- Selection criteria
- General recommendations
- By sports type
- Gender-specific considerations
- Top ratings
Most people associate fitness with dance aerobics for women. In reality, it is a broader concept that encompasses any physical exercise in specially equipped gyms. In order for them to be highly efficient (burn as many calories as possible and not cause injury), it is vital to choose the right fitness shoes.
As it turns out, the models you use for morning runs are not suitable for this purpose, as they are too heavy. Even top-of-the-line basketball shoes that you wear with jeans on the street are not an option. But how do you choose fitness sneakers that are both comfortable and functional? As it turns out, it is a real art form.
Selection criteria
Before you head to the sporting goods store to make your much-anticipated purchase, you need to have a clear idea of what you are looking for. What selection criteria should guide you in purchasing the right sneakers? They should have the following attributes:
- Foot fixation
You have to move a lot during fitness classes. When you are actively moving your legs, you should feel as comfortable as possible and not worry about getting injured. That is why comfortable sneakers are those that will reliably fixate your foot. They should be higher than street models and have a firm back. Only then will they be able to properly support your ankle and minimize the risk of any injuries in the gym – sprains or dislocations.
- Laces
Continuing the theme of foot fixation, you should choose models with laces, as they are considered the most reliable in this regard. Velcro and other types of closures will cause a lot of inconvenience. Flat laces hold the knot better. Make sure that they do not cut off your feet’s circulation.
- Ventilation
Your feet should breathe in fitness sneakers, so make sure you have access to fresh air during your workouts. For example, many brands offer shoes with circular foot ventilation – this is an expensive but ideal option. The material is very important in this matter: it must be natural and not create a vacuum. This can be leather, gore-tex (an innovative development of recent years), or synthetic mesh.
- Amortization
The cushioning system of sneakers reduces stress on your legs and minimizes the risk of injury. This can be micropores, air cushions, or a midsole. Be extremely careful with the latter. It is made either from polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate. The former is characterized by its durability, but it is very heavy for indoor fitness classes. The latter, on the other hand, is too light and short-lived. You have to be careful when exercising in such shoes.
- Sole
The outsole should be sturdy, with several layers made of different materials. This construction increases wear resistance. The socks are fitted with a circumference for convenient rotational movements. Try bending the sole of the model you like: you should be able to do it with ease, and when you return to the original state, there should be no dents or cracks on it.
- Insoles
The insoles should be removable so you can replace them with another pair while these are being washed and dried. They should completely match the shape of your feet. There is a thickening in the center to support the arch of the foot. Make sure that there is no fabric or cardboard insert under the insole – it accumulates moisture and causes sweating. Instead, look for even seams there to ensure comfort during your workouts.
Knowing from the outset which fitness sneakers to choose, you will feel more confident in the store among the wide range of models on offer. According to these criteria, you can immediately put aside unsuitable options and evaluate the remaining ones based on your physical characteristics (size, foot structure) and individual preferences (color, brands, style).
Gore-tex. Gore-tex fabric has been increasingly used in the production of sneakers lately – two- or three-layer: of external and internal fabric, and a Teflon membrane as a gasket between them. Its main quality is wear resistance.
General recommendations
In addition to the selection criteria, there are a few more important recommendations to keep in mind.
- If you have flat feet, it is best to exercise in sneakers with a supinator and orthopedic insoles.
- If you have a problem with excess weight, purchase shoes with maximum cushioning.
- Before you head to the store, find the corresponding rating of the best and most comfortable fitness sneakers. Identify a couple of positions for yourself, read the reviews, and learn about the distinctive features. This will help you have a clearer idea of your future purchase.
- It is recommended to buy shoes in the evening, when your feet are slightly swollen.
- When trying on, the sneakers should fit in size – not rub, not squeeze, not dangle.
- Ideally, you should buy 2-3 pairs for indoor fitness at once. They should be changed depending on the actions performed right during the workout. For example, weightlifting exercises should be performed in weightlifting shoes, WOD (“Workout of the Day”) – in cross-training shoes.
Micropore. This is a rubber used to make soles for many sneakers. It is good because it is very elastic.
By sports type
In addition to the general points and recommendations, you can always delve into the essence of the problem in more detail. It is considered that different models are needed for fitness classes of a certain direction. Indeed, the one in which it will be comfortable to jump rope will not be quite successful for CrossFit or squats on a simulator. So, if you want to get the most out of your workouts and avoid injury at the same time, consider this point as well.
For the treadmill:
- sole made of micropores – solid and bending well;
- gel inserts in the sole are possible;
- supinators are required;
- tread protectors – shallow;
- with excess weight and flat feet, a stabilizer is needed – a rigid insert on the outer sole that correctly distributes body weight;
- the top is a mesh that allows air to pass through well;
- minimum of seams (they only rub on calluses);
- light weight (up to 350 grams).
Related article: “How to Choose Sneakers for a Treadmill”.
For strength exercises:
- grooved microporous outsole to prevent slipping and ensure a firm grip on the floor;
- the width of the heel on the sole is greater than the width of the toe for maximum stability;
- the frame in the heel area is strong and rigid;
- lacing – tight, with a snug fit to the foot;
- back of the sole – with a slight rise for better cushioning;
- the maximum density of the sole distributes the load on the musculoskeletal system correctly.
Recommended types:
- weightlifting shoes – Adidas AdiPower with a polymer sole, heavy Nike Romaleos or flexible Inov-8 Fastlift 335;
- minimalist – with Vibram Five Fingers split-toes
