Be honest: how many pairs of athletic shoes do you own? (Notice I did not ask you how many total pairs of shoes you own. I learned my lesson freshman year of college when asking that question found me helping my roommate pack up her 85 (!!) pairs into boxes on moving day. And those were just the ones she felt necessary for school. Not that I’m judging – I am a girl who loves her silly shoes.) At any given point in time, I own one pair of running shoes (Aasics as this is the only area I’m fiercely brand loyal), a set of cross-trainers for lifting weights and Crossfitting and whatnot (currently black & hot pink Nike frees – adorbs!!), a set of different cross trainers specifically for high-impact activities like TurboKick (Rykas at the moment) and a pair of smooth-bottomed dance shoes for Hip Hop and Zumba (Nike studio dance shoes but my sparkly silver or pink Chuck T’s work pretty awesome too).
Yes I just confessed to owning 6 pairs of workout shoes. In my defense, I workout a lot. One could make the case that I’m in my gym clothes and shoes more than my street clothes. Never being able to get into the whole barefoot running craze, this also means that I go through a lot of shoes. I have even been known to buy my Aasics GTs in bulk. While I’m confessing my sins of extravagence, I also have a natty pair of gray and turquoise Pumas knocking around. They’re the equivalent of taping paper to my feet but they match so many of my cute gym clothes!
Why so many shoes? Reader Rachael explains her (and my) quandry:
I am in the market for a new pair of workout shoes and thought I’d ask you what kind you like. I don’t necessarily need a brand/model recommendation, but have been unsatisfied with many of my fitness shoe purchases so thought I’d try asking around. I used to do primarily heavy lifting so I got some Nike Frees, but those aren’t making my feet happy for kickboxing. I bought a pair of running shoes and ran a 10K in them, but they aren’t so good for tkb either, as I can’t always keep my balance if we are doing slow kicks–it feels like I am trying to balance on marshmallows. So, should I just go get me some all-purpose crosstrainers or should I try out some martial arts-type shoes? Or studio dance shoes? I don’t know what or where the shock-absorption is on either of those. I do lots of different sorts of activities and financially can’t always have five different pairs of athletic shoes, so really should settle on just one or two different kinds. Gah. That was such a long-winded question.
It’s funny how many times I have had this conversation in the gym! Turbo Jennie and another Turbo instructor swear by Nike Shox (only the closed shox) but I’ve never tried them. Can you guys help Rachael out? What kind of shoes do you swear by? How many athletic shoes do you own? Any tips on pairing the right shoes to the right activity?
I use Aasics too!! It makes me feel like I'm running on air…mmm.
I think picking shoes depends on your activities- if you run and go hiking also, then a pair of runners and hiking shoes are likely the best bet for you. If you do lots of different activities, then cross-trainers probably make the most sense. I will say though, that for running, I would really try for an actual pair of running shoes, since support is kind of key if you don't want to completely ruin your feet and joints.
I recommend Running Room to help (or an American equivalent, since I think they're Canadian). They have people trained to help you pick shoes for your activities. They make you try on like 10 different pairs at least, and insist on you running around the block in each pair. It takes over an hour (well..if you're indecisive like me). Then you can remember the type of shoe and go find it cheaper online. I tend to just buy from them, but my dad is all about the running shoe deals.
Side note, my roommate complained about my 20-something pairs of shoes, I should threaten her with 80+…
I'm not really any help. I own four pairs of gym shoes…all Brooks Adrenalines. When a pair is no longer good for running it becomes my weight lifting shoes. I also use them for aerobics classes but I find that that requires the correct socks. Too thin of socks and my feet slide around in the shoes. Too think and my feet sweat too much.
I'm not really any help. I own four pairs of gym shoes…all Brooks Adrenalines. When a pair is no longer good for running it becomes my weight lifting shoes. I also use them for aerobics classes but I find that that requires the correct socks. Too thin of socks and my feet slide around in the shoes. Too think and my feet sweat too much.
I'm not really any help. I own four pairs of gym shoes…all Brooks Adrenalines. When a pair is no longer good for running it becomes my weight lifting shoes. I also use them for aerobics classes but I find that that requires the correct socks. Too thin of socks and my feet slide around in the shoes. Too think and my feet sweat too much.
I need some shoes for Hip Hop…it's been on my list for forever, because dancing in my running soes doesn't work out so well, but I haven't gotten around to buying them yet.
