Most people understand fitness as dance aerobics for girls. 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 and burn as many calories as possible and be less traumatic, you need to choose the right sneakers for exercise.
It turns out that the models you run in in the morning are not suitable for this purpose, as they are too heavy. But how then to choose sneakers for fitness so that they are both comfortable and functional? It turns out that this is a whole science.
Women's fitness sneakers
Each of us at least once thought about changes in life. Change is always good, especially if it's for the better.
Playing sports helps to strengthen the body, make the immune system stronger and strengthen muscles. To play sports, you need to adhere to proper nutrition and daily routine. It is also important what to do.
Nowadays, the sports shoe market offers many comfortable models in which you can effectively engage in sports.
Not only the correct performance of physical activity, but also safety during training will depend on the correct choice of sneakers for fitness.
Women's fitness sneakers are available in a variety of models and color variations.
New Balance Minimus 20v5
Price: $90 Well, a very light pair. Minimalistic design, an unusual tongue structure called “Burito”, a Vibram sole, which has proven its advantage many times during intense training - all this is the Minimus 20v5 model. With the high “mesh” of this pair, you can really forget about any discomfort that might arise during hot activities. The ratio of price and all available advantages will pleasantly surprise you. And the New Balance Minimus 20v5 silhouette may be of interest not only to beginners, but also to true CrossFit professionals. Note: This model is the official shoe of the American National Rowing Team.
Choosing shoes for the gym and fitness
In order to fruitfully engage in sports and enjoy it, first of all, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing the best sneakers for fitness.
Many exercises will be directly related to the load on the legs, especially running on a treadmill. Therefore, you need to choose the lightest sneakers for fitness and it is important that they are comfortable.
But if you do not run, but work with heavy equipment such as weights, dumbbells, plates, barbells and bars, then you need to have shoes with hard soles. So that during physical activity all the weight is evenly distributed across the legs.
For aerobic gymnastics, you will need light shoes that will hardly be felt and hinder your movements.
Please ensure that the shoes have mesh. This way it will allow all the air to pass through itself and prevent your foot from sweating.
The golden rule of all people who are actively involved in sports is that sports shoes must fully match the size of the foot, no more, no less.
General recommendations
In addition to the selection criteria, you need to keep in mind a few more important recommendations.
- If you have flat feet, it is better to do fitness in sneakers with arch support and orthopedic insoles.
- If you have a problem with excess weight, buy shoes with maximum cushioning.
- Before you head to the store, find relevant ratings for the best and most comfortable fitness shoes. Determine a couple of positions for yourself, study reviews on them, find out their distinctive features. This will help you imagine your future purchase more clearly.
- It is recommended to buy shoes in the evening, when your feet are slightly swollen.
- When trying on, sneakers must fit correctly - do not rub, do not press, do not hang loose.
- 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 during training. For example, it is advisable to practice weightlifting exercises in weightlifting shoes, and WOD (“Workout of the Day”) in cross-training shoes.
Micropore. This is the rubber that is used to make the soles of many running shoes. The good thing is that it is very elastic.
Branded sports shoes
Adidas fitness sneakers are a great choice. This brand was invented in Germany in the early 50s of the twentieth century. Since then, he has been loved by millions of people all over the planet. These sneakers are distinguished by their quality, because they are made of durable, high-quality materials that are tested in various situations before being sent to the store.
Adidas produces different models of sports shoes. Their company offers both massive, large sneakers and lightweight ones with shock-absorbing filler - boost.
Boost is a small granule made from the revolutionary material ethyl vinyl acetate, which has been a breakthrough in the footwear industry in the last few years. It provides comfort when playing sports, running, walking.
Nike sneakers are another brand that is produced in Germany and is directly the main competitor of Adidas. Sneakers have been in the footwear market for 50 years. They are chosen by the world's leading football clubs. Such as:
- real Madrid
- Chelsea
- Manchester United
The company presents over 30 different models of sneakers, most of them are intended for sports. Nike produces high-quality shoes that have been tested by time and practice.
Nike Metcon DSX Flyknit
Price: $160 Speed comes first. The Nike Metcon DSX Flyknit model is an improved version of the popular Metcon 3 silhouette. The main difference is the lightweight and breathable Flyknit material, which makes up almost the entire upper of the sneakers. It provides excellent breathability and leaves no chance of unpleasant odor after a hard workout. The model is universal, because it was originally intended for any type of intense training. The flat platform and rigid heel ensure stability when lifting weights. The only “minus” is the relatively high price, but, in our opinion, it is completely justified. Wait, you understand that any sneakers require careful care? Serious training entails the loss of the pair’s presentation, and if you decide to completely abandon caring for it, then the sneakers will simply become completely unusable, which absolutely should not be allowed. Solemate loves sneakers, so we've put together all the essentials you'll need when cleaning a pair in the Solemate Basic Kit . Judge for yourself: Cleaner shampoo will quickly and easily make your pair look fresh, the Standart universal brush will remove any hint of dirt from everywhere, and a microfiber towel will gently remove drops of moisture and complete such a wonderful and useful task as caring for your sneakers. Now they are ready to shine again and attract attention even during serious sports activities!
