Shoe Help

ABNana2614
ABNana2614 Posts: 44 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm just curious as to the types of shoes people are wearing for workouts. I do a few different types of workouts and usually alternate days of cardio and strength. My issue is that the arches in my feet ache really badly, especially if I'm doing a lot of squats or lunges. I get that I'm likely not wearing cross trainers that are supportive enough and have been looking into options for different ones. But I'm wondering if you have a favorite type of cross trainer? Are there ones that are more supportive than others? Does anyone use arch supporting insoles? Just looking for some advice. Thanks!

Replies

  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    I find that trail running shoes suit me for just about every purpose. Merrell's trail gloves don't look like they would have much support, but my feet haven't bothered me since I started wearing them.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Squats & lunges are best done in a shoe with a thin, hard rubber sole and no raised heel, for stability. This rules out about 95% of athletic shoes, including cross-trainers. Good workout shoes include Converse, Keds, some skateboard shoes, etc. If your arches hurt in them, you can slip in a pair of Superfeet or Powerstep insoles. But it sounds like you need to build more flexibility into your arches, since many people squat barefoot. Try to walk barefoot or in flats if it doesn't hurt, and do arch stretches from youtube hourly throughout the day. Your calves likely need stretching too.

    If you run, get a dedicated pair of running shoes. Not sure i'd start with zero heel shoes like Merrell's though - could give you Achilles issues. It's best to start with a raised heel and gradually work your way down 2-3 mm at a time. :+1:
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    I wear different shoes for lifting and running. I wear my old "dead" running shoes for lifting, and new running shoes for running. I need a little support, so it's usually Mizuno wave inspires. I have new Brooks purecadence for running atm.
  • Cahgetsfit
    Cahgetsfit Posts: 1,912 Member
    Hm. different camps will say different things. Some say get supportive shoes, others say build up your feet muscles and go barefoot shoe styles.

    Personally, I prefer barefoot shoes, but I will actually use hard soled lifting shoes for squatting (against what Cherimoose said up above - some people actually need a raised heel - but a hard shoe - a special lifting shoe) for squats). Other than my special lifting shoes, I use barefoot or minimalist shoes for everything in life. And actual bare foot where possible.

    Important to have strong feet to hold the rest of you up.

    How about go to a special shop and try on a bunch of shoes and see what you feel best in?

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