Posted on January 09 2017
Whether you’re a regular in the gym, or you’re just starting out for your New Year’s Resolution, selecting which gym shoes to buy is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Choosing the perfect pair of shoes is a process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. The first step to finding the right shoes for you is to know your foot. Feet come in all different shapes and sizes and will need a varying support and cushioning built into the shoe. But don’t worry, it’s not as tricky as it sounds.
First, learn your shoe size. Unfortunately, every shoe is made differently so sizes may not be the same across manufacturers. A good rule to follow is to always leave a thumbs width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Another way to learn more about your feet is to examine your arch. You can do this by dipping your foot in a pan of water and placing it on a piece of paper to make a footprint.
Once you have a footprint made, reference the chart below for more information.
|
Arch Type |
What You’ll See in Your Footprint |
|
Normal/Medium |
½ of your arch will be filled in |
|
Flat/Low |
More than ½ of your arch will be filled in |
|
High |
Little to no arch will be filled in |
Now that you know more about what your feet, it’s time to learn about what they need during your workout. The most important advice we can give is don’t make a single pair of gym shoes juggle multiple workouts. Why? Because each type of workout requires different levels of support.
How To Choose The Best Gym Shoe For Your Workout
Choosing the best shoe for every workout can be confusing, so we’ve created a helpful chart so you know what to look for.
|
Activity |
What Shoe To Look For |
|
Spin Class |
The best shoe for spin class will have a firm, stiff sole. This ensures that all the power your legs and glutes produce go straight to the pedal. |
|
Treadmill |
For exercise on the treadmill you should look for a shoe that is lightweight and flexible. Anything with too much cushion will decrease your body’s ability to stabilize itself. |
|
CrossFit |
Wearing shoes with flat soles during CrossFit is a great way to train your foot to be stronger. |
|
Weightlifting |
Shoes that help you stay low to the ground with minimal cushion can help you get the most out of your weightlifting sessions. |
|
General Fitness |
If you insist on buying one shoe for all exercises, try and find one that has a little of everything. Look for flexibility, comfort, stability, and durability. |
Consulting charts is a great way to start off your search for new gym shoes, but trying on a variety of pairs is the only way to know for sure. Don’t wait another minute to take the first step in amping up your workout.
Browse our online inventory of men and women’s athletic shoes and then head over to SRI Shoe Warehouse, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, or Reisterstown, Maryland. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.