Aerobic Models
For these loads, shoes made of durable material that contain micropore particles are best suited. Models made of genuine leather or artificial leather can also be used for aerobic activities.
The most suitable men's fitness shoes would be Puma. The company has been presenting its shoes all over the world for a long time, it has millions of fans.
Puma sneakers are distinguished among all others by their durability. These shoes will serve you faithfully for a very long time.
Basic requirements for gym shoes
When answering the question of how to choose sneakers for the gym, any experienced athlete will advise starting from the specifics of the workout. All its varieties can be divided into two categories - aerobic and strength. The latter require heavy lifting, so sneakers must meet all safety and comfort requirements. The main nuances that must be taken into account when choosing:
- Stability achieved by widening the shoe at the heel.
- Use of natural high-quality materials to prevent excessive sweating.
- Good grip on the floor due to the grooved sole, divided into two parts.
- Solid and rigid heel for secure fixation of the shoe on the foot.
- The shock-absorbing properties of the sole are necessary to soften the load on the joint.
- The presence of lacing is mandatory, allowing you to firmly fix the sneaker on your foot. Velcro shoes are absolutely not suitable for training in the gym.
Wearing overly stiff models can lead to leg fatigue; it is recommended to choose lightweight sneakers with well-flexible soles. Shoes with weak fixation can cause joint injuries and sprained ligaments.
Heel extension for stability
Ribbed outsole for traction on the floor
Hard ass
Cushioning properties of the sole
Presence of lacing
Shoes for strength training
For this type of load, you will need shoes with rubber grooved soles that will prevent slipping and protect you from falls and injuries.
It is very important that the sneakers have thickening in the heel area. This will prevent the appearance of calluses on your feet and make physical activity more comfortable.
Shoes should have durable frames made from quality material for stability. The compacted outsole provides maximum durability.
The rating of sneakers for heavy-duty fitness will be as follows:
- 1st place Puma company
- 2nd place Adidas
- 3rd place Reebok company
Romaleos and Nike Free models from Nike
One of the main advantages of "Romaleos" is the replaceable insoles. Depending on the intensity and “severity” of the workout, the athlete himself will select the desired option. This model reliably fixes the heel and ankle joint, thereby additionally insuring the athlete’s legs when performing particularly strength exercises.
Power Bridge technology protects the heel from deformation under significant loads. The price of the “Romaleos” model is approximately 300 USD.
"Nike Free" is more focused on cardio training. The ease of lacing allows you to individually adjust the sneakers to your foot. The sock is made of wear-resistant plastic. The outsole pattern will provide reliable grip on almost any surface. Price about 100 USD
Sneakers designed for crossfit
This sport is characterized not only by weightlifting, but also by gymnastics, running, and acrobatics.
For CrossFit you need to choose universal shoes. It will provide both ease and at the same time stability during exercise.
The stable sole is perfect for this sport. The sole should not be springy, that is, as hard as possible and without unnecessary bends and shock absorption.
A frequently asked question is where to buy sneakers for fitness and crossfit? An excellent site would be “Ali Express”, where you can order wonderful shoes in a large assortment. At the most attractive prices.
CrossFit shoes should have a smooth grip. Running, jumping on tops, jumping over obstacles requires good interaction with the ground from shoes.
When choosing shoes, pay attention to whether there is mesh. It will be very useful. After all, during physical activity, the leg constantly sweats and all the warm air remains inside, which causes unpleasant feelings. Good breathability is the key to good, high-quality sneakers.
Peculiarities
CrossFit includes more than just elements of weightlifting. Classes combine exercises from extreme strength training, gymnastics, and running. The right footwear should be versatile, optimal for different use cases. Features of the products include:
- Rigid support. A solid, durable base is ideal for training, increasing stability during power loads.
- Comfortable sole. Necessary for running, climbing, jumping. Sneakers made of soft materials wear out very quickly when climbing a rope.
- Ability to pass air. Thanks to the mesh covering, the feet will not sweat and will remain dry until the end of the workout.
- Small heel area. The height of this part of the sneaker should not be more than 4 mm.
- Good stability. Extreme power exercises, running, flipping tires, and jumping can only be performed effectively if there is reliable grip on the surface.
CrossFit sneakers are always equipped with a full-fledged shock-absorbing system. Popular brands use special gels, foam materials, and plastic plates for this. Such components can reduce the impact of shocks and impacts on the feet.
Rigid support
Comfortable sole
Air permeability
Small heel area
Good stability
Cross training shoes
For this sport, you will need sneakers with a high heel, more than 3 mm in height, to ensure comfort during physical activity. These shoes always have a very hard sole, which gives good durability even under the heaviest loads.
