Many of us tend to just throw any old pair of shoes along with an old t-shirt and a pair of sweats, and think that we are ready for a tough workout. While there is nothing inherently wrong with wearing anything that?s old and no longer in use, it?s important to note that workout clothes and shoes exist for a reason. Getting the most out of your workouts is not just about eating right or getting energy from your pre-workout supplement, it?s also about wearing the right gear that will keep you safe and maximize your performance.
When it comes to shoes, the type of footwear can make all the difference and help you achieve your goals. Different workout routines demand different shoes that can provide the features you need to train without the risk of injury. That?s why today we?ll be talking about workout shoes and how to improve your training and health by wearing the right kicks for the occasion.
Strength training requires stability above all
If your goals is to push heavy weights in the gym in order to build lean muscle mass and develop physical strength, then you have to have the right shoes for the job. Your typical sneakers that you would wear for a jog simply won?t do, as they don?t provide the stability and traction necessary to keep you safe and stable during heavy lifts. In fact, if you try to move heavy weights in running shoes, you might be setting yourself up for a nasty injury.
Typically, you?d want your shoes to have a completely flat sole that allows you to transfer as much force into the ground as possible when you?re pushing or pulling. This will also keep you stable and centered. You can also go for weightlifting shoes which have a hard, elevated heel that will help get your body in the right position during squats, for example. The most important thing, though, is to ensure a hard connection to the floor for optimal force transfer.
Steady-state cardio requires plenty of cushioning
On the other hand, when you?re going out for a jog or a run, or even when you?re running on a treadmill at the gym, the last thing you want is a hard-sole shoe. If you try to run for even a mile in your Converse All Stars, you will quickly find out just how much the soles of your feet are aching, you might even injure yourself. What?s more, without dissipating all that force and pressure that you?re putting into the ground, you might develop shin splints and problems with your knees.
When this happens, you will need to take a long time away from training to recover. So, in order to improve your workout results and stay healthy when running, you should use proper running shoes. These shoes typically have large, cushiony soles to protect your feet and your lower body in general.
HIIT training requires stability and flexibility
If you like to vary your training and prefer a mix of cardio and weightlifting, then you need to wear shoes that provide protection and stability for both. HIIT training is the perfect example where you need stable shoes with a lot of traction, but also enough cushioning to protect the soles of your feet. So, finding the right shoes for cross training can be a challenge.
The best thing you can do is to research various shoe brands and check out athletic sneaker reviews for actionable data on various shoe types and brands out there. Looking at the detailed reviews, you will be able to find the shoes that are ideal for your preferred style of training.
Martial arts and self-defense require traction
In martial arts training, stability, traction, and control are the key elements of success. At least when it comes to footwork and staying upright during a fight. Whether you?re training martial arts just to get fit and get a good workout in, or if you?re actively learning self-defense, you should wear the shoes that provide the best traction.
These are typically the high-rise boxing shoes with a flat sole, as they provide stability and allow you to move around unencumbered. You can also wear the same shoes that you usually wear outside if you want to train self-defense in the most realistic way possible.
Hiking requires durability
Lastly, if you?re an outdoorsy person and you love hiking and trekking across mountain ranges and national parks, then wearing proper footwear is essential. You should look for stability and traction, of course, but also durability, which means that you need to find the brands that specifically make hiking shoes. Don?t make the mistake of taking your gym shoes hiking, because pretty soon you will realize that they have started to fall apart some two miles back.
Wrapping up
The shoes you wear can make all the difference in training. With these tips in mind, you?ll be able to find the best footwear for every activity, and take your training to the next level safely.
