How to Find the Perfect Gym Shoe

If you are serious about your fitness routine, then it is highly likely that you will be involved in a certain amount of high-impact exercise; whether it is running, circuit training, plyometric training or an aerobics class, you have to make sure you have the correct footwear to get the most out of your training session. The wrong shoes can lead to joint pain and even injury.

What to Look For in a Gym Shoe

Support/Stability

Your foot must be held well in the heel and midfoot - where a lot of the impact is transferred. The shoe must offer you stability when you are making sideways movements. If the midsole on the shoe is too soft or deep it will not be stable; the edges of the midsole should have a rounded look to them, if you want enough stability to allow for quick multi-directional movement.

Cushioning

The shoe needs to be able to take the forces that are created with high-impact exercise. Very soft cushioning may feel fantastic when you first try on the shoes in the shop, but it might not feel the same after you've had your bodyweight pounding through it for over an hour. You want to get a shoe that has a firm and springy feel to it when you try it on. It's a good idea to even jump up and down in them when you're getting fitted in the shop - you might feel odd, but you'll get a better idea if they're the right shoes for you.

Grip

The sole of the shoe should allow you to twist and turn on the spot. It should have good grip, but not to the extreme - if the grip prevents you to pivot on the ball of your foot then you could run the risk of ankle or knee injury when you exercise.

Fit

Fit is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting the right pair of gym shoes. If the shoes don't fit properly then you will more than likely lose all of the benefits that the shoe has - the most popular being the lose of stability and manoeuvrability if your foot moves about in the shoe. You want to look for a good fit through the heel and midfoot, allowing a little bit of room at the end of your toes (it's important to remember that when you exercise and the body temperature rises, your feet will swell).

The Common Mistake

Many individuals who train believe that a good pair of running shoes will get them through any type of exercise, but the fact is that running shoes are not designed for moving side to side, even though they may have the appropriate cushioning. Running shoes are designed to move forward Take time to find a pair of shoes that suit the type of exercise you enjoy to do.

Selecting the right shoes for exercise is essential, not only will it help you to reduce injury, but it will also give you a more positive feeling, allowing you to concentrate on the exercise you're doing.