Sneakers are sports shoes that have become firmly established in people’s wardrobes. of different ages. The modern urban rhythm forces us to walk a lot. How to choose the right walking shoes so that moving in them doesn’t create problems and your feet don’t get tired? It is necessary to focus on a number of conditions and criteria.
The advantage of sneakers as casual shoes is determined by several reasons:
- they are designed for heavy loads and long distances;
- their design corresponds anatomical features Feet;
- you can select a model taking into account physiological changes in the position of the legs during walking.
People leading an active lifestyle choose sneakers as their main footwear for walking around the city because of their comfort, stability, and wear resistance.
Features of walking shoes
Walking sneakers are flexible and contain special orthopedic elements that protect the foot when moving:
- a thick, dense sole cushions the vertical contact of the foot with the surface;
- a rigid high heel ensures stability of the foot when moving;
- high edges fix the movable ankle joint.
Running and walking shoes differ significantly. Thus, running shoes are designed taking into account the leaning of the entire body forward when running. This is not acceptable in walking shoes.
Requirements for the characteristics of sneakers
Every detail of the walking shoes meets the requirements of comfort, convenience and injury safety.
- The sole should be thick and elastic to protect against unevenness and soften the shock when walking. Tread – provide traction to the surface.
- The heel area is high and rigid, for stability and protection against lateral slipping.
- Elastic midsole materials should provide shock absorption. In sneakers for hiking over rough terrain, the shock load is absorbed by silicone gel, protecting the knees and spine.
- The purpose of the soft cushion (instep support) on the midsole is to prevent flat feet and protect the ankle from rapid fatigue.
- Insoles should absorb moisture well and be easy to remove.
- The top allows air to pass through. The best materials are textiles, a combination of leather and high-tech synthetics.
- The laces should not be deformed or untied spontaneously.
How to correctly determine quality
To understand how to choose the right walking shoes, you need to familiarize yourself with the general requirements, as well as decide on the specific type of walking. The basic selection criteria are as follows:
- external condition,
- quality of individual elements and materials,
- fit to the leg.
What you need to see during an external examination
- Outsole shape and tread. Sneakers for walking over rough terrain are equipped with a wide sole and a “back and forth” tread;
- On the toes there is a rubber lining that protects against delamination;
- On the sole there is a manufacturer's logo, on the tongue there is a label with markings;
- The stitching is even, the stitching is tight;
- The glue is applied carefully;
- The smell of synthetics is weak and pleasant;
- Weight is light.
The absence of at least one sign is a signal of a fake.
Sneakers intended for walking should have high lacing, grooved soles and a soft top.
What to see during a thorough inspection
- The presence of an instep support.
- The insole is removable, hygroscopic.
- The sole should be made of dense composite (multilayer) material. Deep relief - for outdoor activities. Shallow is an attribute of shoes for walking. Sneakers for race walking should have a segmented sole.
- Soft cushion around the ankle to prevent chafing.
- High quality upper.
Fitting
Sneakers, like any shoes for long walking, must be tried on when purchasing. To prevent the big toe from being “butt-toe” with the toe of the shoe, there should be a gap of up to ½ cm between them. It is better to try on in the evening: daytime loads increase the volume of the legs, giving a margin in size.
Try on both feet in socks of the thickness that you plan to wear with sports shoes. There are models with a leg adjustment system.
The wrong choice of walking shoes can cause health problems - from calluses to varicose veins, spinal pain and the development of flat feet.
Where is the best place to buy and why?
High quality shoes are looked for in specialized stores or departments. There, the reputation of manufacturing companies is confirmed by warranty periods from several months to several years, depending on the model. The buyer can exchange or return the product if a defect is detected, disappointment in color, or error in size.
The online store excludes the possibility of trying on items.
In markets, a brand label can hide a fake. Prices in company stores are higher than in the market. But this is the case when the price of sneakers for everyday walking becomes a guarantee of the quality of the product.
Jogging has been one of the most accessible and popular types of physical activity for many years, allowing you to comprehensively improve your health, train your heart muscle, lungs, and lose weight. excess weight and gain emotional balance. A daily standard run will not require significant material costs for equipment, except perhaps shoes, since good, proper running sneakers are simply necessary. Professional track and field athletes are well versed in the modern selection and will immediately name the best sneakers for running on rough terrain, on the road, or sneakers for Nordic walking, but beginners will find it difficult to understand the range offered. Therefore, especially for them, a review of the main characteristics of running shoes or how to choose running shoes?
