My favorite part of this pic is Gym Buddy Megan’s daughter’s face. She looks tougher than all 3 of us weird grown-ups.
Fitness has so many rules that it is practically its own religion. Don’t believe me? Try and talk a triathlete out of their long ride/run/swim on Sundays. You might as well be stealing from the offerings plate. But it’s hard not to break a rule sometimes and I’m a rebel rule breaker! (Lie. I’m a total rules follower. Always have been, always will be.) Yet some of the worst fitness offenses I commit are related to one of the biggest fitness commandments – forgive me readers, for I have sinned.
How To Buy Fitness Shoes
Rule 1: Always buy a shoe based on function, not looks.
Confession: I buy shoes because they’re pretty. I used to wear these really ugly shiny white athletic shoes because they got the highest ratings for the activities I did. And then I got tired of being all party on top and business on bottom (wow, that came out badly). Now I look for style first and hope they will be halfway related to what I need them for. True story: I was thisclose to buying a pair of golf shoes even though I’ve golfed exactly once in my whole life because they were just that cute. So when Mizuno asked if I’d try out their new wave enigma shoes, the first thing I did was examine the picture from all angles. Adorable!! Yes, send me a pair please!
Rule 2: Use them for their intended purpose and nothing else
Confession: I used to have shox specifically for kickboxing, cross-trainers for boot camps, and runners for, well, running, duh. But it cramped my style since a) unless I only want to wear silver, pink and black when I run then I have to mix it up and b) Jelly Bean loveLOVEloves to try on shoes which means that it’s a crapshoot if I can find two that match each other much less match the workout. So yeah, the Mizuno Wave Enigmas are running shoes. I ran in them. I also kickboxed, lifted weights, did my Hot Sweaty Mess workout (that actually ended up being 119 degrees when the final total came in!!) and circuit trained in them. And they were awesome in every single activity. No shin splints, no black toenails, no arch cramps, no bizarre hotfoot – just a perfect fit from the second I put them on. This is a rarity in shoes – I have worn many pretty shoes that ended up not being good for anything except weight lifting *cough*Puma*cough.
Rule 3: Buy new ones every 3 months or XXX miles
Confession: I finally find a pair of super cute shoes that are magnificent at everything I put them through? I’m gonna wear the Enigma until they fall in tatters off my feet. (Or until they come out with new colors – look, shiny!) Seriously though, I’ve “outworn” all my shoes – some to the point they were holey (holy?) and destroyed – and I’ve never had anything bad happen to me or my feet or knees. Maybe I’m tempting fate by saying this but I think you can wear your shoes a lot longer than the salespeople/magazines/manufacturers say you can.
Rule 4: You get what you pay for
Confession: I buy a lot of shoes on clearance. Usually shoes go on clearance because of lame things like they are last year’s colors or whatever and they work awesome. (Of course sometimes they go on clearance because they suck – *cough*Puma*cough.) The Wave Enigma retails for $129.99. Good news: Thankfully I got mine for free to try. Bad news: Unfortunately now I’m in love with them. Hopefully the price point comes down before I wear this pair out.
What’s your shoe buying philosophy? Anyone else have any fitness shoe confessions? Anyone want to lecture me?? (Feel free to do so in the comments!)
See? I’m wearing them to “Boot Camp TurboKick” dress-up day! They’re hardcore! As is the little sweetie in the middle whose dad is in Afghanistan!! (Also, that camo hat I’m wearing is my 6-year-old’s. It’s a TODDLER sized cap from Children’s Place and I even had the velcro on the smallest setting. I told you I have a freakishly small head!)
I wholeheartedly agree!
I use my shoes for all different kinds of activities. Who can afford a different pair for each!
I went shopping with my sister-in-law to buy new hiking boots when the tread had completely worn off of mine. (I was literally slipping downhill when I tried to walk uphill in them.) She asked me how long I’d had my current pair, and I realized I’d gotten them in grad school, 7 years earlier. When I found a pair I liked, I was reluctant to buy them because they cost $60. She told me “Well, you’ll probably have them for a decade, so that’s only $6 a year!”
And you know what? That was right after my son was born. I still have them, and my son turned 10 a week ago.
I think it’s time for new shoes, and Athleta is having a sale!
(And yes, GB Megan’s daughter is ADORABLE!)
I used to be a shoe rule-breaker, but when I started running more, I started noticing that my shoes matter more. I know it’s time to replace my shoes when my knees/ankles/feet hurt after a shortish run, which really ends up being about three months. Also, I made the mistake of doing crossfit (heavy lifting) in my brand new running shoes and after just a few weeks, they were no longer supportive enough to run in. I have also noticed that I have better balance and form when lifting if i am barefoot or wearing shoes that are almost totally flat (Converse or Merrel barefoot shoes). Otherwise, I tilt forward. So, I kind of totally agree with the shoe salespeople, which makes my wallet sad, but my feet happy.
