How to Pick the Perfect Workout Sneakers: Essential Features & Model Reviews

Selection Criteria
General Recommendations
By Type of Sport
Gender Differences
Best of the Best Rating

Most people consider dance aerobics for women to be fitness. In reality, it is a much broader concept, encompassing any sports training held in a specially equipped gym. And in order for it to be the most effective (to burn as many calories as possible and to avoid injuries) it’s essential to correctly choose shoes for the workout.

It turns out that the models in which you run in the morning are not suitable for this purpose, since they are too heavy. Top basketball shoes that you flaunt on the street with jeans are also not an option. So how should you then choose fitness sneakers, so that they are comfortable and functional? It turns out that it’s an art form.

Selection Criteria

When heading to a sports store to make a cherished purchase, you must have a clear idea of what exactly you will be looking for. What selection criteria should guide you in order to purchase the correct sneakers? They must distinguish themselves by the following characteristics.

Foot Attachment

You will be moving a lot when doing fitness. When actively moving your legs, you must feel as comfortable as possible and not be afraid of getting injured. Therefore, comfortable sneakers are those that securely attach the foot. They should be higher than street models, and they must have a tight back. This is the only way that they will correctly support the ankle and minimize the risk of getting injured at the gym, whether it’s a sprain or a dislocation.

Laces

Continuing with the theme of foot attachment, the models with laces should be chosen because in this regard, they are the most reliable. Velcro and other types of clasps will cause a lot of inconveniences. Flat laces hold the knot better. Make sure they don’t squeeze your feet, as this will disrupt blood circulation.

Ventilation

The feet in fitness sneakers must breathe, so pay attention to whether air will have access to them during the workout. For example, many brands offer shoes with circular foot ventilation; this is an expensive option, but it’s ideal. The material is very important in this matter: it must be natural and not create a vacuum. This could be leather, gore-tex (an innovative material from recent years), or synthetic mesh.

Cushioning

A sneaker’s cushioning system reduces stress on the feet and minimizes the risk of getting injured. This can be provided by micropores, air cushions, or an intermediate sole. Be very careful with the latter option. It is made from either polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate. The first one is characterized by its strength, but it is very heavy for fitness workouts at the gym. On the contrary, the second one is too light and not durable. You have to be careful when working out in these shoes.

The Sole

The sole should be strong, with several layers made from different materials. Such a structure increases wear resistance. The socks are equipped with a circumference for convenient rotational movements. Try to bend the sole of a model you like: you must be able to do this with ease, and when it returns to its original state, it must not have any dents or cracks.

Insoles

The insoles must be removable so that you can replace them with another pair while you are washing and drying these ones. They must completely correspond to your foot. At the center, there is a thickening that supports the arch of the foot. Make sure that there’s no fabric or cardboard insert under the insole because it accumulates moisture and causes perspiration. Instead, look for flat seams there to ensure comfortable workouts.

By initially knowing what particular fitness sneakers to choose, you will feel more confident in the store among the wide assortment of available models. Based on these criteria, you can immediately put aside unsuitable options, and evaluate the remaining ones in terms of your own physical characteristics (foot size, structure) and individual preferences (color, brand, style).

Gore-Tex. Recently, Gore-tex fabric is increasingly used in the manufacturing of sneakers. It’s either two- or three-layered: made of an external and an internal fabric with a Teflon membrane as a lining. Its main quality is its durability.

General Recommendations

In addition to the selection criteria, several more important recommendations must be borne in mind.

If you have flat feet, it’s better to do fitness classes with sneakers with an arch support and orthopedic insoles.
If you have the problem of being overweight, buy shoes with maximum cushioning.
Before heading to the store, find a corresponding rating of the best, comfortable fitness sneakers. Determine a couple of positions for yourself, read the reviews, and find out distinctive characteristics. This will help you to imagine your future purchase more clearly.
It’s recommended to buy shoes in the evening, when your feet are slightly swollen.
When trying on, the sneakers must fit in size: not be too tight, not press, and not be too loose.
Ideally, for fitness in a gym, it’s best to buy 2-3 pairs. They must be changed, depending on the exercises being done, right during the workout. For example, it’s best to perform weightlifting exercises in weightlifting shoes, and WOD (“Workout of the Day”) in shoes for cross-training.

Microporous Rubber. This is a rubber used to make the sole of many sneakers. It is great because it is very elastic.

By Type of Sport

In addition to general points and recommendations, you can always delve into the essence of the problem in more detail. It’s believed that different models are needed for doing fitness in any particular area. Indeed, sneakers that are comfortable for jumping rope will not be quite suitable for CrossFit or squatting on a machine. So, if you want to maximize the benefits of your workouts and not get injured, consider this point as well.

For a Treadmill:

sole made of microporous rubber; solid and bends well;
gel inserts in the sole are possible;
arch support is required;
tread protectors are not deep;
if you’re overweight or have flat feet, a stabilizer is needed; a rigid insert on the external sole that correctly distributes body weight;
upper part; mesh that allows air to circulate well;
minimum seams (they will only rub blisters);
light (up to 350 gr).

Relevant Article: “How to Choose Sneakers for a Treadmill”.

For Strength Exercises:

textured sole made of microporous rubber that prevents slipping and ensures a clear fixing of the foot on the floor;
heel width on the sole; wider than the width of the toe for maximum stability;
heel frame; robust and rigid;
lacing; tight, with a snug fit to the foot;
back of the sole; with a small elevation for better cushioning;
the maximum density of the sole correctly distributes stress on the musculoskeletal system.

Recommended Types:

weightlifting shoes; Adidas AdiPower with a polymer sole, heavy Nike Romaleos, or flexible Inov-8 Fastlift 335;
minimalist; with toes separated by Vibram Five Fingers, narrow Nike Free Hyperfeel, wide Altra Samson;
sneakers.