Anyone who doesn’t run far or often and doesn’t have serious problems with health and well-being can get by with regular, high-quality standard sneakers. The main thing is that they must be sized, well ventilated and have some shock-absorbing properties.
People who are committed to serious and regular exercise need to be prepared for the fact that they will need more than one pair of special shoes - for different seasons and different routes - sneakers for off-road running, road running, waterproof, insulated or others. Special, properly selected sneakers will provide more effective and safe training for people:
- who are overweight and, accordingly, their feet experience increased shock loads;
- sprinters who move at a speed of more than 13 km/h;
- stayers who train at least three to four times a week for 30 minutes or longer.
What kind of sneakers are there?
General selection criteria
Despite the variety of types of running shoes, all models share a number of key characteristics that you should focus on when choosing.
- It is worth purchasing only soft and flexible models, especially in the front part, where the foot bends.
- It is necessary to have shock-absorbing blocks located depending on the running style in the heel or toe area.
- Sneakers should have a high degree of breathability to avoid diaper rash, discomfort, unpleasant odor and fungal infections. You should not buy completely leather ones; it is better if they are made from combined materials.
- Laces are used as fixing elements for the tightest fit on the leg.
- The weight of a pair should not exceed 300-400 grams.
- The insole must be removable so that it can be replaced with a new one or an orthopedic one.
- The sole material is of high quality, resistant to deformation, abrasion, and mechanical damage.
If you are more interested in just an active walk through the forest or city streets, rather than running, then it is better to buy walking shoes, they will make it much more pleasant and comfortable.
Review of popular brands and models
The selected list was compiled based on reviews from customers who had the opportunity to test the presented running sneakers in action. All models are products of famous brands, so their quality characteristics are beyond doubt. As for functionality, each pair is optimal for certain conditions.
Nike Free Run Distance– a universal model, suitable for amateur and professional races. The sole is massive, divided into large segments, excellent shock absorption for long distances. High strength and wear resistance.
Puma Speed 300 Ignite– maximum comfort in one pair from a famous brand. Model for sprinters. Suitable for people with neutral pronation, they provide excellent cushioning in both the heel, toe and midfoot areas. The highlight of the model is a special insert in the multi-component sole, which increases the pushing force and has a positive effect on acceleration. The sole texture is suitable for soil and asphalt, wear resistance is excellent, the sneakers are very light, breathable over the entire surface, and have reflective elements.
Wave Enigma 5 from Mizuno– one of the best running models. Very comfortable and durable sneakers for people with normal foot pronation. Both the upper of the shoe and the sole are wear-resistant, have excellent air permeability, inner part soft, comfortable for the foot, high risk of injury, protection against fatigue. The model is intended for long runs at a moderate pace, not for speed competitions. Depreciation 5 out of 5.
from the same manufacturer Mizuno - a special development for runners who prefer rough terrain and off-road. The sneakers have good traction characteristics and durability during intensive use. Very light, although massive in appearance. There is a special protective insert on the heel that protects the athlete from excessive shock loads and provides excellent shock absorption. Deep, I perfectly fix the leg in the anatomically correct position.
Supernova Sequence Boost 8 from the famous company Adidas. Part of the professional line for asphalt racing, the #1 choice of most qualified athletes. Prevent flat feet, stabilize the foot, a special Boost midsole with an Eva insert for perfect air exchange. Sneakers perfectly absorb shock loads, making sports comfortable and effective. Suitable for people with excessive and normal pronation. Durable and reliable, like all things from Adidas.
Another Adidas development - sneakers Energy Boos t, is also included in the premium class segment. The upper is a sports synthetic with polyurethane inserts, 100% breathable, providing excellent aeration under any load, as it is also equipped with a Boost outsole with an Eva insert. The shoes are almost imperceptible, very light, and fit the foot like a second skin. Depreciation is excellent.
Ultra MT from The North Face– another universal model for running on any surface. The sneakers feature a large number of innovations, one of which is super-breathable fabric with a microporous structure. A set of shock-absorbing elements reliably protects against injuries and, when moving, returns the energy expended by the runner. One of the most comfortable models from the entire list, wear resistance is excellent.
