If you’re new to exercise, one of the questions you might have is what footwear do you need for gym workouts? Will normal trainers do? Do you need special workout shoes?
There are all kinds of shoes you can wear for exercise, and like any other sport, there’s a shoes designed for it. The problem with ‘exercise’ as an umbrella term is that it doesn’t tell you anything. Are you weightlifting? Running? Using resistance machines? Doing yoga? Or mixture of all?!
Here’s a basic overview guide for picking the right footwear for gym workouts…
Consider the type of exercise you will be doing. If you will be doing mostly cardio, you will need a shoe with good cushioning. If you will be doing mostly strength training, you will need a shoe with good support.
Consider your foot type. If you have flat feet, you will need a shoe with good arch support. If you have high arches, you will need a shoe with good flexibility.
Try on shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day, so it is important to try on shoes when they are at their largest.
Walk around in the shoes for a few minutes. Make sure they are comfortable and that they provide the support you need.
Different types of workouts shoes
Not all training shoes are designed for the same purpose. With such a wide range of shoes for different types of exercise, we need to look in greater detail at the different shoes, how they’re constructed and what they can do for you…
Running shoes: Running shoes are designed for high-impact running and jogging. They have good cushioning to absorb shock and protect your joints. They tend to be lightweight, flexible and soft. They’re not ideal for lifting weights in, but they’re great for high impact activities and classes.
Cross-training shoes: Cross-training shoes are designed for a variety of activities, including running, jumping, and lifting weights. They have good support and decent flexibility to help you perform a variety of exercises. They’re designed as a hybrid of running shoes and weightlifting shoes, so have some qualities of both. They have a slight heel, a stiffer sole and strong uppers. They’re ideal for general fitness work.
Weightlifting shoes: Weightlifting shoes are designed for heavy lifting. They have a raised heel to help you squat deeper and lift more weight. The raised heel allows you to achieve greater squat depth, and better upper body positioning in a deep squat. They are stiff, have a perfectly flat sole and a secure upper. Great for lifting, dreadful for running and bouncing around in.
Yoga shoes: Yoga shoes are designed for low-impact activities like yoga and Pilates. They have a flexible sole to allow you to move freely. They offer very little support and are good for nothing other than yoga!
Minimalist shoes: These are good for general exercise, but take a lot of getting used to - especially for activities such as running. I wouldn’t wear them for weightlifting (the sport version, not weight training), but as a general exercise shoe, they have their place.
These shoes below are an example of cross-training shoes. They are suitable for running and lifting, without being specifically designed for either. They’re the best option for most people looking for a good all-round training shoe for gym workouts.
Use this guide to help you pick the right footwear for gym workouts and you won’t go wrong! Just make sure that no matter what type of gym shoe you choose, it is comfortable and provides the support you need. Wearing the right shoes can help you avoid injuries and improve your performance in the gym no end.
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