I have Nike ReAx, which I really like for running. I have liked them for Turbo, too, until Jennie told me to get closed Shox. Okay. I just ordered a new pair online yesterday…Nike Air Torch, but only because they didn't have the ReAx available. I'm hoping they workout.
Love your shoe pictures!
Wow, I feel like such a shoe dork! All I know is don't wear running shoes for tennis, because my daughter's tennis coach told me I was going to ruin my ankles. Oops. So I found some men's tennis shoes at Costco for $20.00 and I am so cheap (and my feet are so big) I got really excited and bought them!
But I do have really high arches and most women's shoes have zero arch support. So I have a real problem spending $50.00+ for athletic shoes and then still needing to buy an extra arch support to put in them.
I can't offer any suggestions. At the moment I have tennis sneakers and running shoes (love Mizuno) that I use for running and all my classes. I am rethinking that after reading this – maybe that is why I have such trouble balancing on the bosu. I also have old running shoes that I use for around the yard stuff. I currently need to go get a new pair of runners because their miles are up. From reading the post, I am thinking a decent pair of cross trainers might work for classes and lifting and that would also help to extend the life of my runners (boy those running shoes are killing me now that I started doing Step – they have no cushion under the balls of my feet and that is all I seem to bang on during step).
Remember when we were kids (OK, I was a kid in the 70s and you all were probably not born yet) and you just had sneakers? The cool kids had tretorn or converse – I had skips (the odd name for cheap no-name sneakers). Now my kids have running shoes, volleyball shoes, multiple tennis shoes (for tennis camp they suggest you change your shoes mid-day), basketball shoes, turf cleats and grass cleats. Those are just for sports and then there are the multiple pair of just cute ones. Wow, times have changed.
I have 3 pairs. Clean, average and dirty. I buy 2 new pairs a year.
I like Asics running shoes too. I could do with other top brands, but here Asics discounts a lot, and they can be gotten half cheaper.
They are recycled later into outdoor walking, work-out shoes… well, hanging out shoes. Then when they look ugly, into hiking shoes The mountains tend to "finish" them.
Indoor, I exercise barefoot (or with socks that have anti-slipping soles in Winter, I wear that as slippers at home). But I always train on thick yoga/judo mats that absorb most of the shock.
Surely your friend needs a pair of indoor cushioned cross-trainer if she attends a gym with hard floor.
Im a NIKE AIR RIFT woman.
myriad colors.
no clue if they are the shoes for me/the right fit but my silver sparkles pair (no joke) make me FEEL bigger!faster!stronger!
I'm a Nike Free guy at the gym. I have a pair of 7.0 trainers right now that replaced a pair of 5.0 trainers.
I even have a couple of pairs of Frees that I wear to work on occasion, like today.
Granted, I don't run outside in them as my cardio of choice are things like Spin Class and HIIT on the C2 rower, Air Dyne bike, or stationary bike in the gym. And if I run, it's on a treadmill.
I would highly suggest New Balance shoes. They are seriously the BEST. I used to be an Aasics girl until I tried New Balance. I currently own the WR904's which are light weight running shoes and the WR1063's, another running model. I have ordered them all from http://www.nbwebexpress.com. Their customer service is great too!
Sarah
I have one pair of New Balance. That's it. I'm no help.
-Joshua
I have 2 pairs…my older running shoes (cheapish pair of Pumas) and a newer pair of Asic gel sole runners. I *love* my Asic shoes. They're at the point where I'll need new ones for the spring once I'm outside running again, but they're still OK for the elliptical and wearing to work. I wear my Pumas for things like my Ball DVD where technically I need shoes on but there's not a lot of jumping around…I should just toss them, but I won't until I get my "new new" shoes.
My everyday walking shoes are Addidas Superstar running shoes. They're basketball shoes technically and they are THE most comfy shoes in the entire world. For about 10 years I have just kept rebuying them in different colours (I have 2 apair at the mo) and will pick up a new pair as soon as they're wearing out…
I have somewhat flat feet so I pick my shoes to correct that, and the gel sole in my Runners is like running on little pillows. I love it 🙂
I just tried on a bunch of them until they felt "right" That's my suggestion. The difference in a good shoe is remarkable. The Asics are the first really good running shoes I've owned and I'm never going back! I let the running shoe store offer me a bunch they felt would be good for my feet and then went from there.