Sonoma by Asics– affordable sneakers with balanced performance characteristics. They performed well off-road. An excellent option for amateur use. Suitable for people with normal pronation, the heel is protected from impacts by a special gel insert. The upper is mesh, reinforced with overlays, the design is durable and comfortable, the legs do not get tired even after long distances. Suitable for leisurely running.
Gel-Trabuco 10 from the same ASICS are designed for rough terrain and routes of increased difficulty. Excellent grip on dry and wet soil, slippery surfaces, grass, roads covered with mud. Not suitable for speed races, more for moderate pace. The shock absorption is excellent and the wear resistance is also excellent.
S-Lab Fellcross 3 from Salomon– aggressive design, powerful construction specifically for off-road use. A large number of edges guarantee excellent adhesion to fabric of any type and condition. Made from water-repellent materials, very soft and durable. The cushioning is average, the sneakers are not suitable for compacted ground. Very comfortable for the user. Average weight.
Based on the characteristics of shoes from sports experts, you can choose analogues made by less famous brands, which are correspondingly cheaper.
When going to training, few people think about what shoes to take with them. But productivity and safety during execution depend on this physical exercise. The main characteristics of gym shoes are determined by the prevailing types of exercises that you will perform in each session.
Shoes for the gym - how to choose?
In order for classes to gym In addition to the stress, they also brought pleasure; you definitely need to choose the right shoes. Since exercise involves two of the most important types of exercise: aerobic training and strength training, in terms of your equipment you should be prepared for each of them.
Strength training itself involves some weightlifting exercises with sports equipment: dumbbells, barbells, barbells and weights. To perform such exercises, you need to choose tough but stable shoes, with a hard sole and thickening in the heel. This is necessary to increase stability and also reduce the likelihood of losing balance during exercise.
Aerobic training involves exercise at increased motor activity, which requires light, soft, comfortable shoes that do not restrict movement. It is also important to feel comfortable: so that the shoes fit well and do not create a feeling of discomfort during exercise. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the shoes allow air to pass through well.
So, we are faced with a problem that is important to solve: we need tough and durable shoes for intense physical activity. These shoes should be made of breathable materials and be lightweight. What should you choose?
Sports shoes should fix the foot in the ankle and heel area, as well as the side parts - this can be achieved using plastic inserts or a three-dimensional frame. It is advisable to choose sneakers with a mesh upper for optimal ventilation, and with medium protection for sufficient cushioning.
Pay attention to models in which the sole is divided into two parts. Due to this, the shoe has optimal flexibility, and the thickening on the heel allows you to perform physical activity without discomfort. It is also worth considering models that have a soft, segmented sole that promotes foot mobility.
Treadmill Shoes
One of the most popular exercises is exercise on treadmills. To perform them, you will need shoes with soles made from micropores. Most often, such shoes are equipped with helium inserts or a special instep support. All these details as a whole help to significantly reduce the risk of injury, and also provide an optimal degree of shock absorption for the legs.
As for the upper of the shoe, it is best that it has a lightweight structure as much as possible, in order to avoid the “greenhouse effect”. The best option would be models whose uppers are made using thin but durable breathable material, preferably without seams. Thanks to this design, you can easily avoid chafing of the skin on the bending areas of the shoe during intense movement.
You should not lose sight of the fact that sports shoes are mainly made of lightweight materials; they should fit comfortably on the foot and not create a feeling of discomfort during exercise.
What shoes should you choose for performing strength training?
For strength training, working on machines and performing exercises, the most suitable option would be sneakers with a grooved sole that prevents slipping. There should also be a thickening in the heel area that is necessarily wider than the upper part, which contributes to stability. Models of sports shoes must be equipped with a frame and heel made of hard and durable materials, which prevent all kinds of injuries. The compaction of the shoe sole allows you to evenly distribute the compression load on the spine.
Aerobic Models
For this type of load, shoes are suitable whose soles are made using micropores and the absence of helium inserts. Models with a durable upper made of natural or artificial leather, as well as textiles.
Fitness shoes
Sports shoes for fitness should have a high or medium shaft, the back part must be edged with a thickening. The best option would be a dense sole consisting of several layers. Shock absorption is increased using special gas cushions or built-in springs.
Fitness sneakers should have a wide toe box that provides maximum stability, full traction and safety in the gym. As for the rest, choose a model with laces and a mesh upper, this will make you feel comfortable.
