As you prepare for your gym workouts, one crucial factor to keep in mind is proper footwear. While you’ve likely checked out the latest fashions in gym clothing and are sporting a new workout outfit that makes you feel good as you walk through the door, it’s important not to overlook function for fashion.
Shoes are an integral part of your gym attire, and if you don’t choose your shoes carefully, you may end up with a pair that won’t support you during those intense training sessions.
One common mistake that many people make is not replacing their shoes often enough. Remember, just as your clothing wears out over time, so do your shoes. Regularly changing your shoes is essential, as it affects the cushioning support they provide and how well they hold up during your usual activities.
Let’s take a look at a few important considerations when it comes to selecting your gym shoes.
Choose Cross-Training Shoes Above All Else
The first thing you should consider is a good cross-training shoe. Chances are, you plan to engage in a variety of exercises during your workout, from running to biking to using free weights or machines.
Cross trainers are versatile, allowing you to transition from one activity to another while providing the support your feet need.
If you’re a specialized runner focused solely on endurance or sprint training, you may be better off looking for shoes designed specifically for those purposes. However, for the average gym-goer, a good pair of cross trainers will meet your needs perfectly.
You don’t have any major requirements other than ensuring the shoes fit well, support your ankles, and provide excellent traction on various surfaces. These are the main factors to consider. Specialized shoes can be beneficial when you’re serious about a particular aspect of your workout and need specific features from your footwear, but for most people, they can be overkill.
Think Lightweight and Comfortable
Next, consider the overall comfort and weight of the shoe. The last thing you want while working out is a shoe that feels heavy and cumbersome, so pay close attention to this aspect.
Try on several different pairs and walk around the store in them. Most people can quickly identify shoes that feel lightweight and comfortable versus those that feel heavy and clunky.
Even a couple of ounces can make a significant difference in your comfort level, so don’t overlook this factor.
Also, make sure to try on the shoes with the socks you intend to wear at the gym. This is a common mistake—many people try on shoes using the store’s socks or the ones they happen to be wearing that day. Different socks can make a difference in how the shoes fit, impacting your comfort level.
Consider the Arch Support
The arch of your foot is another important factor to consider when purchasing gym shoes, and it’s worth spending extra money if necessary.
Some individuals with particularly high arches may need to invest in arch supports for their gym shoes, so take that into account as well.
Having good arch support is vital to prevent knee and back pain, especially if you plan to do running or weightlifting activities.
Different shoes come with varying levels of arch support, so have someone at the store assess your arches and recommend a few different pairs to try on.
Skip the ‘Tush Toners’
One thing you can definitely skip when shopping for gym shoes is the new “tush toners” on the market, designed to help tighten your lower body.
While these are marketed as a way to enhance your workouts, the truth is they are likely to make you more uncomfortable than anything else. They also elevate your height off the ground, which could impact your balance during many exercises.
You’ll be far better off choosing a pair of gym shoes that are truly comfortable and allow you to push hard during your workouts, as this is what will lead to the best toning and definition results.
So there you have the key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for gym shoes. Generally, top-rated brands like Nike, Asics, and Reebok are well-known for their quality, but don’t hesitate to try on a few lesser-known brands.
Remember, what feels most comfortable for you will be one of the greatest deciding factors. If that means choosing a non-major brand, so be it.
By keeping all these points in mind, you should have no problem finding a great pair of shoes that will support you throughout your workout sessions.