I usually have a pair for running, a pair for other activities and then lots of old pairs that are no longer good for working out but get worn around the house, camping, working in the yard, etc. I definitely find that I need different shoes for running vs. strength training and cardio classes (or DVDs since I don't belong to a gym anymore).
I like Mizunos and Asics.
In my defense, I never throw away old workout shoes–10 pairs of tennies (3 pairs of runners, 1 walker, the rest crosstrainers), 4 pairs of hiking boots (1 waterproof, high boots for snow, 1 low-top, 2 trailrunners), 2 pairs of Teva-type sandals. Right now I'm using LA Gear for running and Avias for crosstraining. Both seem to work with my wide feet.
cammi99
Oh I am so the LAST person who should weigh in on this, as I find a pair of shoes I like and wear them for everything and don't replace them anywhere near as soon as I should. And with my foot and knee problems I'm not exactly a poster child for the benefits of proper footwear.
But I'm glad you're addressing this topic because I need new shoes and am loving the suggestions!
Actually, I think I just bumped Crabby out of the 'last person' spot, as I know next to nothing about different types of shoes. Aasics = happy feet, that's all I know. But I'm loving all the suggestions!
I’d suggest going to a running store that can check your gait and foot mechanics. So many people wear the wrong shoe for their foot type (normal, flat, high arch). I used to pick shoes based on color (like you never have…), but when my knees completely quit on me I asked a pro to help me find one that’s best for my feet. I have really flat feet and swear by Aasics, which makes a good number of shoes with great arch support. In fact, I haven’t bought a non-Aasics pair of sneakers in more than five years.
What are "closed" shox?
I currently have a pair of Brooks but they aren't cutting it for dance and kickboxing classes so this article is very timely for me 🙂
I have one pair of New Balance shoes that I use for pretty much everything. If I work out at home, I work out barefoot. And – full disclosure – I have been known to wear my old jazz dance shoes to TurboKick. Not the sneakers – the old-school dance shoes. (Ok, I wear flip-flops and change into my dance shoes at the gym, because the soles are made of soft leather and super-thin rubber and would rip to shreds walking over the asphalt parking lot.) I actually like my dance shoes for TBK though, because since they have NO support, the micro-muscles in my feet have to get stronger, too. (Yes, really.)
I have Brooks running shoes and I do yoga barefoot, so I don't really know how to help you there.
I will say this much, though – exercise shoes are an area where I'll willing to go to an athletic store where I'll get fitted by people who know the shoes, even if it means spending more than somewhere like Rack Room, where you fit yourself (but pay less). I finally did that with this last pair of running shoes – I have very high arches and ended up with a pair that, while not marketed for people with high arches, feel so much better than any running shoes I've ever owned. Stores like that will often have different areas with different floorings (a mini track, a small hardwood "court," etc) where you can run in place or jump for a minute to see how the shoes will feel.
Oh and as for shoes… I think I was close to 200 pairs until I finally gave some shoes and clothes away a month ago. Now I'm probably back close to 100. (an ex got bored once and counted all my pairs – I think I had about 130 or 140 then. That was about 5 years ago.)
So I have:
4 pairs of racquetball shoes (they need time to dry out between uses) – Adidas
1 pair of indoor running – Asics
2 pair of outdoor running (one muddy, one non-muddy) – Asics
1 pair of walking – New Balance
I found that shoes really depend on the structure of your foot. I used to love Brooks and New Balance when I needed more cushioning. However, when I lost weight I needed something that fit my narrow foot much better (Asics & Adidas). Nike is also good for narrow but they don't tend to take my abuse very well. I used a lot of running stores when determining my shoe needs but also a lot of it is trial and error!
wow, reading this is making me realize how FEW pair of workout shoes I own. I just have running kicks and general workout kicks. That's kind of shocking. And sad. I need more!! Good holiday gift to ask for, I suppose…
we're fans of Nike and addidas cross-trainers. Admittedly, as in romance, the way the shoes looks is often what drives us to try on a shoe and THEN we look for comfort. But SOMETHING about us has to look cute while drenching three towels with sweat on the Stepmill!
I always buy good workout shoes. With my BAD feet, I have to be careful & I buy inserts too! I go to a running store where they fit you & you can get on the treadmill & try them out. I also joined their club & can return them after 60 days if they do not work & for my bad feet, that happens!
I hate to say but I used my running shoes for my other cardio machines & my weight lifting. I can't afford multiple shoes so.. but I do replace when they need to be replaced!
