How to shop for the right sneakers for each of your workouts
Deciding on the precise workout footwear for your workout needs is a more specialised task than selecting your everyday wear shoes for running errands. While making your selection, it is important to understand how to shop for the right sneakers for each of your workouts, thereby paying attention to a few specific things depending on the exercise regime that you follow, and the running routine you are gearing up for. E.g. the sneakers you would wear for your morning/evening runs should differ considerably in comparison to the shoes you would wear for squats or weight training.
There are several brands, styles, and colours available, that you could easily get distracted by these choices and find it confusing to differentiate between what will actually provide proper cushioning through the activities that you will be engaged in versus what just looks trendy or stylish. Here is some advice to heed before buying new footwear ~
How to shop for the right sneakers for each of your workouts:
Strength and Weight Training
Try converse sneakers for serious weight training. They are supportive although they don’t have any cushion or heel, which allows weight lifters to maintain traction and stability thereby protecting their knees from jerky movements. Another benefit is that you have high ankle variants which can be tightly laced up around your ankles, hence protecting them as well. However, if you are looking for something a bit more versatile that can be used for both weight training and your regular gym routine, try Nike Free X Metcon 2 trainers, which are lightweight and provide just the right amount of cushioning.
Cross-Training
A popular choice, cross-trainers are versatile enough to get you through your workout routines: running outdoors or on a treadmill, interval training, or lifting weights. Cross-trainers are light, have mild-cushioned fusion soles, and are usually made of a tougher material to handle wear and tear. In my opinion, it is always a great idea to invest in a pair of cross-trainers, rather than buying a dozen different pairs of sneakers for different activities. Some of the popular ones in this category are: Reebok CrossFit Nano 8 Flexweave, Nike Air Zoom SuperRep, Vibram KSO EVO Cross-Training Shoe, and Adidas Women’s Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer.
 |
 |
Plyometrics
If you are into jump training or plyometrics, you will want to be kind to your muscles and leg joints by ensuring your sneakers have shock absorption to counter the force exerted on your legs. An athletic pair like the ASICS Gel-Quantum 180, with a layer of cushioning and a thicker sole to allow for softer landings while also providing excellent shock absorption will work. Also, ensure you have sufficient arch and ankle support.
Running Sneakers
This one I would advise you to be extra careful about, as running puts the maximum amount of pressure on your leg muscles, knees, ankles, and toes. Also, the type of terrain you are running on; rough, smooth, uphill, or on a treadmill ~ will have to be taken into consideration while making your selection. I advocate getting fitted by an in-store expert at a speciality running boutique, where you can discuss what type of soles you were comfortable with in the past; reveal any history of accidents or injury, to enable them to present the best sneakers specifically for you. My recommendations: Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit Running Shoe, Mizuno Wave Inspire 15, Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail-Running Shoes, Asics Gel Kayano 26, and Adidas Ultra Boost 20.
 |
 |
Casual Sneakers
A hot commodity at the moment and for good reason; casual sneakers are practical, comfortable, and trendy. Wear them to explore a new city, to brunch with friends, for a casual meeting, for a fun bike ride, to run errands, and everything else in between! Take your pick of fashionable casual sneakers from Nike x Undercover React Presto, Adidas x White Mountaineering LXCON, Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’, etc.
To conclude: Irrespective of what your workout plan may be, make sure you spend enough time researching how to shop for the right sneakers for each of your workouts. You may go with whatever brand and style feels the most comfortable to you, but my advice would be to head to a speciality or sports boutique for a suitable shoe fitting; that way your feet will be well taken care of when it will be time to get moving and work up a sweat!
The optimal shoe is going to support whatever is happening at the foot during that specific activity. Are you wearing the right sneakers for your workout?
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own personal trainer for more information.
I am not a runner. I skip, and I also walk fast with a hop. I do this outdoors on concrete for about 45 minutes, seven days a week. As a result I go through a pair of running shoes in about a month. Haha!!
