Choose the Perfect Workout Shoe

Want a secret to help avoid injuries and pain while working out? Choose the right shoe.

When it comes to starting a workout and making sure things like shin splints and foot pain don’t derail your efforts, the right shoe can make a world of difference.

Here are some general guidelines when choosing a shoe for your workout.

Best Shoes for Walking

The great thing about walking is that you can do it anywhere – as long as you have your walking shoes.

A walking shoe should be flexible with a relatively flat heel. Try to avoid any type of “cross trainer” shoe, as they might not be flexible enough to support the natural movement of your foot as you walk. Also, aim for a shoe with a slightly smaller heel, rather than a bigger flared heel.

Best Shoes for Running

If you are serious about running, or plan to run routinely, your best bet is to be fitted for a proper running shoe by a professional at a running shoe specialty store. There, they will be able to tell if your foot is neutral, over-pronated (leans in) or supinates (leans out) as you run. Also, the type of arch you have on your foot, as well as your weight will make a difference in what type of cushioning you require.

Finally, your shoe specialist may recommend you get a shoe ½ size larger than what you normally wear to account for your toes, which may push forward as you hit the ground running.

Best Shoes for Zumba, or Classes at the Gym

Gym group classes usually involve a lot of different movements from running to dancing to balancing and shifting. This is why having a good cross trainer is important. A good cross training shoe will provide the right amount of cushioning and stability you need to keep you moving with the music.

Best Shoes for Biking or a Spinning Class

When biking either in the spinning studio or on the road, it’s important to have a stiff sole that can keep your foot flat and even the pressure on your arches as you push on the pedal.

Special cycling shoes may cost more than your average workout shoe (can be upwards of $150 for a good pair), and they “clip in” to the pedals. The clips force the ball of your foot to be the main “pressure point” as you cycle your pedals. Clips also keep your knee in line, so that the line of force is always exerted in the proper place.

If you aren’t sure you are 100 percent committed to cycling, try to pick a good cross trainer shoe with a stiffer sole to keep your foot stable while pedaling.

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