Choosing Athletic Shoes: Basic Features and Model Review

• Selection criteria
• General recommendations
• By type of workout
• Gender characteristics
• Best fitness sneakers model ratings

Most people associate fitness with dance aerobics for women. In fact, it is a broader concept including any type of athletic training in specially equipped gyms. And for workouts to be as effective as possible (burn the most calories and be as non-traumatic as possible), it is necessary to choose the right footwear for exercising.

It turns out that the models you use for your morning runs are not well-suited for this purpose because they are too heavy. And even top-of-the-line basketball sneakers that look great with jeans on the street are also not an option. So how do you choose fitness sneakers that are both comfortable and functional? It turns out that it is a bit of an art.

Selection criteria

Before you go to a sporting goods store to make your purchase, you should know in advance exactly what you will be looking for. What criteria should you use to choose the right sneakers? They should differ in the following characteristics.

• Foot stability

One needs to move a lot during fitness classes. When you do active movements with your legs, you should feel as comfortable as possible and not be afraid of getting injured. Therefore, comfortable sneakers are those that reliably stabilize the foot. They should have a higher top than street models, and they should have a thick back. That is the only way they can properly support the ankles and minimize the risk of any injury in the gym, such as sprains or dislocations.

• Laces

Continuing on the topic of foot stability, you should choose models with laces, as they are considered the most reliable in this regard. Velcro and other types of fasteners will cause a lot of inconvenience. Flat laces hold knots better. Make sure that they do not cut into your legs too tightly, as this will impair circulation.

• Ventilation

The feet in fitness sneakers should breathe, so pay attention to whether they will be ventilated when exercising. For example, many brands offer footwear with circular foot ventilation, an expensive but ideal option. Material is very important in this matter: it should be natural and not create a vacuum. That could be leather, Gore-Tex (an innovative development of recent years), or synthetic mesh.

• Cushioning

A sneaker’s cushioning system absorbs impact and minimizes the risk of injury. They can be in the form of microspores, air cushions, or an intermediate sole. Be very careful with the latter. It is made of either polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate. The former is distinguished by its strength, but it is too heavy for indoor fitness. The latter, on the other hand, is too light and does not last very long. One should exercise with caution in this type of footwear.

• Sole

The sole should be durable, made of several layers of different materials. This design increases wear resistance. The toe area features a circular motion for easy pivoting. Try bending the sole of a style that you like: you should be able to do it easily, and when it returns to its original shape, there should be no dents or cracks.

• Insoles

Insoles should be removable so that you can replace them with another pair while these are being washed and dried. They should sit snugly against the foot. In the middle, there should be a protrusion that supports the arch of the foot. Make sure that there is no fabric or cardboard insert under the insole, as it retains moisture and causes sweating. Instead, look for even seams to ensure comfort while exercising.

By knowing what kind of fitness sneakers to choose from the very beginning, you will feel more confident in the store’s wide range of models. Based on these criteria, you can immediately put aside unsuitable options, and evaluate the others from the point of view of your physical characteristics (size, foot structure) and individual preferences (color, brands, fit).

Gore-Tex. Recently, Gore-Tex fabric has been increasingly used in the production of sneakers. It is either made of two or three layers: external and internal, with a Teflon membrane as a lining. Its main quality is durability.

General recommendations

In addition to the selection criteria, one should also keep in mind several other important recommendations.

1. If you have flat feet, it is better to exercise with fitness sneakers with orthotics and orthopedic insoles.
2. If you are overweight, buy shoes with maximum cushioning.
3. Before heading to the store, find the corresponding rating of the best and most comfortable fitness sneakers. Identify a few products, read reviews, and find out their distinctive features. This will help you to more clearly visualize your future purchase.
4. It is recommended to buy fitness shoes in the evening, when your feet are slightly swollen.
5. When trying on sneakers, they should fit in size: they should not rub, pinch, or come off.
6. Ideally, you should buy two or three pairs of fitness sneakers at once. They should be alternated depending on the activities performed during training. For example, strength training should be done with weightlifting shoes, and WOD (“Workout of the day”) should be done with cross-training shoes.

Microspores. This is the rubber used to make the soles of many sneakers. It is good because it is very elastic.

By type of workout

In addition to general points and recommendations, you can always delve deeper into the topic. It is believed that different models are needed for different types of fitness. And indeed, a sneaker that is comfortable for jumping rope will not be entirely successful for CrossFit or squats on a weight machine. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your workouts and avoid injuries, consider this as well.

For the treadmill:

• microporous outsole, seamless and flexible;
• gel inserts in the sole are possible;
• supinators are required;
• tread protectors are shallow;
• for those who are overweight or have flat feet, a stabilizer is needed, which is a rigid insert on the outsole that properly distributes body weight;
• the upper is made of mesh that allows air to circulate well;
• minimal seams (they rub and cause blisters);
• light (up to 350 g).

Related article: “How to choose sneakers for a treadmill.”

For strength training:

• ribbed outsole made of microporous material, which prevents slipping and ensures a secure grip on the floor;
• the heel of the sole is wider than the toe for maximum stability;
• the heel frame is strong and stiff;
• tight lacing that fits snugly against the foot;
• slightly elevated rear sole for better cushioning;
• maximum sole density to properly distribute the load on the musculoskeletal system.

Recommended types of sneakers:

• weightlifting shoes: Adidas AdiPower with polymer sole, heavy Nike Romaleos, or flexible Inov-8 Fastlift 335;
• minimalist shoes, for example with Vibram Five Fingers split-toe socks, narrow Nike Free Hyperfeel, or wide Altra Samson;
• training shoes.

For cardio fitness, aerobics:

• thin sole;
• clear separation between toe and heel;
• cushioning inserts are not needed, as there is no impact;
• it is better to choose leatherette or dense fabric as the material, so that it fits snugly against the foot (mesh will allow it to breathe, but it will stretch quickly).