LOVE YOUR FEET MORE
You might not yet know how cool your feet can be. Shoes can be surprisingly brilliant at helping you to feel more agile, give you balance, better form, and therefore better outcomes in practicing and developing your body.
I am often asked for shoe recommendations, so here is my usual list. Please be advised that I usually like to check the links to be current and leading to the right show, so if you find that not to be the case, please let me know and I’ll update it.
A few ideas on trainers. I’ve picked these for function and shape to give you ideas on what to look for.
A top tip is to take the inner out of the trainers and stand on it with your bare foot. It’s a very visual way to see how much space your toes should have to feel connection with the floor, space to move. Ideally for gym you need a versatile gym/ training shoe or cross trainer. Running shoes tend to have toes curling up or big fat cushioned soles, which aren’t great for the gym/ cross training. There are lots of different price ranges, and brands. To give you an idea of what decent ones look like here’s a few to demo- (PS these are not affiliate links, I make nothing from sharing these with you).
We’re looking for:
- Great width on the broadest bit of the toe knuckles.
- Space for toes to move and press into the ground.
- A toe end that can push into the ground (running shoes tend to arc upwards). Sole can root into the ground.
- Minimal heel/ heel rise (note – this does not have to be barefoot shoe-like). This is to feel the ground and not rock heel to toe. Less padding underfoot.
- Structure and support.
- Does your bare foot fit naturally in the insole, or do your toes ‘leak’ over the edges (if they do – the toes space is not ideal).]
- Can your shoes move with you?
- Good quality lacing.
Most are found in the category ‘cross trainers‘.
NIKE METCON (not the 4’s)
Note, the design can look like the heel is raised, but the ‘plastic’ bit is just for looks.
Avoid the ‘workout shoes’, the ‘women’s shoes’ the ‘walking shoes’ and the ‘running shoes’. For the most appropriate cross trainer, the one with ‘Metcon’ in the title is best.
Why not the others? Sole is too squishy or thick, or prevents ground contact with the toes. The weightlifting shoes are not intended for multi-cross training use.
https://www.nike.com/gb/w/training-gym-58jto?q=metcon
REEBOK NANO X(not the adventure or hiit ones)
https://www.reebok.eu/en-gb/search?filter.p.product_type=Sneakers&page=5&q=nano&sort_by=relevance&type=product
Avoid the ‘gym sneakers’ that don’t mention ‘x’ in the name, avoid the nano flex and court shoes.
Inov8 (versatile cross trainers )
https://www.inov8.com/gym/shoes/cross-training
These have options that are great for wider fits too, and offer some more barefoot options (or in between).
PUMA
These look ok.
https://uk.puma.com/uk/en/sports/training/shoes?pref_subcatID=Fuse
UNDER ARMOUR
I’d suggest the Reign sub brand. Others have large heels/ or turned up toes.
https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/c/shoes/training/?start=12&sz=12
ADIDAS
I’d suggest the Dropset (but be warned about the ‘ventilation’ hole in the sole in the ‘training’ sub brand– only inside the gym shoes. I.E. your socks and puddles will have nothing between them if worn outside.)
The ‘Dropset controls’ and ‘Base’ don’t seem to have the same issue, and appear to have a good shape too.
The Dropset Base seem to be a really good value option.
Avoid the Rapidmoves.
https://www.adidas.co.uk/gym_training-shoes
GENERAL
Avoid sketchers or anything describing itself as a running shoe (or cardio shoe). You don’t need proper lifters either.
CHEAPER
I’ve sometimes found ones I really like in outlets on eBay or Amazon too. So find a style and check those sites.
Be warned that it is worth checking the return policies so that you can return sizing/ styles that don’t fit well without further cost.
Most are really hard to find in store, unless you are visiting a flagship store in London, for example.
A good value site that often has deals on these is sportsshoes.com (search by brand/ use/ size).
Most of the above do sales several times a year too.
Happy shopping.
