Reader’s Request: Choose your shoes
Hiiii 😀 Happy almost-Friday! How’s your morning going??
I was visited by the tea fairy!!
The family I bought the furniture from is moving out-of-country, so the wife hooked me up with her tea stash! She’s a yoga instructor, tea fanatic, health nut, I totally want to hang out with her and she’s moving :/ Isn’t it sad when that happens?
So I enjoyed a lovely cup of peppermint tea with this morning’s egg-rito (brown rice tortilla, eggs, green salsa, nutritional yeast)
I’m off to work early this morning (half-asleep zombie mode) and figured it would be a fun time for a reader’ request post.
Quite a few of ya have asked me what type of shoes I recommend for each type of fitness activity and since I did a *what to wear* post, let’s talk about shoes:)
1. Zumba/Dance Trance/ Dance Cardio
-What to look for: Shoe weight. Does it feel heavy when you pick it up? It will feel heavy when you’re dancing. Some shoes have pivot points on the bottom, which are ideal for spinning. Check out the soles of the shoe to make sure they’re not too thick, as bulky shoes are very difficult to dance in.
-Some of my faves: Nike Musique, Nike Huarache lows, Zumba fitness Z1 sneakers, Puma women’s etoile –dance sneakers are great too
2. Step aerobics/hi low (aerobics classes with varying intensities)
-What to look for: A supportive shoe. You’re going to need stability for lateral movements, and cushioning without the shoe being too bulky.
-Some of my faves: Saucony grid cohesion, Adidas thalia lux fitness,
3. Spin
-What to look for: head to a local bike shop to be fitted for clip-in shoes if you’re a hardcore spinner, or you can strap your regular sneaks into the cages. If you’re going to wear your own sneakers, I recommend a single-sole shoe. The ones with split soles always hurt my feet! Definitely take a few spin classes in your regular shoes to see if you’d like to invest in cycling shoes.
-Great cycling shoes: Pearl izumi x-alp drift, SIDI tork shoes, Louis Garneau multi rx
4. Weight training/Bootcamp-style workouts
-What to look for: stability is key. Check out cross-training or running shoes and make sure that they’re supportive on your feet. Do a couple of moves in the aisle to see how they feel and go from there. My weight training shoes are my *fun* shoes.. which means if they have pink, I’m getting those 😉
5. Water aerobics
-What to look for: a shoe that will do the trick from land to the pool. Lightweight, breathable mesh and comfort are importante.
-Check out: Speedo women’s amphibious hydro comfort, Ryka aqua fit 3
6. Running
-What to look for: a shoe that’s perfect for YOUR foot. I highly recommend visiting a local running store for a foot analysis. They’ll be able to analyze your stride and determine what type of shoe would be the best fit. A tip: use your running shoes ONLY for running. Have a separate pair for walking the dog, lifting weights, etc. This is because running with wear out your shoe in different areas than other activities will- you want to make sure that they’re probably broken in to run, not run errands 😉
Hope this helps a little!
As always, send reader’s requests my way: fitnessista at gmail dot com 😀
See ya later this afternoon!
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: Do you stick to the name brand of shoes? (I almost always get Nike or Asics) How did you find your current fitness shoe love?
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I have really narrow feet and a low arch, so I usually go with Saucony Gels..they fit great!
I always get Asics Kayanos! They just came out with new colors for my favorite shoe, thank goodness because I am pretty sick of getting the exact same shoe and color for the past few years 🙂 I tried Saucony once but it just didn’t work my fit and I quickly switched back. I think the best idea for people is to go to a professional shoe store or running store where they watch you run and fit you with the best shoe. They can watch if you over/under protonate or run a strange way, and then give you a sneaker that supports that
The Kayanos are my go to shoe too! I always use my old ones for walking the dog and keep my new ones for the gym :). And I also have my clip ins for spin and my road bike. I am always amazed by people in spin who don’t use clip ins, it’s a much better workout!
