Now, it seems more like the other way around: the workout must fit the shoe.
How many miles do you plan on running per week?
And more importantly, how cool do you want to look in your shoes?
(Okay, maybe not the last one.)
Here are the most common types of workout shoes youll see, and when theyre actually useful.
Essentially, the lower the heel drop, the more you are encouraged to land on your forefoot.
If you cant play footsies in your shoe, then it might be too small.
Road Running Shoes
Good for:Most running shoes are road running shoes.
Despite their name, theyre great for anyone who wants to run (mainly forward) on any surface.
Trail Running Shoes
Good for:Running on very technical, rocky trails.
Unless youre planning to run some really mountainous trails, your normal running shoes will suffice.
Cons:Theyre generally stiffer than road shoes, and might not have as smooth of a running feel.
Cleats
Good for:Sports like soccer, football, Ultimate frisbee, baseball, etc.
If you play any of these sports regularly, we definitely recommend buying cleats.
Even among cleated shoes, each sport will have different features that are designed for the sport itself.
Football cleats, for example, tend to have higher tops to offer ankle stability.
Its usually best to buy cleats for your specific sport and your needs.
Cons: You cant really do anything else in them.
Racing Flats
Good for:Experienced short-distance runners (5K or 10K distances usually).
The recreational runner, especially longer distance runners, shouldnt need racing flats.
The lightweight nature of the shoe also improves running efficiency.
Barefeet
Good for:Any runner who has adapted his or her body to it.
The cautious skepticism applies here: whats comfortable and works for some people may not for you.
Keep mileage very low, and very gradually and slowly add more distance if you choose to go barefoot.
Again, only run in minimalist footwear because you want to.
Personally, Im used to running in more minimalist shoes, so I prefer these myself.
Price Range:$75 - $120
Pros:Minimalist shoes are designed with barefoot running in mind.
The sole tends to also be very flexible to give your feet the freedom to naturally move around.
Cons:Minimalist shoes tend to be less durable because of the lightweight construction.
For this reason, flat, stiff soles are generally the shoes to go with.
This is not to say that they are absolutelynecessaryand can indeed be excessive for most gym-goers.
In most cases, other flat-soled shoes will suffice.
Some hate them for deadlifting while others love them.
It doesnt hurt to try!
Cons:They can be uncomfortable for people if their feet arent used to them.
(I use a pair of Chucks mself.)
Cross-Trainers
Good for:All-around activity like circuits, aerobics class, walking, and so on.
Some people do activities like CrossFit in them as well.
They are typically really stiff to offer your feet the support they need to prevent from cramping.
Cycling Shoes
Good for:Cycling and indoor cycling.
Keep in mind that cycling shoes are meant to fit a bit more snugly.
The primary difference between cycling and indoor cycling (spinning) shoes are the types of cleats they use.
Cons:You look a bit goofy waddling around in your bike cleats.
You dont want to walk great distances with them, anyway, as that can wear out the cleats.
And you will fall.
It happens to the best of us.
Mountain Biking Shoes
Good for:Biking on mountains.
These are a great investment if youre going to be biking a ton in the Great Outdoors.
Cons:Heavier and less aerodynamica good trade-off for protecting your feet against the harsh elements in the trails.
For Walking
Walking in comfort is serious business.
Walking Shoes
Good for:Anytime youre outside and moving your feet.
Most categories of running shoes typically serve as great walking shoes as well.
Heck, even Chuck Taylors can be considered great walking shoes for many.
Cons:Too many shoes to choose from.
Hiking Shoes
Good for:Walking in mountainous trails.
Despite their look, theyre stable yet flexiblegreat for day hikes.
Cons:Theyre designed for durability and ruggedness, so compared to running shoes hiking shoes are very heavy.
These boots can help with stability when youre carrying loads of 20-50 pounds on your back.
Cons:They can be super-duper heavy when compared to other hiking shoes.
Greg explains:
If the shoe feels comfortable, it is probably right for you.
Cross-training shoes, court shoes, gym shoes, and walking shoes are all basically the same.
They dont really change how a person moves muc.
They are neither extremely evil or extremely beneficial.
They all protect the foot a little bit.
you oughta spend time doing the activity in them to ensure a comfortable fit.
You may realize you do not even need them!
You never know, it might fit your feet better!
This would be the best time to try shoes on.
Your feet are widest at the toes, so they should have plenty of room to wiggle around.
If theyre jammed up against the front or sides, then the shoe doesnt fit.
In the end, dont sweat the small details.
Only in a few circumstances do specialized shoes improve your enjoyment of the activity (i.e.
cycling long-distances) or actually confer noticeable advantages (i.e.
weightlifting and cycling shoes).
Illustration by Tina Mailhot-Roberge.
Stephanie Lee is a geeky health and fitness freelance writer.
you’ve got the option to follow her shenanigans onTwitteror on herYouTube channel.