I currently wear running shoes for everything from lifting to running to Zumba. I really should find a pair of cross-trainers I like, but the ones in the Kohls during the sale that were decent looking (and felt decent too, it’s not *all* vanity with me, lol) were the running ones. My arches are apparently an odd spot, which makes finding shoes that feel right and are affordable difficult.
My sister told me to go to a locally owned fitness place that checks your wear, your gait, and your activities to get the best shoe for you – but I’m cheap and reluctant to buy the ones they will recommend. So far, my running shoes are working just fine, although they could be a bit more supportive when I do side-to-side stuff in classes.
If you’re training for multiple races every year I think the claim that you need to replace those shoes after X amount of miles is a good gauge to keep you injury free. The X is of course dependent on your weight, foot strike, and the surface you’re running on. For example, a 120 pound midfoot-striking person who runs varying surfaces like treadmills, dirt, grass, and pavement might not need to replace shoes as often as a 200 pound heel-striking man who runs the same mileage per week solely on pavement. The 400-500 mile range is usually when I start noticing wear in my shoes along with tightness in my calves and shins and then I know it’s time for a new pair! If your shoe’s soles aren’t wearing down and you have no pain I’d say it’s totally fine to keep wearing them!
As far as different shoes for different activities goes, I use my running shoes for everything! Cross-training, weight lifting, and running around mentoring 2nd graders… They can handle it all.
I only have one pair for working out. I don’t even know what they’re supposed to be for. I went to foot-locker and they measured my gait, the wear on my shoes and recommended a pair. They were so unbelievably expensive ! I’ll wear them for everything until they fall apart. And next time I’ll ask the price before having those teenagers make me walk on the fancy mat thing.
I have had a lot of problems with my ffeet this year (thank you aero-walker) so I probably should start following the ‘rules’, but the price is prohibitive !
Gym Buddy Megan’s little girl is adorable !
These are a great set of shoe rules, and someday I hope to follow them! But so far it’s been a big FAIL in terms of fitness shoes. I find a pair I like and wear ’em into the ground.
Unless I’m sprinting, I wear my flat Converse to the gym every day for every activity until the tread is gone, then I buy some more. Nope, I don’t have any foot or knee problems.
By the way, what do you think about Puma?
I wear my running shoes for everything. Running, weight lifting, walking, grocery shopping. This of course leads to the fact that they’re totally worn out and I can’t afford new ones yet. I’m sure they’d last much longer if I only wore them to run, but they’re what’s most comfortable and my feet hate switching between good running shoes and shoes without support.
I definitely wear my workout shoes, and most shoes in general, until they are either dead or almost dead.
Thankfully, I won an Eastbay giveaway a year and a half ago that saw we get 3 pairs of Nike Free trainers. I retired my previous Nike Frees before they were totally dead to crack open the first pair of my free ones.
So, I’m probably set with workout shoes for the next 4 or 5 years given how long my previous two pairs of Frees lasted.
Now, I’d be all over the New Balance Minimus workout shoes and the trail runners if I had an extra couple hundred bucks laying around…..
Charlotte, you look like you’re about to rumble with the Jets. Or are you one of the Jets?
Great job , here i just wanna tell you … keep on posting ….
I don’t buy new shoes for every new activity. I use running shoes for everything, and I only buy “running” shoes because that is what I am used to and also on the off chance that I do run, I’m set. I think running is probably the most important sport to have special shoes for, so I’m covered there. Not that I ever run. And I keep them until my knee starts to hurt, which is usually a year and WAY too long.
Remember that owl hat that I knit? Its the infant size and fits me perfectly!
I do use my shoes for specific activities, but probably not in the way that “experts” recommend. My shoes go on more of a rotation basis. When they’re new they get to be the high impact shoes and be used for things like 10 miles of walking. Once they lose some support they’re downgraded to things like biking and a new pair is brought in. The only exception is running, for that I use my Vibram shoes, just because I love them. 🙂 If I could run barefoot instead I would, but the Vibram shoes are the next best thing.