I get fitted for running shoes and then I buy a pair of other tennis shoes for working out at home. I get whatever is on sale for those.
I’ve heard really flat shoes like Converse are best for weight training?
it’s true. and any question you’ve ever had about training with weights has probably already been answered (and answered well) by krista, as evidenced by this: http://www.stumptuous.com/your-guide-to-gym-gear
Great post Gina! The right footwear is so important, especially for preventing injuries (and looking stylish of course!) I did a big post on spin shoes a while ago – if anyone would like more info, the link is http://eatspinrunrepeat.wordpress.com/2010/11/30/cues-and-shoes/
You’re right, it’s so important to make sure that you have the proper shoes for your workout. Hiking shoes are usually the hardest for me to buy because I don’t hike everyday, but I need that extra ankle support when I hike. For running shoes I usually stick to Mizuno or Nike. Have a great day at work!
I am an absolutely huge Vibram fan. I actually bought my 5th pair this week. They have worked so many wonders with me. I used to be a Nike person. But I was finding I didn’t like running because it was painful and uncoformtable. Now that I wear the Vibrams my back/hips/ankles/arches don’t hurt at all. My calves are sexier than ever. My feet look toned. My balance has increased tremendously. My running is so much better. I just absolutely love these types of shoes. Activities I do in them: Yoga/Pilates, Running (inside & out), Lifting, Jazzercise, Hiking, playing in the creek, at the beach, on boats, washing my car… the list goes on and on. Huge fan. Totally worth a try. it is for sure a different workout experience.
Finally, someone who has more VFFs than I do (I only have 4 pairs but am eyeing the Jayas). I tore an Achilles tendon 4 years ago and all my attempts to returning to running in regular shoes were a failure. The Vibrams changed my life–and they make me feel like a kid again. My brother and I run through the woods in them, leap logs, climb stuff, etc. I also use them for kettlebell workouts and racquetball–everything but cycling. I will never return to “marshmallow foot coffins.”
I’ve tried what feels like a bazilion types of running shoes in the last ten years, and I’ve always liked simple shoes that fit more like a glove. I’m lucky enough to have never had many problems or injuries while running (maybe because I gradually work up to higher mileage?) so I keep it simple. Nike has always had some time of lightweight shoe and they make me feel fast!
I got fitted for Brooks running shoes 3 years ago and have never looked back. I agree 100% going to a store where they fit you is the best thing, I was intimidated but it was a great experience!
I got fitted for Brooks running shoes 3 years ago and have never looked back. I agree 100% going to a store where they fit you is the best thing, I was intimidated but it was a great experience!
I’m dying to try those tortillas!!!! hmf…sad no TJ’s in sight! boo.
I like your cinco de mayo breakfast! Are you celebrating? I usually wear the Asics shoes too. But, I like New Balance too, mine are pink.
I have another tip: if you wear regular shoes (not clip in cycle shoes) to spin, realize that these shoes will probably be destined to die. I teach spinning and am too cheap to buy clip ins, but the pedal straps have started to wear away the sides of my shoes. It took almost a year for this to happen, but I would have been devastated if I bought super nice shoes to cycle in and they were ruined within a year.
Pink workout anything is a major yes please! 🙂
And for running I am a Brooks gal all the way.
Get the clip ins! You won’t regret it! I’ve had mine for 5 years and they are still in great shape!
I run in Asics – & I will NEVER switch to anything else. (I actually have like 6 pairs of the ones you have pictured) I used to run in Saucony, but I kept losing toe nails. I finally figured out that their toe box is too small for my foot. Going to a running store is a MUST to get shoes that are best for you.
There are water aerobic shoes now? I find Asics to be the best running shoes for me. In Canada they sell for 200$-$300 bucks while in the states they are around 80$ for the same pair. Whenever Im in US i stock up
I just got a pair of nike frees, and I LOVE them! They really let me feel the ground, but are WAY cuter than the 5 toe shoes. I use them for weights, cross training, trail running, and road running <4 miles.
