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6 Best Workout Shoes

Altra Provision 1.5
Altra Provision 1.5

 

Though I go to the gym several times a week, I haven’t changed my workout shoe for 6 years. Why? The number of choices is overwhelming and I didn’t want to spend the time researching which to buy. That being said, I have noticed the tread is wearing thin and the shoe is getting out of shape, so it was time to go to the pros and ask what shoe they recommend if one is buying one all purpose workout shoe. Here’s what leading trainers around town recommend:

  • “Altra provision: Zero drop, wide toe box, good for a neutral foot or someone that needs stability, lightweight and just enough cushion.” – Jeremiah Williams, Certified Personal Trainer, www.facebook.com/jeremiahjwilliams, jeremiahjwilliams@gmail.com
Skechers Women's Go Run Bolt Shoe
Skechers Women’s Go Run Bolt Shoe
  • “My go-to favorite is any Saucony shoe. They fit every time. I don’t even have to try them on, because I know they will fit my normal-arch/neutral foot. Any version of any Saucony works for me. I’m on my feet most of the day…teaching classes, training clients and exercising. And I’ll be doing everything from walking, running, jumping to squatting. But a recent shoe I just bought has really changed my perspective on the brand…Skechers. I bought the Bolt and the lightness of this shoe is amazing. And with comfort to boot. Minimal heel, so better for your posture and exercise.” – Amy Mastroguiseppe, MastroFitness, amymastrofitness@gmail.com
Nike Dual Fusion
Nike Dual Fusion

 

  • “I’m a fitness professional, train private clients and teach at Barry’s Bootcamp and Flywheel. As a fitness professional, I look for a shoe that provides comfort and support, one that is lightweight, and is vibrant and pops out of the crowd somehow. In my opinion the Nike Dual Fusion shoe embodies all these qualities, which is why it is the best all purpose workout shoe. It feels good on my foot and I love the color and patterns on the shoe, and the lime lines, that’s what makes it pop.” Kate Langinauer, www.katelanginauer.com, katelanginauer@gmail.com
Asics Nimbus 15
Asics Nimbus 15
  • “My top pick, and I’ve been wearing this line for years, is The Asics Gel Shoes. My current shoe is the Nimbus 15 Fuschia. It’s a Running shoe, but for me it’s more than that.  I pretty much can wear these all day long from gym to errands. Why I like it?  It’s breathable, lightweight, roomy in the toe-box, durable, doesn’t fall apart in two months like Asics used to, provides good arch and lateral support, great cushioning and gel under the forefoot for shock absorption, comfortable, does not grip too much or too little meaning good for dance or conditioning class, allowing pivoting so it won’t torque the knees, and gripping when needed as well, also looks good, comes in many colors.  It’s a top of the line shoe for about $60, a decent price to protect your feet, and keeps your feet and legs feeling ready for to perform.  Manufacturer claims the shoe is also effective for knee and back pain. Two thumbs up for me for an all around indoor and outdoor awesome workout shoe at a great price!” – Tania Amthor, Fitness Instructor, Dancer & Trainer, www.taniaamthor.com, Taniaamthor@gmail.com

BONUS: Find a video clip made by Asics, showing Athletes talking about the shoes, the qualities and why to they wear them on Youtube here.

New Balance Minimus
New Balance Minimus
  •  What’s the best general purpose workout shoe you should choose? In my opinion, a shoe that is as flat as possible, meaning a zero degree incline of the sole or as close to it as possible, a shoe that provides minimal support, and one that is obviously comfortable to be in for you. The reason to have the sole as close to zero incline as possible is to try to keep your foot as normal as possible.  This is important because as you raise the level of your heel off the floor, with your toes still touching, the biomechanics of the foot-ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, lumbar spine and all the way up to your head get altered.  By altering the biomechanics of these joints, it limits normal range of motion in each, which more chances then not, eventually create compensation patterns in the body.  These altered movement patterns will create unnecessary wear and tear of the joints which will lead to pain and discomfort somewhere in the body.  A shoe that provides minimal support conditions the internal structure of your actual body to develop the proper strength, stability and mobility to keep you or at least reduce your chances greatly from getting injured (spraining ankle, etc). The third part of the a general purpose workout shoe should obviously be comfortable for you. Some good choices for shoes that would fit these examples are (but not limited to) Merrell Barefoot, New Balance Minimus, Vivobarefoot, Vibram FiveFingers, and Nike Free, just to name a few.” Nick Kempen, Certified Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Coach,  One Pedal Stroke, LLC, nick@onepedalstroke.com
Nike Zoom Elite 6
Nike Zoom Elite 6
  • “I would have to say hands-down the Nike Zoom Elite 6. After having broken my femur years ago my running was never the same. My sneakers are super important on my performance. These provide an amazing elect of support while still very light for runs. My style of training is very functional so I need a versatile shoe that will hop from a treadmill run to the floor for weight lifting and dynamic movement patterns. All of that aside, they just look so cool. Nike VOLT collection is one that just inspires me to train hard!” – Vanessa Martin, Founder, SIN Workouts, Inc, vanessa@sinworkouts.com

Do you have a favorite shoe or recommendation?

Karen Escalera

Karen Escalera

3 Responses

  1. What a timely post! I need new workout shoes, but I’ve been procrastinating because I had no idea how to pick the best one for me. There are so many choices out there and so little time to cull through them. Thanks for doing the work for me. I love your blog.

  2. As a strength and conditioning coach I frequently get asked, “what shoes should I buy?”… My answer/question: What will you be doing when you have those shoes on? Sport specific equipment is always ideal for best results. If you’re going to just run, then I recommend a store that examines your running method and foot for arch height, excessive pronation or supination, stride length, toe runner vs heal runner. The more you know about yourself the better chances of fitting you to a shoe that properly fits.
    Coach Roberto

    PS. I personally enjoy Asics!

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