Are You Wearing the
Right Shoes for the Right Workout?

Plus, 7 Tips To Keep In Mind…

    It might seem like a luxury for non-workout enthusiasts, but it’s a fact that there are specialized shoes for different kinds of workouts.

    This is because the type of foot impact differs from one workout or sport to another, and this is where shoe engineering comes in.

    Scientists use modern technology to study the physics of workouts. Their findings are then utilized by shoe designers who make sure that function go hand in hand with aesthetics.

    Allan Roberts, a personal trainer from Leamington, agrees that “function should supersede style.” But if you won’t be caught dead wearing running shoes that look like your dad’s, there’s actually a lot of brands that mix ‘trendy’ with ‘functional.’

    Before you set off buying the first pair of shoes that grab your attention, first follow the recommendation of the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society: When engaging in a specific activity at least thrice a week, your shoes must be sport-specific/ workout-specific.

    With fit, stability, and cushioning in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most popular workouts and the shoes that go with them:

    Walking:

    If you opt not to use your running shoes for walking, that’s your decision.

    The major differences between them are that walking shoes have less cushioning and less wiggle room for your toes than running shoes.

    Running:

    Running shoes are among the top-selling footwear because they’re also great for low-impact activities and walking.

    They’re also low-profile enough to be worn on casual trips and whenever you just want to dress casually.

    You should not, however, use running shoes for workouts that involve a lot of lateral motion because they lack enough support around your ankles.

    Aerobics:

    The shoes worn for aerobics and sports such as basketball or tennis should have good ankle support, better traction, and more dependable cushioning.

    Shoes for these activities are designed to respond to forward/backward as well as lateral movements.

    They also feature flared soles which not only make your shoes look as if they mean business – they also promote ankle support and prevent possible ankle roll-overs from sudden lateral movements.

    Weight Training:

    Shoes for weight training? Believe it!

    Otomix has specialized shoes for low-impact workouts and weight training.

    The shoe has a balanced foot bed for support, control, and comfort. The design puts you in a more level position during leg presses and squats, and they are very lightweight.

    Cross-training:

    This is a good alternative for beginners who don’t really want to spend a fortune on workout shoes but want something they can at least rely on to be comfortable.

    They are designed to be versatile and can be worn for aerobics, volleyball, basketball, walking, running, or racquet sports.

    If you exercise very often, though, it is still recommended that you buy shoes specialized for your sport or workout. If, say, you are a runner, you will still be better off with running shoes because cross-training shoes don’t have strong ankle support and adequate cushioning.

Advice in buying workout shoes:

1. If you are on a regular workout schedule, have at least two pairs of shoes to If you’re into sports, especially, your shoes are just as essential as any piece of sports equipment.
   
   
2. Don’t be tempted to buy shoes from bargain-basement sales. These are most likely products with factory defects, such as protruding glue or inferior stitching, or whose designs are outdated.
   
   
3. Choose shoes with good arch and heel support. Observe how your foot is designed, too – your feet are either high-arched or low-arched, and some are flat-footed.
   
   The former require shoes with better shock absorption while the latter require trainers with better heel control and support plus less cushioning.
   
   
4. If you’re used to shopping for “breathable socks,” then your shoes should offer good ventilation as well.
   
   
5. Keep in mind that shoes lose their effective cushioning between 3 and 6 months, so if you want to avoid ankle and knee injuries caused by jarring, make sure you always have fresh shoes with dependable support.
   
   
6. After 200-300 miles, the shoe inserts wear out. Find out if what you’re looking at could be changed in the future.
   
   
7. Try both shoes on and lace them fully.
   
   Don’t rush yourself while buying a pair of workout shoes. After all, they’ll be your companions for several hours a week, and they’re not at all cheap – a good pair can set you back $50-$80. Moreover, try them on preferably in the late afternoon, when most people’s feet swell a bit.