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Selecting the right shoe for your workout

January 16, 2013

Your workout has many positive affects on your physical fitness level, but it also has an affect on what you wear on your feet! Although it may seem like an insignificant detail, shoes have the ability to make or break your workout. According to Fit Day, your footwear must have proper ankle support, arch support and overall fit. Depending on the type of exercise, you’ll likely need a strong foundation provided by your legs and ankles. The proper shoe can work to prevent injury, like twisting your ankle, keep you comfortable throughout the entire workout and play a vital role in stabilizing your feet.

However, with the wide array of sneakers available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which shoe will work best for you. Here is a quick guide to choosing a shoe that will really give you the best workout possible:

Picking the right shoe size
When you’re at the store and presented with row after row of athletic shoes, it can be hard to pick one on color, let alone the best style for your workout! Before you try on any shoes, first have your shoe size measured by an employee to ensure a quality fit. As a side tip, USA Today suggested bringing the socks you plan on wearing with the shoe, otherwise you may be surprised when you get home at a looser or tighter fit than you originally intended.

The right shoe for cardio
When working out on cardio fitness equipment, you’ll need a shoe that can withstand this kind of exercise. Search for footwear that has stability, motion control and cushion. These three factors will provide you with the support you need to keep going.

Having stability in a shoe means reduced overpronation. In other words, it will work to prevent your foot from rolling inward when it hits the ground. Without this, your ankles will be left with less-than-adequate support and you may be more prone to a few twists of the ankle.

A stiffer heel as well as arch support and shock absorption are available with motion control and cushion. A shoe with all three of these elements are sure to give you both a safe and effective workout.

Exercise type: home fitness
Many opt to exercise on various machines like ellipticals and fitness treadmills. TRUE Fitness created a line of custom-designed equipment that is ergonomically designed to give you a great, safe workout. Equipped with Heart Rate Control technology and Soft Step, you can monitor your heart and help ease your joints at the same time.