How to Pick the Perfect Treadmill Running Shoe for Beginners: Features to Consider

Why Do You Need Them?
Key Features
Helpful Tips
Best Brands and Models

People who are happy owners of home exercise equipment don’t often think about acquiring special athletic shoes to wear with them. Although, they are one of the most important elements in preventing injury during a good workout. It is time to talk about how to choose the right sneakers for a treadmill so they keep your legs and joints healthy and make workouts as efficient as possible.

Why Do You Need Them?

Many people are perplexed by the need to purchase expensive sneakers for a treadmill and don’t understand why they can’t use regular sneakers or even go barefoot, wearing only socks. This is explained by the significant impact on the joints caused by these exercise machines. Even the most innovative shock-absorbing system cannot reduce this impact and mitigate the risk of injury. Using special athletic shoes can lessen this impact, make your workout comfortable, and cushion the blow when your foot comes down on the treadmill. This is because when your foot hits the ground, the amount of weight you are carrying increases by a factor of 5.

Why Can’t You Go Barefoot?

Running barefoot can cause injury or blisters on your skin because the treadmill belt is coated with an abrasive material for better grip. The impact can damage the arch of your foot. The cartilage in your joints can also gradually deteriorate due to the friction caused by the contact between bones. All this will lead to pain and, eventually, arthritis. Even exercise machine instructions indicate that shoes must be worn while using the machine.

Read Also: Review of the Best Exercise Machines for Weight Loss

Can You Use Sneakers?

You can work out in regular sneakers in two cases. First, if your workout is shorter than 15 minutes. Second, if the treadmill is only being used to warm up.

Any fitness trainer and orthopedist will tell you that you need specialized sneakers for running on a treadmill. They reduce the risk of injury during your workouts and make them more comfortable. This is especially true if you weigh more than 80 kg, you run faster than 13 km/h, and your workouts last longer than 15 minutes.

Read our article on how to choose the right treadmill.

Key Features

It is very difficult to buy truly high-quality running shoes. In order to do this, you need to know which key features must be present in sneakers to protect your legs from significant stress. You will have to meet several requirements when choosing sneakers, since the parameters will be different for each one.

Size

Try on sneakers in the evening when your feet are tired from the day.
Put on the shoes and roll from your heels to your toes and back to feel where the sneakers touch your feet and make sure they don’t press on your feet.
It is recommended that you choose a model that is half a size larger than average. Your blood will flow to your feet during your run and they will swell.
Try on sneakers with socks on.

Weight

Treadmill sneakers should be lighter than outdoor running models. The ideal weight for men’s sneakers is 250 g, while women’s sneakers should weigh no more than 200 g. Heavier sneakers put more stress on your feet.

Sole

The sole must have enhanced cushioning properties. Some people even recommend choosing models that are designed for running on asphalt since they provide maximum cushioning. Look for the following symbols on the soles:

Air – air cushion;
Gel – gel insert;
Wave – convex plate that provides rapid springback.

Before making a purchase, try to determine your pronation type. This is how your foot hits the ground when you run. In general, you can easily do this on your own. However, if you have any doubts, it is best to consult a specialist such as an orthopedist, trainer, or store consultant. Sneakers are manufactured for different pronation types:

Neutral, when your feet are parallel;
Underpronation, when your feet turn inwards;
Overpronation, when your feet turn outwards.

If you have neutral or underpronation, you need sneakers marked “Neutral.” If you have overpronation, you should look for shoes marked “Stability.”

Overall, sneakers should have a sturdy, very flexible sole that you can bend in half. It should be non-slip with a rubberized and grooved surface.

Material

Don’t wear sneakers that are meant for treadmills when running outside because they are usually made of very soft and delicate material. This material gets dirty and wears out quickly.
We recommend sneakers marked “Grid,” which indicate that they are breathable and made with mesh. The mesh density can vary, but it provides good breathability and keeps your feet from sweating.
Good models have comfortable, tightly fastened overlays in the center.
It is better if the soft tongue on both sides is sewn to the top, forming a single structure, which will increase comfort.
There should be no loose threads; all seams should be straight and without glue drops.
Choose models made from natural materials such as cotton, leather, or mesh textiles.
The insole should be removable and made of breathable material.

If you can take all of these characteristics into account when choosing sneakers for treadmills, you will be able to enjoy your workouts, get the most out of them, and work out in comfort. Several other helpful tips can also help you make the right decision.

Helpful Tips

To make sure your sneakers are as comfortable as possible for treadmill workouts, here are some secrets for you to use when buying:

Try them on with special athletic socks that are cushioned.
If you have flat feet, you must try them on with orthopedic insoles.
High-quality athletic shoes come with a warranty. After buying them, test them out. Do a 30-minute workout that same evening. This will help you identify any defects that you didn’t notice in the store.
There should be some space between the back of the sneaker and your big toe. Your heel should fit snugly and stay in place, but the shoe should not restrict your movement.
Don’t get caught up in fashion trends such as inserts, fillers, zippers, charms, etc. They don’t do anything.
Don’t skimp when buying sneakers. If they cost less than $20, it is worth thinking about the quality of the product you are buying.

American surgeons have determined that running sneakers can handle an average of 300-400 km of workouts. It is impossible to track this parameter quantitatively, but the wear and tear is easily determined by the condition of the sneakers. Replace your sneakers in a timely manner.