Are you wearing the right shoes at the gym? Your workout takes it all out of you and, when you wear the right shoes to support your high-intensity cardio session, you reach your fitness goals. Unfortunately, according to the American College of Sports Medicine report, 85% of runners sprint, jog, and marathon run in unsupported shoes. That amounts to a whole lot of knee, ankle and back injuries (not to mention sores and blisters). Skip this workout faux pa and be mindful of your active footwear.
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Buy Shoes Specific for the Activity
If you’re a runner, don’t buy walking shoes. If you’re a walker, don’t invest in trail shoes. While you may be choosing the right shoe, it could be wrong for your specific workout. When you walk, for example, you land more heavily on your heel than you do when you run. Invest in a shoe specifically build with a heavier heel and you’ll have more support which will minimize your risk for injury.
Are you a runner that wants to improve your performance? Focus on a tailored running shoe. They are made lighter than a walking shoe and built to give you more support as you run laterally. If you switch up your workout from moderate jogging, elliptical running, and hiking, choose a cross-training shoe. It not only is lightweight enough to keep you moving at the pace you want but offers all the support in your heel to avoid ankle injury. And when trying shoes out don’t forget your socks! Shoes feel differently and support differently without socks present.
The right workout shoe should be used specifically for your workout. If you want to maximize the benefits of a supportive running, walking, or multipurpose shoe, don’t use it as your weekend go-everywhere-in shoe.