The Right Shoes for Your Training
Whether you’re hitting the trails or box-jumping, your kicks are a huge part of your workout. Finding the right shoe is key to avoiding injury. If you’ve ever suffered from injury in the gym or on the road, it might be time for a shoe change. Here’s a quick breakdown for you.
Running shoes typically have more cushioning and support. There’s some debate over heel drop heights. A higher drop will help with forward momentum, but some experts say that it can cause the hips and knees to take more impact. In the end, it’s what works for you. Just be sure to break them in for a couple weeks before a long run, and never wear your running shoes when you lift weights, because you’ll squash the light fluffy cushion.
Our faves:
NoBull Knit Runner ($159) breathable knit fabric; lightweight; sole is durable for road and trail; 10mm heel drop
Topo Athletic Magnifly 3 ($120) 0mm drop; soft cushion, lighter than magnifly 2; wide toe box
Trail running shoes have heavier and higher tread than road running shoes. They have more support for the uneven terrain and side movements, but thinner soles for flexibility. Some trail shoes are versatile enough for both road and trail, but if you mostly trail run, you should go for a trail-specific shoe.
Our faves: Inov-8 X-Talon G 235 ($170) - 6mm drop; thin (13mm) but durable sole with tough nubs for traction, so you can feel the changes in terrain; lightweight;
Nike Pegasus Trail 2 ($130) - bike tire style outsole pattern for traction; lots of cushion for comfort; water resistant material
Training or cross-training shoes are usually flatter (with a lower heel drop); they’re better for a range of movements, like jumping and changing direction quickly, and for high-intensity workouts, weight lifting, and strength and agility training. You can run in training shoes, but it’s not recommended to run more than 5K, just because there’s not a lot of shock absorption.
Our faves: Nike Free Metcon 3 ($120) - sole flexibility; breathable mesh; flat wide heel
Reebok Nano X ($130) - reimagined classic; low drop; stretchy/breathable upper; lightweight;
Street shoes are actually athletic shoes, so you’re welcome to wear them to the gym and look totally fabulous. But usually you keep your trainers for the gym and your street shoes for the town. We love street shoes because they offer so much more support than sandals or ankle boots.
Our faves: NoBull White Spill Trainer ($139)
Allbirds Wool Runners ($95)
Underarmour Charged Breathe SMRZD ($80)
Make sure to break in your new shoes for a couple weeks before taking on a strenuous workout. In the end, it comes down to listening to your body and figuring out what works for you.