2nd this! Nike Free’s are awesome… You really don’t want too much cushioning when you’re lifting… best to be more “flat” in terms of stability, actually
I am currently wearing Mizuno’s for marathon training and love them but I used to be only a Nike girl. After marathon training I am thinking I might switch to lighter shoe and found some Saucony’s that are calling my name.
I recently bought the Nike Frees and I love them!
Lol, I have one pair of athletic shoes and I wear them for everything: walking, running (they’re actually running shoes), when I lift weights, etc. I do have a pair of heavier hiking shoes for the outdoor hiking thing. And when I dance in my living room I usually just wear socks 🙂
great post. I have running shoes for the gym and biking, and i have vibrams for walking, going to start running in them soon, and for everything else. I love them!
i love zumba shoes, when i teach i will probably have like a bazillion pairs haha
Nikes always work best on my narrow feet. I think it takes a little bit of trial and error, and a little bit of expertise- eg, getting your stride analyzed to see what running shoes will best suit you.
I love Organic India’s Tulsi tea! It calms me when I need relax, and seems to help my mental clarity when I need to focus. And it tastes really good 🙂
Thanks so much for the shoe run down, I am finding that as I get more active in different types of fitness activities one pair of shoes just won’t cut it. I have had an especially hard time finding shoes that offer the comfort and support I need for Zumba so I will definately be looking into the pairs that you talked about.
Also I love your egg-rito’s I think I have had some variation of them for about 75% of my breakfasts this week, I love savory food first thing in the morning.
Always use a good running store! I have tried just picking name brands up at Academy or Kohl’s – bad news for me, they have lower end and are stiffer and I just don’t like them as well.
I would also say that if you’re going to be doing a particular program or type of workout, ask the company/trainer that you’re working with for recommendations. My outdoor bootcamp company, for example, does a significant amount of running so we recommend running shoes, not cross-trainers, etc. and like you said, getting fitted at a good running store is the way to go on that front.
great tip!
Great post! I’ve always wondered about which shoes are best for different activities. Right now I just wear my Saucony runners for everything. I got fitted for them at a local running store, which was SO helpful. I don’t trust myself to pick out my own running shoes! 😛
This is a fantastic post! Thanks so much!
And i wholeheartedly agree with the running shoes! Getting fitted changed my (running) life! 🙂
Great post! Perfect timing because shoe shopping is on my to-do list for this weekend.
My fiance ate more of this week’s batch of amazeballs than I did- they’re definitely a hit! 🙂
Asics are my thing for sure. I used to run in Nikes – but was getting terrible knee problems. I made a random switch to Asics.. and it has not returned since.. almost 2 years.. knock on wood!
I just assumed people do water aerobics barefoot…I can’t imagine wearing shoes in the pool!
I came across your blog looking for some insanity inspiration and fell in love with it. So much so that I went back to your very first post and read through them all and I finally got caught up! It took awhile but definitely worth it. Great advice and great recipes too! So glad I found you! 🙂
oh my goodness!!! thanks for such a sweet compliment 🙂
nice to *meet* you and thank you so much for saying hi!
xoxo
I really like the suggestions…I personally got fitted about a year ago with mizuno and absoutely love them! They have good stability through out the shoe and because I tend to pronate when I run I am able to not have soreness in my arches!! Thanks for the great post you always do such a great job Gina!
Shoes in the pool??? eh . . .I like staying barefoot. My toes hate to be constrained. Yay for flip flop season! I know my water aerobics instructor wears shoes and I always wonder how long it takes for those shoes to dry out and if there is any fungus issues. O.O;;
And I completely agree with running shoes. I run so much better after getting professionally fitted. Cycle shoes, well, I love them. I was always flopping out or off of the pedal and the security of the clip really helps. Now if I can only learn how to use it on my road bike without falling over. . . .
