- Do you need them?
- Main features
- Helpful tips
- Top brands and models
Owners of exercise machines sometimes don’t even think about buying special sports shoes for them. Although it is one of the most important things for a good workout and avoiding injuries. Let’s talk about how to choose sneakers for a treadmill that will keep your feet and joints healthy, and also make your workouts as effective as possible.
Do you need them?
Many people wonder why it is necessary to buy expensive sneakers for a treadmill and why it is impossible to just use regular sneakers or work out barefoot – just in socks. It is all explained by the serious impact that this machine has on the joints. Even the most innovative cushioning system cannot reduce it and reduce the risk of injury. Special sports shoes soften the impact, make exercising comfortable, and absorb shock when the foot lands. After all, the runner’s weight increases by up to 5 times at this moment.
- Why can’t you go barefoot?
Running barefoot can damage or chafe your skin, because the running surface is covered with an abrasive-resistant material for better grip. The impact load can damage the arch of the foot. The cartilage in the joints will gradually deteriorate, and the bones will be subjected to constant traumatic friction. All this will lead to pain and arthritis over time. The instructions for exercise machines even state that you should only do exercises in shoes.
Read also: Overview of the best weight loss trainers
- Can you work out in sneakers?
You can work out in regular sneakers in two cases. First, if the workout is limited to 15 minutes. Second, if the exercise machine is only used for warm-up.
Any fitness trainer and orthopedic surgeon will tell you that you need specialized sneakers to run on a treadmill. They reduce the risk of injury during exercise and make it more comfortable. Especially in cases where the weight exceeds 176 pounds, the running speed exceeds 8 mph, and the workout lasts for more than 15 minutes.
Read our article on how to choose the right treadmill.
Main features
It is very difficult to buy a pair of running shoes that are really good quality. To do this, you need to know the basic features that sneakers should have to protect your feet from heavy loads. When choosing, you will have to meet more than one requirement because the parameters will vary.
Size
- Try on sneakers in the evening when your feet are tired and swollen from the day.
- Put on the sneakers and rock from heel to toe and back to feel the points of contact and determine if they will press on your foot.
- It is recommended to choose a model that is half a size larger than your regular size. Blood flows to the feet during jogging, and they increase in size.
- Try on sneakers with socks.
Weight
Sneakers for a treadmill should be lightweight compared to models for outdoor running. Ideal men’s sneakers weigh no more than 250 g, and women’s sneakers weigh no more than 200 g. Heavier sneakers will put more strain on your feet.
Sole
The sole should have increased cushioning properties. Some even recommend choosing asphalt models, as they have maximum cushioning. Look for the following designations on the soles:
- Air – with an air cushion;
- Gel – with a helium insert;
- Wave – with a convex plate that provides fast cushioning.
Before buying, try to correctly determine your pronation type. This is an indicator of how you place your foot when you run. In principle, it is easy to do it yourself, but if you have any doubts, it is best to seek help from specialists – an orthopedic surgeon, trainer, or consultant at the store. Sneakers are produced for the following pronation types:
- for neutral, when the feet are parallel;
- for hypopronation, when the socks are brought together;
- for hyperpronation, when the socks, on the contrary, are spread apart.
If you have neutral or hypopronation, you need sneakers labeled “Neutral.” If you have hyperpronation, look for sneakers labeled “Stability.”
In general, they should have a strong, very elastic sole that can even be folded in half. It should be non-slip, with a rubberized and grooved coating.
Material
- You should not run outdoors in sneakers designed for a treadmill, because they are usually made of a very soft and delicate material. It gets dirty and wears out quickly.
- You can look at shoes marked “Grid,” which indicates a breathable fabric with a mesh. It can have different weaving densities, provides high breathability, and does not make your feet sweat.
- Good models have comfortable, tight-fitting pads in the center.
- It is better if the soft tongue is sewn to the top on both sides, forming a single structure with it. This will increase comfort.
- There should be no sticking threads, and all seams should be even, without drops of glue.
- Choose models made from natural materials – cotton, leather, mesh textiles.
- The insole should be removable and made of breathable material.
If you manage to take into account all of these features of sneakers for treadmills, you will be able to enjoy your workouts and get the most out of them and comfort. A few more helpful tips will help you make the right decision.
Helpful tips
The following secrets will come in handy when buying sneakers for treadmill workouts to make them as comfortable as possible.
- Try them on with special sports socks with pads.
- If you have flat feet, you should try them on with orthopedic insoles.
- High-quality sports shoes come with a guarantee. After buying, try them out. Do a half-hour workout that same evening. This will allow you to identify any defects that you did not notice in the store.
- There should be free space between the wall and the big toe inside the shoe. The heel should fit snugly and stay in one place, but the shoe itself should not restrict movement.
- Don’t get carried away by fashion trends in the form of various inserts, fillers, locks, key chains, etc. They do not perform any functions.
- Don’t skimp on your purchase. If the price is less than $20, you should think about the quality of the product you are buying.
American surgeons have determined that running sneakers can withstand an average of 300-400 km of training. It is impossible to track this parameter quantitatively, but you can easily determine how worn out they are by the condition of the pair. Buy a replacement for them in a timely manner.
Top brands and models
If you want to choose sneakers for home workouts in advance, check out the ratings of the most suitable models for this purpose.
Rating in the table
Review
Below is a review of the best sneakers for a treadmill.
- Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next % – hybrid, responsive, and extremely lightweight sneakers for a treadmill with a minimalist
Click to rate this post![Total: 0 Average: 0]
