When it comes to outdoor fitness activities, the type of footwear you wear can make a big difference in your performance. Lightweight, flexible shoes that provide support and good arch support are ideal for walking, while running shoes are designed specifically for running. It's important to choose the right running shoe for your foot type, as this can make a big difference in your running performance. For other exercises such as HIIT workouts, heavy lifting or cardio classes, specialized trainers are best as they provide better grip and support.
When it comes to walking, stiffer shoes with good support and thick soles are best. Running shoes should be chosen based on your foot type, as different biomechanical foot problems require different types of shoes. For example, those with flat feet may need different shoes than those with high arches. A good way to find out which is the best running shoe for your foot is to visit your local podiatrist, who can recommend the right shoe without bias towards a particular brand.
Running shoes can also be used for other exercises such as going to the gym or doing spinning classes, but they won't provide the same level of support. As a coach, I watch with interest the feet and ankles of my clients when they perform movements such as lunges and squats. The amount of foot and ankle movement that running shoes allow due to their built-in cushioning makes them an unstable platform for these movements. However, they do make a difference when it comes to running, as they absorb shocks and reduce the likelihood of pain and injury. The best training shoes will not only make you look good in the gym but will also offer better grip and support so you can work out safely and effectively.
When choosing a shoe for HIIT workouts, heavy lifting or cardio classes, it's important to choose one that is specialized for the type of exercise you do. We test, review and classify shoes from major sports shoe brands such as Under Armour, Inov-8, Nike, Reebok and Adidas so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. No matter what type of outdoor fitness activity you're doing, it's important to wear the right type of footwear to ensure you get the most out of your workout and stay safe while doing it.
