• Join Now
  • Locations
Best Workout Sneakers
Exercise

Shoe Smarts: Dr. Emily's Picks for Best Workout Sneakers

By Barbara Baez @BarbaraMBaez · On September 7, 2011

Nike Free Run +2

One of the most important steps you can take toward avoiding injury at the gym is wearing proper footwear. With fitness classes pushing us to jump higher and run faster, our feet take quite a beating! According to a 2009 Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 1500 Americans go to the emergency room each year due to gym-related injuries—and this number doesn’t account for overuse injuries associated with improper form and repetitive stress to joints.

As you kick your workout routine into high gear this fall, the last thing you need is an injury to slow you down!

So, what is the best shoe gear for the gym? The answer to this question depends on your workout, your fitness level, and your foot type. Below are some basic guidelines for choosing the best shoe gear to help you safely meet your fitness goals.

(On a budget? No problem! Check out Dr. Emily’s Budget Picks at the end of this post.)

Cross-Trainers vs. Running Shoes

Much debate arises over the use of running shoes in group fitness classes. The main difference between cross-trainers and running shoes is their weight and the structure of their soles. Since cross-trainers are meant for a variety of classes, sports, and terrains, this shoe is typically heavier, more supportive, and has a thicker sole. Conversely, running shoes are lighter and may be less supportive— especially for movements in the lateral direction.

Aetrex Xspress

If you are taking a typical toning class, a running shoe is sufficient. However, for the higher impact classes such as kickboxing or step, I recommend wearing a more solid shoe, such as a cross-trainer.

Dr Emily’s Picks:

Aetrex Xspress ($99.95)

Mizuno Running Shoes ($99.99-$139.99)

Motion-Controlling  vs. Shock-Absorbing

Have you ever gone sneaker shopping and had the sales representative ask you to stand on a plate that will take an impression of your foot?  This impression of your foot will help guide the salesperson in finding the perfect shoe for your foot type.

Brooks Trance 9

This measuring plate determines whether the arch of your foot is low or high. Generally, low arch foot types need a motion-controlling shoe, while a higher arch foot type needs a shock-absorbing shoe.

Dr Emily’s Picks:

Brooks Trance ($85-$140)

New Balance ($114.99)

Minimalist Movement

For those following the recent barefoot training trend, there may be an interest to try the new minimal-support footwear. Brands such as Nike, Puma, and Vibram have paved the way in creating shoes with soles that are neither shock-absorbing nor motion-controlling.

New Balance Minimus

For any fitness enthusiast who wants to try this shoe type, I recommend building your foot strength first. Our foot contains 19 muscles, which need to slowly build strength and adapt to the demands of a minimalist shoe.

As you feel your foot getting stronger, the minimal shoe is a great choice for strength training, hiking, and running.

Dr Emily’s Picks:

New Balance Minimus ($99)

Nike FREE ($90)

Dr. Emily’s Budget Picks

Reebok Instant ($54.99)

Champion Amp III ($39.99)


(Visited 392 time, 1 visit today)
exercisegymLucille Robertsnew balancenikepumashoessneakerstennis shoesvibramweight losswomen
Share Tweet

Barbara Baez

is the Director of Digital Marketing at Lucille Roberts with a B.A. in Journalism and a love for social media. Barbara is a Long Island native, now living in Westchester, who loves strength training and a flexible dieting “IIFYM” approach to staying in shape. Vegetarian, nail polish junkie, and Instagram addict, Barbara loves being a part of the Lucille Roberts fitness family!

You Might Also Like

  • Exercise

    Your Gym Routine is Ruining Your Fitness Progress.

  • Exercise

    Your Activewear for the Warmer & Brighter Months

  • Exercise

    Schwinn Shares; How to Switch Up Your Workouts

  • Featured

    Simple ways to improve your health in 2018

  • Exercise

    Your Gym Routine is Ruining Your Fitness Progress.

  • Featured

    Holiday Gift Guide 2017

  • Featured

    Here’s how you can feel better about yourself + do good for others.

  • Featured

    Strength in Numbers – POWER OF PINK recap.

Our latest posts

  • Simple ways to improve your health in 2018

    January 3, 2018
  • Your Gym Routine is Ruining Your Fitness Progress.

    December 8, 2017
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017

    December 7, 2017
  • Here’s how you can feel better about yourself + do good for others.

    November 10, 2017
  • Strength in Numbers – POWER OF PINK recap.

    October 31, 2017

Lifestyle

Beauty

FabFitFun Summer Box is the Definition of Sunshine in a Box + Giveaway!

A brightly colored pink box with smile induced emojis all around it. This is only the beginning of what to expect when you get your hands on the ...

On July 25, 2016 / By Alyssa Holder

Your Go-To Tips For an Amazing Prom Night

3 Home Remedies For Winter Skincare

More Posts

Beauty 911: Don’t Have Time To Remove Makeup Before Your Lunchtime Workout?

On June 2, 2015

Why You Should Be Taking an Epsom Salt Bath

On April 6, 2015

Beauty 911: Apply Too Much Bronzer?

On March 17, 2015

Beauty 911: Try This Alternative To Dry Shampoo!

On March 10, 2015

What To Wear Under Your Workout Gear

On February 19, 2015

Fitness

Exercise

Your Activewear for the Warmer & Brighter Months

Summer is basically here and it is about time to switch out your activewear to match the season. Unless you have no issues with exercising in the sweltering ...

On June 21, 2017 / By Alyssa Holder

Schwinn Shares; How to Switch Up Your Workouts

Schwinn® Shares How to Keep Your Fitness Routine Fresh for Every Season

More Posts

Meet Anaflore; Strong Mother, Gastric Sleeve Surgery Patient & Our Next Winner of Our One Year Personal Training Giveaway!

On April 13, 2017

Benefits of Using the Treadmill and Elliptical Machines

On April 5, 2017

3 Kickboxing Moves to Burn Belly Fat

On March 10, 2017

Buddy Up With These Body Weight Only Workouts – No Equipment Necessary!

On March 7, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Insanity

On February 1, 2017
  • About Lucille Roberts
  • contact us

© 2018 Town Sports International. All rights reserved.