Wish I had feet that actually fit in cute regular day shoes… with flat, very wide & bunions on both feet.. NOT! 🙁
One foot surgeon I've consulted with said that Nikes are more of a fashion brand than a fitness shoe anymore. He said he sees LOTS of injuries from the Shox.
I don't doubt him, but I'd be curious to hear from other people on the foot frontlines. A large number of trainers at the Hoity Toity Health Club all wear Nikes…
I only wear aasics for running – in fact, most of my training partners (endurance sports rock!) all wear aasics. And because we all put lots of miles on our shoes before they fall apart, most of us have at least 3 pairs of running shoes. current running pair, junky going bad pair, and totally shot pair that you just wear to walk around in.
that being said, I also own two pairs of cycling shoes (mountain bike and road bike), hiking boots, and two pairs of trail running shoes (also used for crosstrainers)
and an adorb pair of aasics that are modeled on racing flats but are not used as such.
I think thats it for fitness shoes…that being said
I totally agree you need different shoes for different activities to prevent injuries
Another Aasics devotee. They are the ONLY shoe that fits my foot properly.
I just got a new pair of (black!!) Aasics that I'm hoping will work for the next half, but I have my doubts, they're not as cushy as my last pair. Great and light for short distances (I do believe they helped me take about 1 minute of my 5k) but I might need to trade up once I get past 10 miles.
I also own the old pair from the previous half marathon that I wear for cross training (biking, eliptical, shredding, etc). I have the running shoes from before that but I think they're in the giveaway pile so they don't count.
I also own a 19 dollar pair of black and white reebok "running" shoes that are comfy enough to wear if I'm going out walking somewhere but don't want to muck up my style with uggy sneaks. And a similar brown pair to wear with brown stuff. However, I don't give a flying hockey puck if my shoes match while working out. If the shoes fit, cush my heel properly, and let me run fast without blisters, they can be puke green and neon orange with sparkly pink unicorns on the sides. I care not.
And you know, shoes in general – I'm not going to get up to count, but I have an entire CLOSET dedicated just to my shoes and coats. Just sayin'.
Oh yeah, advice. If you have the cash, go hit up a local sports shop where someone can give you advice. If not, swallow your pride and humility and take an afternoon and try on EVERY SHOE in the chain sporting goods store and run and dance and lift heavy things and see what fits your feet the best. To be honest, I need a good running shoe for running and nothing else is impacty enough to need something specialized. So your mileage may vary. 🙂
So I understand that I need the right shoes for the right activity, but I haven't been able to figure out what the "right" shoe for kickboxing IS. I have a pair of running shoes for running, a pair of Nike Frees for weight lifting, but need something that allows for proper lateral movement (not the running shoes) and also gives me some cushion on the balls of my feet (not the Frees). Are all cross-trainers created equal? Does a "studio shoe" have enough shock absorption for tkb–especially the higher-impact/add a jack whenever you can kind? Or are they more for Zumba and other dance classes?
Kickboxing or any other high impact workout needs "closed shox" This is the type of shoe where you can't put your finger between each shock because it is covered with a gel looking overlay. Open shox are running shoes. Great forward motion support. Turbo, etc needs better lateral movement which is what "closed shox" supply. If you walk into footlocker and ask for closed shox they will have NO IDEA what you mean. So know what you are looking for before you go or you will, 9 times out of 10, be sold running shoes! I'll e-mail Charlotte a few pics to post so that you can see the difference. Every time someone in my class complains of knee or shin pain I look at there 2year old shoes and say "Treat Yourself to Some New SHOES!!" Every 6-9 months people!!!
I own so many shoes it's embarassing. High Tops, Mid Tops, Low Tops, Shiny, Rainbow, Nike Boots! Let's face it working out is about how you look right???
Photos of these mythical closed shox Nikes would be most welcome. I have been looking at everyone's feet at the gym and online but I have yet to see anything but the normal open ones. Are the closed ones classified as trainers by Nike (so I know how to keep searching for them)? Thanks guys!
I workout at home (I'm not a joiner) and I pretty much always workout barefoot. Maybe it's me, maybe I just have really good feet, but I find that hitting the floor in bare feet feels better than any shoe I've ever worn… Most gyms tend to get annoyed if you try that, though.
In my opinion, the best shoes to get are ones that are meant specifically for that certain activity you’re performing. However, I don’t have a good answer for finding good shoes for multiple types of activities. I think that I would try researching the types of shoes for those specific activities, and then seeing the features for each of them.