I am so with you on the Pumas! All the marathons I’ve run, I only lost 2 nails…1 was a pair of New Balance (which were way over rated as far as I’m concerned) and the 2nd was a pair of Pumas. I wore Reebok for the longest time, the toe box and support fit my foot, but styles (or my feet?) change and l have gone with one of the Sketcher styles (they fit best that particular day), but since styles have changed again I may try out this Wave Enigma next time I need them. When I was hard core marathoning (several in a year) I switched my shoes about every 3 months because they suffered such abuse, and they went into rotation for yard shoes. Now that those days are behind me (sniffle) I find I can keep them a lot longer, but once the cushion is gone – as evidenced by sore soles – they are out of any rotation.
I had a pair of running shoes I was using for all fitness, but when my ankles and shins started hurting when I took up running, I went to a running specialty store and was fitted for running shoes. They took care of ALL pain and I use them solely for running. They’re cute, even!
The salesman was very knowledgeable and listened to the price range I gave him; he only brought shoes in my range for me to try on.
Now, the previous running shoes are used for everything except running.
I wear my shoes until they start hurting my legs or my feet, and that’s how I know it’s time for new ones. I ONLY wear them in the gym, so they usually look brand new when I’m done with them. I’ll keep them for “running around” shoes if they’re not TOO uncomfortable.
I was thinking the other night that it’s probably time for some new kicks. (Even though I LOVE my cute purple shoes!!!) Our new Hip Hop routine has so many turns in it, that the rubber is starting to come off the soles. NOT cool!
I go for looks a lot, too, but they’ve got to be comfortable. I am horribly picky when it comes to trying on shoes.
I used to sell running shoes and lectured people with all these rules. Confession: I don’t follow any of them. I wear my shoes until they fall apart, and looks play a huge part. I also was ruined from my discount and just can’t pay full price anymore. The mark up on running shoes is OUTRAGEOUS!
I definitely buy shoes for looks too. But this means that I also have LOTS of shoes! haha. Though I have found that since I’m teaching 4 zumba classes a week and taking a 5th class, I need to be able to rotate my shoes. I have some tendonitis in one of my toes and if I don’t switch up my shoes, my foot HURTS! I also find that after about 3 months or so I’ve pretty much worn down the padding in the ball of my right foot and my feet just can’t take it anymore. Once I get new shoes, they feel much better! The one pair of shoes I did not buy for looks are my running shoes. I ran a half marathon in them with minimal foot pain, which is amazing for me. But for whatever reason, they aren’t that comfortable for bumming around. My newest Zumba shoes are these and I LOVE them! http://www.footlocker.com/product/model:156828/sku:347130/adidas-climacool-oscillation-womens/?cm=TnDdWomensAdidas
They are comfy, lightweight, breathable, and very flexible. And cute!!!!
I absolutely love my Asics that I got fitted for at the fancy running store. I wear them for every gym activity and they’re super comfy. Weird thing is I tried to wear them just to walk around a lot one day and they KILLED my arches. I haven’t figured that one out.
I buy running shoes to run in, then wear them for everything else too. Also, my knees will tell me when it is time for new ones. Never fails. And yes, looks rank veeery highly! I am needing new ones right now and the 60 dolla clearance ones that are last years colors would work fine but it turns out that I really really really like this years colors more. For twice the price?? hmmmm
Oh and the shoes i am talking about are the Mizuno Wave Precision. LOVE MIZUNO!
The only rule I really follow is that I won’t squat in running shoes. I wear Jambu 606 barefoot on leg days: kinda cute/ugly, but most importantly, super flat. But other than that, I never understood the big difference between running, walking, and cross training shoes. It always just seemed like a ploy to sell more sneakers.
My feet are overly-sensitive snobs. They only like ASICS, which are horribly expensive here (in Australia). I have a bunch of them, from solid leather ones to lighter, flexible mesh ones, which I rotate depending on the activity and the weather. But three-monthly replacement … hellz no. I might get one new pair every six to twelve months (if I find comfy ones on sale – I NEVER pay full price for runners), and then the oldest pair gets assigned to gardening/disgusting jobs duty.
I seem to have a difficult foot to fit – other “name” brands such as Puma (I’m with you, Charlotte – ugh), New Balance (ow), Nike (wroooooooong), Reebok (expensive mistake, that – damn sales kid) all just don’t fit properly, and give me blisters/callouses/general ouchiness.
I’m with you. I love my Asics! The worst shoes I ever had were a pair of New Balance.
I only have two pairs of athletic shoes because I am poor, really poor. One pair for inside, another for outside. Outside ones are plain, boring and practical trail running shoes that I use for walking and running. The inside ones are volleyball shoes that are really not my style and I use them for everything I do indoors.
First of all, there is a part of me that is really puzzled as to why I need to wear shoes indoors that was squashed by my partners foot in martial arts class. The volleyball shoes are not ideal for running on the treadmill but I cannot afford anyhting else and I cannot use running shoes in group excercise, trust me, I fall when I have to go sideways and get hurt.