The most famous shoe company producing sneakers for cross-training is the English Reebok.
The company has proven itself well all over the world. She has been collaborating with the English football club Liverpool for more than 15 years. Sneakers that have been tested in practice and time. These sneakers will last you for many years.
Adidas
The well-known brand of sportswear and equipment could not stay away from the growing popularity of the young sport and recently also released several models of crossfit sneakers. Adidas CrazyTrain and CrazyPower are designed specifically for functional training.
- CrazyPower is more suitable for working with heavy weights. A wider forefoot and heel lock improve stability, while a reinforced mesh upper enhances the shoe's security and durability. The model has a standard height difference from heel to toe of 3 mm.
- If we talk about CrazyTrain, they are more designed for cardio training, gymnastic exercises and working with your own weight. Boost technology improves cushioning when running or jumping, and a custom design enhances forefoot mobility.
By releasing these models, Adidas greatly delighted its fans, who previously had to look for CrossFit shoes from other brands.
Pros:
- comfort;
- good stability;
- light weight;
- good and strong materials, durability.
Minuses:
- the sole of both models lacks a rope insert;
- some customers noted slight discomfort when wearing CrazyPower for long periods of time;
- it was also noted that the CrazyTrain has slightly worse depreciation than other similar models;
- very limited selection of colors.
© adidas.com. Adidas CrazyTrain Elite
© adidas.com. Adidas CrazyPower
Sneakers
Sneakers are a classic in the world of footwear. They appeared in the 30s of the twentieth century. In the CIS countries they began to be actively worn after the collapse of the USSR.
Initially, sneakers were created for everyday use. But not for active sports, fitness and other activities. Now they are widely used in all sports.
Sneakers are valued for their affordable price, good quality soles and material. They are great for running and cross training.
Nowadays it’s impossible to imagine more than one fashion show without sneakers. They are worn both with business suits and in combination with a tracksuit.
We hope that our article helped you in the question of how to choose sneakers for fitness. Play sports and strengthen your body!
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
Price: $55 Yes, yes, you didn’t think so. If you want to buy a pair that won’t let you down in training and at the same time don’t waste money on expensive flagships, then these sneakers are just perfect. Shawn Collins (CSCS), for example, constantly wears high-top Converse when training his students at Crow Hill CrossFit in Brooklyn.
If you're a seasoned CrossFitter, you'll be familiar with putting Nano aside before doing MetCon. Converse sneakers are recognized as the most comfortable shoes among athletes for performing complexes. Many powerlifters still use them when deadlifting.
Introduced back in the first half of the last century and designed for basketball, the Chuck Taylor All-Star model has a very grippy basketball tread that is perfect for training in the gym. The high silhouette perfectly fixes the foot, covers the ankle and prevents the leg from twisting in case of an unsuccessful movement. The breathability of the pair leaves much to be desired, but for such a price there is simply no point in expecting anything more. By the way, the huge variety of colors of the All-Star model will not leave anyone indifferent. Do you know what will help get rid of the unpleasant odor in sneakers? Deodorant for sneakers – . And such a “must have” already exists - a couple of sprays, and your sneakers are clean from all kinds of bacteria that create a not very pleasant smell inside them. The bottle is enough for 20 pairs of shoes, so trust me, it's worth it.
Dance fitness areas
Dancing is a dynamic cardio workout. Shoes for Zumba, step aerobics and other dance fitness areas are lightweight, as well as a number of other features:
- Clearly expressed rise. The anatomically shaped insole follows the base of the foot.
- Rubberized toe. This is provided to facilitate turning and rotation.
- Flexible sole. The dancer can bend and extend the foot without difficulty.
The best solution for dancing is the jazz shoe model. Trainers recommend choosing a pair with a tight fit and good ventilation.
Types and functional features of sneakers
There are many different types of running shoes that are manufactured for specific purposes and can vary significantly. If you are choosing sports shoes to match your existing wardrobe, you need to focus on choosing the color of the sneakers. The right combination of shades will create a chic look.
Running shoes
What type of surface the athlete will run on will determine which soles to choose for the shoes. Choosing comfortable sneakers is very important, because often you pay for your health for using unsuitable shoes. For asphalt and flat hard surfaces, models with flat soft soles are suitable, and for soft surfaces with a deeper tread, for off-road use even larger treads or iron spikes and shoes with lateral support that protect against dislocation are needed.
General features of this variety:
- mandatory shock-absorbing inserts under the heel;
- have improved shock absorption and stabilization;
- the forefoot of the sole and upper of the sneaker is flexible and soft;
- the sole has abrasion-resistant rubber inserts, usually in the heel and on the outside of the toe;
- made from materials that breathe well;
- lacing is located closer to the inside of the foot;
- the insole must be removable;
- a pair should not weigh more than 400 grams.
Walking shoes
They differ in greater weight from running ones. They have a grooved hard sole, circular stitching and a rubber toe, and the upper is soft. Should provide good support for the foot.