. Nubs on the bottoms ensure traction and "foot-hugging" mesh keeps feet dry.($85; newbalance.com)
RUNNERS:
Who needs it: Overpronators (runners whose feet roll in too much).
What it offers: The dense foam midsole is "firm, but not heavy." Heel cushioning, from an insert that resembles a tennis racket's crisscrossed strings, "gives squish-free bounce," while the large-gauge mesh upper is "roomy in the toe box." ($110; saucony.com)
What it offers: The dense foam midsole is "firm, but not heavy." Heel cushioning, from an insert that resembles a tennis racket's crisscrossed strings, "gives squish-free bounce," while the large-gauge mesh upper is "roomy in the toe box." ($110; saucony.com)
Who needs it: Neutral-stride runners who love plush-soled shoes.
What it offers: The "lightweight" cushioning "feels like you're running on a cloud," and there's "plenty of wiggle room for your toes." Says one marathoner, "My feet didn't ache—even after an hour-long run." Excellent traction makes you feel like you'll never slip, even in the rain. ($100; newbalance.com)
What it offers: The "lightweight" cushioning "feels like you're running on a cloud," and there's "plenty of wiggle room for your toes." Says one marathoner, "My feet didn't ache—even after an hour-long run." Excellent traction makes you feel like you'll never slip, even in the rain. ($100; newbalance.com)
Who needs it: Runners training for a 10K or longer race.
What it offers: A "perfect blend of support and cushioning." The hard-plastic bridge spanning the outsole makes the shoe "stable, but not rigid," and the heel feels "extra cushy." The nearly all-mesh upper "provides ample breathability," key for keeping feet cool (and blister-free). ($120; zappos.com)
What it offers: A "perfect blend of support and cushioning." The hard-plastic bridge spanning the outsole makes the shoe "stable, but not rigid," and the heel feels "extra cushy." The nearly all-mesh upper "provides ample breathability," key for keeping feet cool (and blister-free). ($120; zappos.com)
Who needs it: Racers who want to pick up their pace.
What it offers: The Ghost is "super lightweight," yet "not at all flimsy." One tester who runs half marathons in the Ghost says, "The soft, flexible insoles make my legs feel energized."($100; brooksrunning.com)
What it offers: The Ghost is "super lightweight," yet "not at all flimsy." One tester who runs half marathons in the Ghost says, "The soft, flexible insoles make my legs feel energized."($100; brooksrunning.com)
Who needs it: Women who cover 5 miles or more on a trek.
What it offers: This shoe's cushioning, provided by two layers of padding in the midsole, "feels pillowy soft." One trail trotter says, "Even after 90-minutes, my feet weren't sore." Mesh on the upper "prevents overheating," and the rubber outsole "has excellent grip." ($95; mizunousa.com)
What it offers: This shoe's cushioning, provided by two layers of padding in the midsole, "feels pillowy soft." One trail trotter says, "Even after 90-minutes, my feet weren't sore." Mesh on the upper "prevents overheating," and the rubber outsole "has excellent grip." ($95; mizunousa.com)
Who needs it: Runners who want to cover rugged trails quickly.
What it offers: At 8.6 ounces, the SpeedCross 2 makes it easier to "power up hills." Firmer midsole cushioning near the instep "helps keep the foot stable" and a deep-grooved outsole provides "flexibility for pushing off roots and rocks." Stay-tight laces cinch up with just a tug. ($120; backcountry.com)
What it offers: At 8.6 ounces, the SpeedCross 2 makes it easier to "power up hills." Firmer midsole cushioning near the instep "helps keep the foot stable" and a deep-grooved outsole provides "flexibility for pushing off roots and rocks." Stay-tight laces cinch up with just a tug. ($120; backcountry.com)
WALKERS:
Best Walking Shoes: Asics GELFitwalk Lyte
Who needs it: Dedicated fitness walkers.
What it offers:This "featherweight" shoe's "stellar shock absorption" comes courtesy of gel-filled inserts in the heel. "They prevent my usual knee pain," says an 18-mile-per-week walker. Under the forefoot, foam cushioning material and deep grooves help you "bounce from step to step." ($70; zappos.com)
What it offers:This "featherweight" shoe's "stellar shock absorption" comes courtesy of gel-filled inserts in the heel. "They prevent my usual knee pain," says an 18-mile-per-week walker. Under the forefoot, foam cushioning material and deep grooves help you "bounce from step to step." ($70; zappos.com)
Who needs it: Women who are constantly on their feet.
What it offers: The structure of the midsole propels you forward and "adds spring." This "supportive" sneaker also has ample cushioning that "eases joint pain" and a mesh upper that keeps feet "delightfully cool." ($90; newbalance.com)
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