How to Select Right Athletic Shoes

Finding the right gear that supports your hard work and helps you feel good is essential. Training shoes are designed to support various fitness activities, combining features of running and court shoes while being suitable for weightlifting and different fitness classes, offering an excellent range of movement patterns.

I want to rotate my footwear based on my training goals; I enjoy training in diverse ways, including running, lifting heavy weights, and moving fast. The trendy term for such versatility is “hybrid athlete.”

I won four pairs of training shoes:

• Barefoot shoes
• Cross-training shoes
• Weightlifting shoes
• Running shoes

Barefoot Shoes:

I wear barefoot shoes every week. They are minimal shoes designed to mimic barefoot conditions, with a lower stack height and a wider mid-foot and toe box. I use barefoot shoes for workouts to strengthen my feet, such as short runs or specific exercises.

Cross-Training Shoes:

Cross-training shoes are versatile and suitable for a variety of workouts. I wear them during CrossFit or functional fitness sessions, where I engage in various activities within one workout. Because of their stability, I prefer cross-training shoes for lifting, jumping, or metabolic conditioning (met-con).

Weightlifting Shoes:

These shoes have elevated heels, typically ranging from 0.6 to 1 inch. I use them during exercises like cleans, squats, and snatches to enhance my performance and maintain proper form.

Running Shoes:

These are designed specifically for running and provide support during running. I typically wear running shoes if I plan to run more than 2 or 3 miles.

In this guide, I will discuss training shoes, emphasizing their importance and the factors that make them durable and high-performing, helping you make the best choice for your needs.

What are training shoes?

it is a cleat which are designed for multidirectional movement, such as backward, forward, and lateral movement in the gym, doing things like lunges and squats to keep you safe on the training floor.

It has less cushioning than running shoes with harder midsoles and a thicker outsole for more excellent responsiveness during highly intense workout like sprints or box jumps.

The sole of the workout shoes is flatter and flexible with a lower heel-to-toe drop, usually 0 to 4mm and sometimes 6 to 8mm, for greater flexibility and a wide range of movement. 

The benefit of workout shoes

1. It is a versatile shoe that provides support, stability, and cushioning for weightlifting, aerobic, and circuit training activities.
2. It provides support and stability for multidirectional movement.
3. Athletic cleat incorporate breathable material to promote airflow and cool your feet during high-intensity training.

Can I use workout shoes for running

The cushioning and shock absorption properties of sports shoes are less than running footwear; hence, using athletic shoes in place of running shoes could lead to an injury over time.

Also, gym shoes are heavier than running shoes and can be tiring for long-distance running.

Where to use workout shoes?

It is effective for a variety of activities.

1. Weightlifting
2. Strength training
3. Indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis
4. High-intensity interval training
5. Cross fit
6. Agility training
7. Plyometrics
8. Pilates

How do I choose workout shoes?

1. Offset (Heel to Toe Drop):

The heel-to-toe drop of gym shoes usually varies between 0 to 8mm, with 4 to 6 being the sweet spot for many.

A 6 to 8 mm drop might be ideal for severe lifters, but 0 to 4 mm is good to go for a more natural feel. Right now, I am using a shoe with a 4mm drop, and I am loving it.

2. Toe Box:

It is the room available in the front box of the shoes for flexible movement of the toe. In cross-training, ample space is required for the toe to spread out and grip on the ground for solid stability.

Hence, choose gym shoes with ample space for your toe movement. If you struggle with fitting with one brand, go with another as shoes of the same size from different brands have different fitting.

3. Outsole:

The outsole is essential for two main reasons

1. Stability
2. Gripping on multiple surfaces

So, if you are looking for workout shoes, look for more rubber base outsole and the word TPU somewhere in the provided description tag. The TPU layer is generally provided above the outsole and is vital to shoe stability.

4. Midsole: 

These are the shoe’s parts between the insole and outsole. Midsoles with high-density foam and TPU tend to be more stable. At the same time, midsoles with foam from heel to toe are more comfortable.

5. Outer Construction:

Durability and breathability are the two essential aspects of the shoes, but they can not go hand in hand.

Shoes with thicker material and TPU are more durable but less breathable, while shoes with a complete mess build will be more breathable.

6. Arch Support:

Look for shoes with enough cushioning to support your foot arch and reduce the chance of sprain.

Difference between a gym shoe and a running shoe?

Athletic Shoes:

• It often features less cushioning than running shoes and hence is more responsive during high-intensity exercises like sprints and box jumps.
• The heel-to-toe drop is lower to provide a flat base, making it more flexible to allow a multidirectional movement, especially lateral (side to side )
• Gym shoes have a firm midsole, which offers excellent stability and support.
• It has a reinforced upper to prevent frying from ropes.
• Lightweight

Running Shoes:

• The cushioning in running shoes is more than workout shoes to absorb shock and impact.
• It has a higher heel-to-toe drop to help with forward momentum.
• Running shoes have reinforced outsoles for durability, strength, and traction on various surfaces.
• The shoe’s uppers are made with fabrics for increased breathability and ventilation.
• More Durable

Are cross training shoes suitable for walking?

You can use a training shoe for walking as it is designed with a thicker outsole that helps absorb the shock and support the weight on the lower parts of the body during training. But avoiding long distance and recreational walking with athletic shoes is advisable.

Conclusion:

These are the four types of shoes that I use in my training. My favorite shoes are the UA TriBase Reign 6. What are your favourite shoes, and Which do you use for a workout? Let me know in the comment section. 

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