Well now I want a pair. Maybe they can do a giveaway for your wonderful readers! I tend to have running shoes and then aerobics shoes, but I buy them in pink and white and can never remember which pair is which.
I NEVER buy shoes based on appearance. With my feet & how bad & hard they are to fit, it has always been about functionality & if they work for me. I love Road Runner Sports for their VIP club & I could wear the shoes for up to 60 days & still return them which really helped me cause I need to wear them for about 2-3 weeks to be sure with my feet.
Now with my current probs – it is all about my Hoka shoes & I will wear them always – even if I get my feet fixed. They work so good to protect my no fat pad feet that when I do my legs, hard for me to tell I am pushing thru my heels – It sure makes me concentrate more than I already do! 😉
I break rules as long as it’s not my most recent pair of running shoes. Cycle is: buy new pair of running shoes. Bump old running shoes to being cycle/lift/arc trainer/mud run shoes until they fall apart. Keep ONE pair of sweet looking black running shoes that are HORRIBLY worn out for walking, and mud runs in costume (because super girl or super quix does NOT wear obnoxious looking white – now brown – shoes).
I wear the running shoes until I notice they start to feel *different*. The academy 50$ specials I had before wore out in the normal 300-500 miles, but the pair I have now that I dropped 130 on at the running store have taken me through 1.5 years (1 half, 4 tris, various other races) and are still feeling fine – though they are falling apart and as I said – brown from lots of outdoor runs. I’m terrified to wash them as I’m certain they’ll fall apart for good, but they still have the cush.
Also, Aasics for life. Have yet to find anything that fits my feets as well. We’ll see as I know I need new shoes soon.
The first 5k I ran (and actually placed in – woot woot!) I was wearing Coach running shoes…. I learned my lesson. I took myself to a running store in St. Louis on my way to go on a date and wound up slipping out of heels to try them on. They matched the outfit I was wearing and I didn’t try on any other pairs.
Next pair of shoes I got (I wore those Brooks out) I ran on a treadmill and they analyzed my run and told me which pair would best suit my needs… Turns out I have a near perfect stride. My feet hit the ground exactly as they should in good form (who knew!). The bad news? The shoes they told me to by were heavy as heck on longer runs and they didn’t feel comfy with my high arch after awhile. 2 or so years later I still have not worn them out, because I find myself going back to my old faithful – increasingly decrepit original Brooks (that were also cheaper)
Oh and on an ENTIRELY unrelated note, I pose a question:
If it’s in the 90s outside and the heat index is in the 100s… is running in a sports bra (or running bra) acceptable?
I find myself starting out in a race shirt, but peeling it off mid run (albeit a short run due to the heat) due to the intense heat – I wind up using it to wipe the sweat off my face (gross…) anyhoo, it’s been garnering me a lot of looks and a couple of honks – so was just curious as to your opinion.
I say when it’s that hot out you do what you got to do. Besides, I see women running in sports bras as tops all the time! I’m guessing the extra attention and honks must be because you happen to rock the look so well!
I’ve been rocking it and feeling much better – I guess I was just paranoid.
I will say though, that I was glad today that I kept my top on… I wound up running into my therapist and her husband while they were walking their dog (a hazard of living less than 6 blocks from her, eh?) – all I could think was “I am so glad I didn’t strip mid run today”
Chorlotte you always look so happy in all of your pictures :), you seem like a super fun person to hang out with.
I don’t really have any shoe philosophies, I usually do commit a sin on buying shoes that look pretty to my eye, and of course comfort. I don’t think I ever paid 129.00 for a pair of shoes, 100 at the most.
I can definitely say I tried those reebook toning shoes, they were the worst, they messed up my knees.
Since I CrossFit, I had to buy shoes that let me do everything. But I paid a lot for them ($99 – NB Minimus Trail) and it was worth it. They are discontinuing them and I might even buy another pair just to keep, because I plan to wear them forever and ever. I say you don’t necessarily get what you pay for, but it’s worth the money if you find a shoe you love.
I have never bought a pair of fitness shoes that were deeply discounted (I ran for about a year in a pair of 12.99 kids Asics and never had problems.). Since I started working out barefoot it’s even better. For times I can’t workout barefood I got a pair of NB Minimus shoes for free and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Really I do. They are PERFECT for what I do. I didn’t know they were discontinuing them as the commenter above said…ugh…maybe I need to buy another pair. $99…gulp.
The importance of tracking your progress is mainly to tell you if what you’ve planned is moving closer or further away from your fitness goals.
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