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You probably wouldn’t wear a pair of stilettos out hiking, or your slippers to a job interview. But did you know that wearing the wrong type of sports shoes during your workout is essentially following the same principle?
Beyond the pathological effects of shoes that don’t fit correctly [1], choosing the right shoes to suit your workout will help you maximise your physical output at the gym. Ultimately, fit for purpose equals function when it comes to choosing the right shoes to train in.
One of the biggest mistakes we tend to make is purchasing just one pair of “running” style shoes to wear for all of our daily activities, like going to the gym, going for a walk and running errands. By doing this we are essentially wearing down the support functionalities in our shoes faster, which could lead to foot and ankle pain or even injury in the gym. Here’s your go-to guide on how to diversify your gym shoe collection (yes, we’re encouraging you to go shopping):
A shock absorption midsole that cushions the impacts of running.
Room for your toes to flex and spread out.
Lightweight shoes.
Good arch support.
Maximum traction to avoid slipping while lifting.
A sturdy and inflexible sole to increase stability and transfer of force.
A tight fit to eliminate foot movement.
Consider ankle straps for added support and stability.
If yoga or pilates is your go-to workout, you aren’t off the hook when it comes to footwear. Choosing socks with grip-like features on the soles can help maintain balance and reduce risk of injury as you flow through your practice.
So, next time you’re looking for a new pair of training shoes remember to consider the fit, purpose and functionality requirements to make sure you get the most out of your shoes and your workout.