Fashionable shoe models for the gym and fitness
Nike
The American brand provides us with a wide selection of universal sneakers with an anatomical insole, excellent shock absorption, additional pairs of lacing holes, anti-slip soles and a consistently bright design.
ADIDAS
Adidas sneakers are characterized by extra light and breathable materials: high-quality fabrics combined with lycra.
Asics
The Japanese brand is distinguished by shoes with an increased service life precisely because they contain innovative technologies manufacturing of sports shoes. The durable outsole provides excellent cushioning, while a pair of gel units under the heel and toe contribute to stability and minimize impact.
Puma
The German brand produces shoes using high-tech Gore-Tex material, consisting of several layers: membrane, outer fabric and lining. The use of this technology promotes ventilation, wear and moisture resistance.
Reebok
The British company makes sports shoes, providing them with an insole with an additional level of shock absorption. Also in the shoe, under the insole, there is a special insert that absorbs shock and returns its energy to strengthen the next step.
New Balance
The American sports brand is distinguished not only by high quality and convenience, but also by the beauty of its design. Beautiful sports shoes that also protect your feet from damage - New Balance
Basic selection rules
For various types loads and exercises, there are a number of subtleties and nuances that must be adhered to when choosing shoes. There are universal rules for choosing shoes and clothing for training in the gym and sports halls:
- Shoes should be comfortable and appropriate for the intended purpose;
- Sneakers for the gym or any other type of footwear should be comfortable and practical.
Choosing clothes for sports is not difficult. Natural materials, comfortable fit - this is already quite enough. But choosing the right shoes for fitness can be quite difficult. In some cases, you cannot do without the help of professionals, but we can give you a couple of general tips.
Appearance, of course, is important, especially for women, but you should not make it the main criterion. Right choice Sports shoes for fitness are not a whim or a luxury. It can protect against accidental injury, reduce stress on the foot and lower leg, and also increase the effectiveness of training.
It is worth choosing shoes in the evening, especially if there is a tendency for your feet to swell. Then during training it will sit well and will not cause discomfort. Needless to say, it should fit perfectly and not press, chafe, or loose.
Therefore, you should not spare money on buying shoes for fitness, especially if you do it constantly. Preference should be given to stores specializing in the sale of sporting goods. There they will be able to help you choose the right pair based on your chosen fitness area.
If possible, you should consult with the trainer who will lead the classes before starting classes. A good specialist will help you choose the right shoes. This is especially important for people who have suffered a musculoskeletal injury or have severe pathologies (clubfoot, flat feet, different leg heights, and so on). In complicated situations, you may need to consult an orthopedist and individually select shoes for fitness.
Any shoes should be light and breathable so that moisture does not accumulate inside. To do this, fabric or mesh inserts are made in the upper part. As for fasteners, it is better to choose models with laces rather than Velcro, which can pinch blood vessels and impair blood flow.
Shoes for different workouts
To choose the right shoes, you first need to decide what type of fitness you plan to practice. They all create different loads on the musculoskeletal system and require different ways her compensation.
There are several main directions:
- Yoga, stretching and Pilates are types of fitness that do not require shoes at all. If you practice them at home, you can practice barefoot. This will provide additional stimulation to the soles of your feet. But when classes are held at a sports club, you should wear simple socks. If classes in them seem uncomfortable, then jazz shoes will do.
- Jazz shoes are also recommended for dance classes. This type of women's fitness shoes is made of fabric, artificial or natural leather, which ensures a tight fit to the foot. The heel and heel are reinforced with outsole inserts, but they are not connected to each other, which provides increased mobility. The inserts can be plastic or suede, providing good stability when rotating. Jazz shoes can be low, like ballet shoes, or higher, like ankle boots.
- For step and aerobics classes, you need high-top sneakers that provide good ankle support. The back should have a cutout for the Achilles tendon. The sole should be solid and moderately hard. Toe and heel cushioning is optimal. If you plan to exercise at home or in the gym, you can buy sneakers with white soles, but they are not suitable for outdoor activities.
- The best shoes for strength training and gym work are regular running shoes, but they should provide good cushioning. In this case, it doesn’t even matter what kind of depreciation method will be used: springs, air cushion or some other.
- Running and walking. Shoes for running are slightly different from those suitable for other types of fitness. It is recommended to buy sneakers with good cushioning and a rounded toe. If you plan to run on rough terrain, you should choose sneakers with high tread or even spikes.
