They say that shoes make the man (or woman). When it comes to your fitness routine, that can actually be true!
Our feet bear a lot of stress in day-to-day life. When we are exercising, they are often absorbing even more impact than usual. Proper footwear is essential for protecting your foot health. Additionally, it can help improve your training by giving you support, cushion, and grip when you need it the most.
Not all exercise routines are created equal. Different workouts require different types of gear. If you want a shoe that fits your fitness lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve found the best shoes for various fitness needs, from low-impact to high-intensity. Whether you are a newbie to the world of fitness or a pro, we have the right shoe for you.
For Neighborhood Walks
While it may not be as popular as other forms of cardio, you can actually get a great workout just by going on a walk!
Walking is an excellent choice for those who are just dipping their toes into the world of fitness. Walking can help you get into the habit of regularly exercising while raising your heart rate and getting your blood pumping.
Just because it doesn’t sound strenuous doesn’t mean that you don’t need quality footwear, though. When you are logging miles regularly, you’ll want a shoe that offers comfort and support.
We recommend these sneakers from New Balance. They are casual enough to be worn in your everyday life but will offer you the cushion you need.
For The Runners
Thinking about taking up running? Great! Running is one of the best cardio workouts out there. It improves your endurance, and heart health and also can help build muscle.
However, any seasoned runner will tell you that your shoes can make or break your experience.
Running puts a lot of stress on the feet and joints. It’s important that you pick a shoe that will help protect your body. The average gym trainer simply won’t cut it.
Hoka is one of the most popular brands of running shoes. Experts in their field, Hoka offers shoes with plenty of cushion but are lightweight enough not to weigh you down.
For The Hikers
Getting outside for a hike is the perfect fitness activity during the warmer months. While many people opt to hike in a sneaker, we recommend you invest in a pair of hiking boots.
Hiking boots are a safety essential if you plan to hike somewhere with rough terrain. They are designed to provide ankle stability. If you trip over a root or a rock while in sneakers, it’s really easy to roll your ankle. Injuring yourself while hiking is tricky, as it can be a challenge to get yourself off the trail. A good hiking boot helps add an extra level of security.
Merrell is a great brand for new and veteran hikers. Their boots are solid, durable, and made of waterproof materials. With these boots, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.
For The Weightlifter
When you think of a pair of high-top Chuck Taylors, you might think of them as a wardrobe staple. The truth is, Converse were originally made to be worn during exercise!
The original design was made for basketball players in the early 1900s. James Dean popularized them as a fashion statement in the ’50s in his film “Rebel Without A Cause.”
But Converse can still be used as part of your fitness gear. These days, more and more weightlifters are turning to Converse as their go-to workout shoe.
Most training shoes today have high levels of cushion. While that can be useful for some forms of exercise, when it comes to weightlifting, a flatter sole can be more useful. Converse allows lifters to feel the ground against their feet, giving them something to push off of. Additionally, the high-top design offers flexible ankle support.
For The Outdoors Adventure Lover
Are you someone who craves being outside? Then, a pair of Chacos might be right for you.
Chacos are versatile sandals designed to weather a variety of terrains. They feature a thick sole with plenty of grip, which makes them ideal for hiking or casual bike rides. These are also water friendly, which means you can wear them as a pair of water shoes if you need to cool off by the lake or ocean.
We love their famous customizable “Z strap,” which makes it easy to create a fit that is perfect for your foot.
For The Sustainable Gym Goer
If sustainability is high on your priority list (we know it’s high on ours), you can’t go wrong with a pair of shoes from Allbirds.
Allbirds gained mainstream attention by having a unique sneaker design that featured wool. These days, Allbirds has expanded its product range to include sneakers for gym, running, and everyday wear. Despite that, they have stayed true to their original vision.
Their sneakers are all carbon neutral. They are remarkably breathable, making them the ultimate in comfortable footwear.
What are your go-to pair of shoes for your fitness routine? Share with us in the comments below!
