Runners or Cross Trainers: is there any difference?

claireeclairee

Last time I bought shoes, I dont even think "cross trainers" were a thing. Do they have advantages over standard runners, or is it more of a marketing ploy to sell more shoes?

So I do two sessions of HIIT training every week. On top of that, I do short runs about 4km ish (2.5 miles) once or twice a week, and one or two sessions of weight training. Not a lot of running, but "runners" are the only shoes I've ever had...

What do you think? Would I get any benefit from having a "Trainer" over a "Runner?"

janejellyroll

Cross trainers are just shoes that combine SOME of the features of running shoes with features from other shoes, with the idea being that it will provide better all around protection for people who are doing various activities.

They aren't shoes for best suited for weight lifting (they're too springy). If I was doing low impact gym workouts regularly, I'd probably use cross trainers for that and reserve my running shoes for running (this helps the running shoes last longer). I'm not sure what you mean by HIIT training (HIIT is certain activities done at a particular pace, not an actual exercise type), but if that was my main exercise I would get shoes best suited for whatever activity I was doing for HIIT.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

FWIW: Running shoes don't provide a lot of lateral stability. They are optimized to cushioning and support during, well, running on hard smooth surfaces. They are pretty bad for running uneven trails and really bad for almost any court or field sport. They can roll right off your foot!

For HIIT-style workouts, you probably want something more like a cross-trainer or court shoe. These are fine for running short distances as well (there's plenty of running in basketball and tennis). They are slightly heavier and less springy than running shoes, but they offer much better support.

westrich20940

Since you said you're only running ~5 miles/week --- I'd suggest getting whatever shoes are cheaper for you. Running shoes are typically pretty expensive...and maybe 'cross-training' shoes might be a little cheaper. You're not putting much strain on them from running (although keep track of the miles you're putting on your shoes, bc you want to change them every 300-500miles or so depending on how they last).

I took a quick gander on the Google machine and it definitely looks like 'cross-training' shoes can be significantly cheaper. I'd say go with that to save yourself some cash. If you continue to run and add more mileage per week --- you might want to invest in some good shoes specifically for running (and only wear them for running)....maybe if you get to 15-20+ miles/week.

Speakeasy76

I've bought cross-trainers for years, as I only run if something or someone is chasing me. I lift weights and do cardio machines in them-I have different (old) shoes for walking, and either dance barefoot or have special dance shoes (which I need for one of my dance classes, anyway).

I've found that there's a wide variety in prices for both running and cross-training shoes, and there tends to be a lot more options for running shoes. When I buy shoes (or anything, for that matter), I really read the reviews to see what kinds of activities people are doing in them, and whether or not they're actually designed for things like lifting weights. My current pair of cross-trainers is actually the Reebok Nano 9, which apparently was designed for Cross Fit (which I've never done). I know they do a lot of heavy lifting in those classes, so figured they'd be good for lifting and cardio machines. These do not have a springy base at all, and are quite hard on the bottom.

springlering62

Going to a professional running shoe store was one of the nicest things I ever did for myself.

They recorded my stride, analyzed it and made several recommendations, including sizing up considerably on one pair to allow for impact. (Mom always said I walked like an elephant. That hasn’t changed in sixty years.)

I got both a general walking and exercise shoe and a running shoe.

They felt fantastic. Unbelievable difference versus the ones I’d chosen off the shelf myself.

The difference in price was well worth it and wasn’t actually that higher than ordering online.

Now I just get the model name and number off the tongues and order on Amazon. You can get great deals on unfashionable or “last season” colors.

springlering62

Oh, and invest in some Balega socks. I can’t sing their praises enough. Not cheap but they stay new and last much longer than cotton Hanes or similar and the difference in comfort and cushioning and blister protection is like the difference between a nice car and a pair of roller skates.

westrich20940

springlering62 wrote: »

Oh, and invest in some Balegs socks. I can’t sing their praises enough. Not cheap but they stay new and last much longer than cotton Hanes or similar and the difference in comfort and cushioning and blister protection is like the difference between a nice car and a pair of roller skates.

Yessssss these socks are great. And for females at least with smaller feet.....I think the children's large is almost basically the same size as the adult small and they are cheaper.

springlering62

westrich20940 wrote: »

springlering62 wrote: »

Oh, and invest in some Balegs socks. I can’t sing their praises enough. Not cheap but they stay new and last much longer than cotton Hanes or similar and the difference in comfort and cushioning and blister protection is like the difference between a nice car and a pair of roller skates.

Yessssss these socks are great. And for females at least with smaller feet.....I think the children's large is almost basically the same size as the adult small and they are cheaper.

Oooooooh. Smart!!!!!

springlering62

Theoldguy1 wrote: »

springlering62 wrote: »

Going to a professional running shoe store was one of the nicest things I ever did for myself.

They recorded my stride, analyzed it and made several recommendations, including sizing up considerably on one pair to allow for impact. (Mom always said I walked like an elephant. That hasn’t changed in sixty years.)

I got both a general walking and exercise shoe and a running shoe.

They felt fantastic. Unbelievable difference versus the ones I’d chosen off the shelf myself.

The difference in price was well worth it and wasn’t actually that higher than ordering online.

Now I just get the model name and number off the tongues and order on Amazon. You can get great deals on unfashionable or “last season” colors.

And don't be disappointed if the local running store isn't there when your favorite model is discontinued and you don't have anyplace to shop in person for a replacement. Often LRS will have discounts on last year's model also.

Not picking on you but just saying.

I alternate. I buy from the LRS, then online and then back to LRS. My weight, ability and endurance have changed drastically in the past couple years, so I presume my shoes should, too.

I am outdoors so much I like to have shoes to rotate in and out of service every day or two to avoid “moist feet”. Yuck.