Athletic Footwear Selection: Key Features and Model Review

• Selection criteria
• General recommendations
• By sports
• Gender differences
• Rating of the best

Most people understand fitness as dance aerobics for women. In fact, this is a broader concept that includes any sports training in specially equipped gyms. And in order for them to be as effective as possible (burn as many calories as possible and not be traumatic), it is necessary to choose the right shoes for your activities.

It turns out that the models you jog in in the mornings won’t work for this purpose because they are too heavy. And the top sneakers that you flaunt with jeans on the streets are not an option either. But how then to choose fitness sneakers so that they are both comfortable and functional? It turns out that this is an art form.

Selection criteria

When going to a sports store to make your cherished purchase, you need to have a clear idea of what you will be looking for. What selection criteria should be followed to purchase the right sneakers? They must have the following characteristics.

• Foot fixation

You need to move a lot during fitness classes. While actively moving your legs, you should feel as comfortable as possible and not be afraid of getting injured. Therefore, comfortable sneakers are those that will provide high-quality foot fixation. They should be higher than street models and have a solid heel counter. This is the only way they will be able to properly support the ankle and minimize the risk of any injury in the gym – a sprain or dislocation.

• Laces

Continuing the topic of foot fixation, you need to 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 the knot better. Make sure they do not overtighten your feet – this will interfere with blood circulation.

• Ventilation

The foot in fitness sneakers should breathe, so pay attention to whether air will be able to reach it during exercise. For example, many brands offer shoes with circular ventilation of the foot – this is an expensive but ideal option. The material is very important in this matter: it must be natural and not create a vacuum. It can be leather, gore-tex (an innovative development of recent years) or synthetic mesh.

• Cushioning

The cushioning system of sneakers reduces the load on the legs and minimizes the risk of injury. These can be micropores, air cushions or midsoles. Be extremely careful with the latter option. It is produced either from polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate. The first is durable, but it is very heavy for fitness activities in the gym. The second, on the contrary, is too light and short-lived. You need to be careful when exercising in such shoes.

• Outsole

The outsole should be durable, made of several layers made of different materials. This structure increases wear resistance. The socks are provided with a circumference for convenient rotational movements. Try to bend the outsole of your favorite model: you should do it with ease, and when you return to its original state, it should not have any dents or cracks.

• Insoles

The insoles should be removable so that you can replace them with another pair while these are washed and dried. They should fully fit the foot. In the center – a thickening that supports the arch of the foot. Make sure that there is no fabric or cardboard insert under the insole – it accumulates moisture and provokes sweating. Instead, look for even seams there to ensure comfortable workouts.

Knowing in advance which fitness sneakers to choose, in the store you will feel more confident among the wide range of offered models. According to these criteria, you can immediately put aside unsuitable options, and evaluate the remaining ones from the point of view of your physical characteristics (size, foot structure) and individual preferences (color, brands, style).

Gore-tex. Recently, Gore-tex fabric has been increasingly used in the production of sneakers – two- or three-layer: made of outer and inner fabric, and a Teflon membrane between them as a lining. 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.

1. If you have flat feet, it is better to exercise in fitness with a supinator and orthopedic insoles.
2. If you have a problem with excess weight, purchase shoes with maximum cushioning.
3. Before going to the store, find an appropriate rating of the best and most comfortable fitness sneakers. Define a couple of positions for yourself, study the reviews on them, and find out the distinctive features. This will help you have a clearer idea of ​​your future purchase.
4. It is recommended to buy shoes in the evening when your feet are slightly swollen.
5. When trying on, the sneakers should fit in size – do not rub, do not press, do not dangle.
6. Ideally, for fitness in the gym, you need to buy 2-3 pairs at once. They need to be changed depending on the actions performed right during training. For example, it is advisable to practice weightlifting exercises in weightlifting shoes, WOD (“Workout of the Day”) – in shoes for cross-training.

Micropore. This is the rubber from which the outsoles of many sneakers are made. The good thing is that it is very elastic.

By sports

In addition to general points and recommendations, you can always delve into the essence of the problem in more detail. It is believed that different models are needed for fitness of a certain direction. Indeed, the one in which it will be convenient to jump rope will not be entirely successful for CrossFit or squats in the simulator. So if you want to get the most out of your workouts and not get injured in the process, consider this moment as well.

For a treadmill:

• outsole made of micropores – solid and flexible;
• gel inserts in the outsole are possible;
• supinators are required;
• tread protectors are shallow;
• with excess weight and flat feet you need a stabilizer – a rigid insert on the outer sole that correctly distributes body weight;
• the upper part is a mesh that allows air to pass through well;
• minimum seams (they only rub blisters);
• lightness (up to 350 g).

Article on the topic: “How to choose sneakers for a treadmill”.

For strength exercises:

• corrugated micropore outsole to prevent slipping and provide a firm fixation of the foot on the floor;
• the width of the heel on the outsole 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;
• the back of the sole – with a slight rise for better cushioning;
• the maximum density of the outsole correctly distributes the load on the musculoskeletal system.

Recommended types:

• weightlifting shoes – Adidas AdiPower with 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.

For cardio fitness, aerobics:

• outsole – thin;
• a clear separation between the toe and the heel-heel;
• cushioning inserts are not required due to the absence of shock loads;
• it is better to choose leather
  
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