Awesome post! I never thought about sneakers for water workouts, but it makes a lot of sense. I do a lot of kayaking in the summers, so that is a great idea! Thanks for the tips. I usually wear Saucony’s for running, which I love. You must have a lot of closet space with all these shoes!! 😉
FYI-We kayak year round here and wearing shoes is a must as we have sharp reef everywhere. I use the salomon techamphibian lights…they’re meant to go from terrain to water and back, dry quickly, can be hosed off if they get muddy, and aren’t heavy at all. Most everywhere we hike on Guam is a combo of rock, mud, and water, and these shoes do the trick for that too.
I reviewed them here…
http://simonssezsam.livejournal.com/74377.html
I just went to Fleet Feet and got fitted for running shoes on Monday. It was my 1st time being fitted. I’m currently not a runner, but I’m planning to become one by doing the C25K program. I wanted to get the right shoes in order to avoid unnecessary injury (hopefully).
The recommendation for me was the Saucony ProGrid Ride 3. I had to go one full size bigger than my regular shoe size. He explained that you need to have enough room in the toe area to allow your feet to expand due to the sweating, etc…even more so in the summer months when it is really hot. Otherwise your feet may hurt and you may eventually notice a hole forming in the top of the shoe near your big toe, etc.
I’m going to look on craigs list for furniture-selling tea fans!
sneakers in the pool? haha I love sneakers
that is all
I saw the salsa at TJs — I wonder if they have BR tortillas? mmm tortilla – I cant buy bread though because I eat it all
What a great post! It’s always so hard for me to find good running shoes with enough support for my flat feet. I use arch supports but I wear them out really quickly!
I usually get versatile shoes also so that they can handle my Zumba and P90X workouts with ease!
I’m so jealous that the tea fairy visited you… I am OBSESSED WITH TEA! It’s always my go-to drink. Iced in the summer, piping hot in the winter (;
Thanks so much for this post Gina. I’m in the market for some new workout shoes, and now have a good idea which type to look for. All the best.
I love Asics. I also love Nike for just the comfort and to run around and get things done in. I really want to invest in a pair of Mizuno sneakers for training!
i’m a nike girl through and through!
I am super loyal to my mizunos. I discovered them during high school track and have never looked back. I use them for running mostly, but also walking, other types of cardio, and weights. They never let me down! Once, about two years ago, some one at the shoe store told me to get an aasic and I HATED IT. I got like three injuries in the span of the next few months. I will never leave my beloved mizunos again!
Great shoe post, Gina!
I am guilty of using my running shoes for other things in the past and then giving myself injuries so I have learned that (painful) lesson!
I love Nikes, I am super brand loyal b.c I have really long, thin feet and they fit me the best of any, consistently, but I love everything you showed!
Asics all the way, I have never had a bad pair yet and have been wearing them for 5 or 6 years!
What kinda pointe shoes did you have? Just curious! I was a Chacott girl myself. Miss those days.
What a fantastic post! I have to say I am guilty of just having one new pair of running shoes that I use for running and then using an old pair of running shoes for everything else in order to save money. I don’t recommend it though! 😛
Great info! 🙂
I have those same blue Asics! Great running shoe 🙂
my fave!
I was lucky enough to be in the US this year and stocked up on gym/running shoes (as theyre REALLY expensive here in australia for a decent shoe!). I got Asics kayano 16’s while i was there (for running) and nike Air max moto+8 for the gym. I abosultely LOVE my nike ones and will be buying them online again from the usa as they’re fantastic (and not even available for sale here in aus)!!
This is a great, informative post! I love my Mizuno’s for running and Adidas for cross training/other work outs. When I played volleyball, it was all about the Asics!
Okay, so another question about types of shoes then. I started insanity and I’m not sure my tennis shoe is the best support for all the jumping around. So is there anything you would recommend for crazy high intensity with lots of jumping?
i pronate, so i used the asics gt 2150- but make sure to have your stride checked to figure out a good shoe for you
shoes in the pool…no way! lol If anyone is looking for a good motion control shoe for running, I suggest Mizuno’s wave alchemy, especially if you’re flat footed like me