😀
Finding the right pair of sneakers is no easy task; the sneaker market is so over-saturated and rife with options that it can be a bit overwhelming to track down which ones are the best for you. Thanks for the share.
It’s especially tough to be mindful of important things like quality and which shoes work for which occasions…
A really informative post! And as cool as it may be to have an extensive sneaker collection, it’s best to find your perfect, everyday pair. 🙂
…perfect for pounding the pavement. 🙂
I love reading your fitness diaries, Tanya. You always seem like you know what you’re talking about! xx
Thank you, Komal. 🙂
Love this share! A snug fit with a breathable upper round out to help me spring into action for my next run ~ would be my pick!
Try eco-friendly knit uppers that let your tired feet breathe easy, Priyanka.
You’re my favourite fitness influencer, Tanya! I also agree that choosing the right athletic shoes is as important as the workout itself!
Thank you, Deepali. It’s important to make your shoes work for your exercise, not against it.
Love everything about this post! My goal is to travel light ~ which means I need one versatile shoe that’ll work for all occasions and be comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Happy shopping, Jagruti!
Fantastically played images, Tanya ~ pulls the whole blog together. And yes, different workouts require different types of motions from our body, and the best workout shoes are specifically designed to provide just the right support. xoxo
Thank you, Heena.
Really amazing photos ~ you look da bomb! Can you please post about your writing style one day? I am dying to learn, and I think so is everyone else reading this! xoxo
Aw ~ thank you, Jayasree. 🙂
Beautiful writing and imagery, Tanya. 🙂 I’d like to share that sneakers that are a combination of style and comfort, make for a worthy entry into my everyday wear rotation.
New sneakers are dropping every week so there’s no shortage of releases to keep your rotation fresh, Sushma. 🙂
Walking shoes are stiffer, and running shoes are more flexible, with extra cushioning to handle greater impact. Since I do both activities, I’ve got a pair for each one. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Simmi.
Great advice to heed before buying new footwear! I absolutely agree that one needs to look for athletic shoes, which have the right mix of cushioning and support. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Thasni.
This detailed post puts me a few steps ahead of the game armed with some basic knowledge about my feet and their specific needs! Thank you for sharing, Tanya. xx
You are welcome, Surabhi.
Great post! Choose the wrong athletic shoes and you could end up lying on the couch nursing shin splints or aching heels instead of enjoying a brisk walk or run!
Thank you, Pooja.
It’s so true that proper-fitting shoes make all the difference whether you walk or run ~ the purest, most natural forms of exercise around. It’s knowing which shoes to buy that seems to require an advanced degree. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, Shamsi.
Gosh! You are so fit, Tanya! Before even picking up a shoe to try on, I intend to put these athletic shoe shopping principles to work. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Sundra.
You look amazing! By the way, the Cariuma’s Ibi sneakers are on my wish-list! They are handcrafted with natural materials like fair-trade cotton, safely harvested rubber, and sustainably sourced leather! Additionally, the packaging is made from 100 percent recycled materials! 🙂
That’s interesting to note, Sakshi. Thank you for sharing.
This post could not have come at a more appropriate time! The reason I’m so obsessed with sneakers is that they’re machine washable, which is crucial in the age of Coronavirus!
… I had a hunch that sanitising my sneakers was a good idea. 🙂
To say the athleisure world has exploded in the past few years would be quite the understatement! I say this because I’m delighted to see more and more people exercising and finding athletic routines that work for them… Thank you for inspiring, always!
Thank you for reading, Jasmeen.
You wouldn’t show up to a workout without a sports bra or a hair tie, would you? Proper footwear is paramount. Period.
I certainly want to set my feet up for success… 🙂
Loved reading this to learn more about how to shop for gym shoes, and how my choice can ultimately affect my overall health! And since I enjoy physical activities, I guess I could look at replacing my shoes every three to six months. Thank you for sharing. xx
My pleasure, Sonal.