The shoe you wear, while you work out, is important as it can help prevent injury and provide support to help correctly finish your exercise. Whether you’re weight lifting, running, hiking, or cross-training, you need to choose the right shoes for fitness.
Your footwear is the division between your foot and the surface you’re working on, so it has the potential to cause harm or do a lot of good. If you choose something that’s not right for the workout you’re doing then you risk injury. Be a savvy shopper to ensure you get the best footwear for your needs.
Shoes For Running
When choosing shoes for running, there are two things that you need to take into consideration. First, your gait. Second, the shock absorption you need. Secondary considerations you need to keep in mind are manufacturer, weight, and colour.
Your gait is how you walk which dictates how you run and how each foot hits the ground. Your running gait can cause strain on your body, increasing the risk of injury. This change can be reduced by gait retraining and/or the use of proper shoes.
Running footwear should have cushioning designed to absorb the impact of footfalls. Choose the amount of cushion based on your gait and weight. If you visit a shoe store, you’ll likely find a team member who can help you determine your gait and what may best benefit you.
Shoes For Cycling
You may be under the impression that you can ride your bike wearing any kind of shoes you’d like. However, proper cycling shoes can help you optimize your workout. You want a pair of footwear that’s stiff to help you save energy. More pliable types have you absorb that effort into the sole of your shoe, meaning that some of the energy meant for pedalling is wasted.
You also want to look for shoes that are designed to be utilized with clipless pedals or toe clips. The shoes are specifically designed for cycling so that you don’t just push down on your pedals. With this type of footwear, you pull backwards, pull up, and push forward, making for more efficient pedal strokes.
Shoes For Strenuous Hiking Trails & Mountaineering
Footwear designed for hiking trails where you also have to perform rock climbing needs to offer a combination of cushioning and support. For very strenuous and rocky trails with an incline, you’re going to need some seriously sturdy footwear, such as a mountaineering boot. This type of boots will protect your feet very well when things start to get rough on the incline. You may also want to consider waterproof options as well as enjoying the great outdoors means facing a variety of weather conditions.
While walking shoes may be something you consider for a strenuous hiking trail, then think again. These are not the best option, as these models will not offer any actual protection or support. If you’re planning on going off the trail and into the wild, boots are the footwear of choice. Plus, boots offer another level of durability that you can’t get from the average shoe.
Shoes For Strength Training
When you go to the gym you may notice that there are people in all types of footwear: trainers, tennis shoes, sandals, and even nothing at all. For those who only do strength training every now and then, it’s not a huge concern. However, if you’re serious about pumping iron, you need to have the proper shoes to make a noteworthy difference in your exercise.
You’ll find that shoes with shock-absorbing qualities are less stable than what you need. If you’re trying to press, squat, or deadlift then the last thing you want is to have your feet wobbling underneath you.
The right shoes for strength training should just offer support without any shock-absorbing properties. Many styles are designed with a wooden heel that stops compression, and some even have straps across the foot to help stability.
Other Tips For Finding The Right Fit
Besides knowing the types of shoes you need for specific types of exercise, you need to look for a variety of other things in your choice of footwear.
- Be sure to actually try on the shoes that you’re interested in so that you have a clear idea about which ones you like the look of and which ones you don’t.
- Get shoes that are typically a half-size bigger than the footwear you wear every day as your feet expand and swell when you exercise.
- Don’t let the price or colour sway you towards or away from a choice. The best-looking pair is always the one that works out best. However, a good pair of footwear usually comes in at the $120 mark.
- If you’re going to a brick-and-mortar store, go to one where the salespeople are actually there to help you find the best fit instead of the one where they’re just trying to make a quick buck.
Wrap-Up
Choosing the right shoes for fitness for the activities you participate in will enhance your experience. It will make them more comfortable, safer, and easier. Ultimately, you’ll get the most out of your activities when you are wearing the proper footwear.
