How to Choose Fitness Sneakers: Main Options and Model Review

• Selection criteria
• General tips
• Based on the type of activity
• Gender differences
• The best on the market

People often associate fitness with dance aerobics for women. In fact, it is a broader concept that includes any sports activities carried out in equipped gyms. And in order for them to bring the maximum benefit (to burn the maximum amount of calories without injury), it is important to choose the right shoes for training.

But models, in which, for example, go for a run in the morning will not work, because they are too heavy. And too expensive sneakers that flaunt in the streets with jeans – also not an option. So how do you choose fitness sneakers so that they are both comfortable and functional? This is a whole art.

Selection criteria

When you go to a sports store for a serious purchase, you must clearly understand in advance what you are looking for. What selection criteria should be guided by in order to buy the right sneakers? They should differ in the following characteristics:

• Foot fixation

In fitness there is a lot of movement. When making energetic movements with your feet, you should feel maximum comfort and not be afraid of getting injured. So, comfortable sneakers are those that provide high-quality fixation of the foot. They should be higher than street models and have a thickened back. Only in this way will they be able to properly support the ankle and minimize the risk of any injuries in the gym, such as sprains or dislocations.

• Lacing

Continuing the conversation about foot fixation, it is worth choosing models with laces, as they are considered the most reliable in this regard. Velcro and other types of fasteners will only bring inconvenience during training. Flat laces hold the knot better. Just make sure that they do not squeeze your leg too much, because this makes blood circulation difficult.

• Ventilation

The foot in sneakers for fitness should breathe, so take care that air gets inside during training. For example, many brands offer shoes with circular ventilation of the foot: this is an expensive option, but ideal. The material is of great importance: it must be natural and non-stuffy. It can be leather, gore-tex (an innovative development of recent years) or synthetic mesh.

• Shock absorption

The cushioning system in sneakers helps reduce the load on the legs and minimizes the risk of injury. It can consist of micropores, air cushions or an intermediate sole. Pay special attention to the latter. It is made either of polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate. The first is durable, but too heavy for fitness activities in the gym. The second, on the contrary, is too light and short-lived. You need to work out in such shoes with caution.

• Sole

The outsole should be strong, multi-layer, made of various materials. This design increases wear resistance. The toe is flexible for easy cornering. Try bending the sole of your favorite model: it should be easy for you, and when it returns to its original state, there should be no dents and creases.

• Insole

The insoles should be removable so that they can be replaced while the others are washed and dried. They should exactly match the shape of the foot. In the center there should be a thickening that supports the arch of the foot. Make sure that there is no fabric or cardboard insert under the insole, because it accumulates moisture and causes sweating. Instead, look for smooth seams that will ensure a snug fit during training.

Knowing in advance which fitness sneakers to choose, in the store you will feel more confident among the variety of offered models. Based on these criteria, you can immediately discard unsuitable options, and evaluate the remaining ones from the point of view of your own physiological characteristics (size, foot structure) and personal preferences (color, brand, style).

Gore-tex. Recently, gore-tex fabric has been increasingly used in the production of sneakers. It is two- or three-layer: the outer and inner fabric with a teflon membrane as a gasket between them. Its main quality is wear resistance.

General tips

In addition to the selection criteria, there are other important recommendations to consider.

1. If you have flat feet, it is better to practice fitness in sneakers with an insole and orthopedic insoles.
2. If you are overweight, purchase shoes with maximum cushioning.
3. Before going to the store, find the relevant rating of the best and most comfortable fitness sneakers. Choose a few things for yourself, read reviews and find out the distinctive features. This will help you get a better idea of future purchase.
4. It is advisable to buy shoes in the evening, when the feet are slightly swollen.
5. When trying on, sneakers should fit perfectly on the leg: do not rub, do not press, do not hang out.
6. Ideally, for fitness in the gym, it is worth purchasing 2-3 pairs at once. They must be changed depending on what actions are performed directly during training. For example, it is advisable to do weight lifting exercises in weightlifting shoes, WOD (“Workout of the Day”) – in cross-training shoes.

Micropore. This is a rubber material used to make the outsole of many sneakers. Its advantage is high elasticity.

Based on the type of activity

In addition to general points and recommendations, you can always go deeper. It is believed that for fitness in a certain direction, different models of sneakers are needed. Indeed, those in which it is comfortable to jump rope will hardly work for crossfit or squats in the simulator. So, if you want to get the most out of your workouts and not get injured, consider this aspect as well.

For treadmill:

• micropore outsole, tough and highly flexible;
• gel inserts in the sole are possible;
• there must be support for the instep;
• shallow tread;
• with large excess weight and flat feet, you will need a stabilizer – a rigid insert on the outsole that will correctly distribute body weight;
• mesh top, breathable;
• a minimum of seams (they only cause corns);
• light weight (up to 350 grams).

Read also: How to choose sneakers for a treadmill.

For strength exercises:

• ribbed microporous outsole, which prevents slipping and provides a clear fixation of the foot on the floor;
• the width of the sole in the heel is larger than the toe, for maximum stability;
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