Running shoes vs. cross trainers - key differences

free8gent

I am looking to invest in a new pair of shoes for the high impact workouts I am doing (P90X Plyo, Turbo Fire). I am currently using Asics 260TR cross-trainers, but feel they don't provide enough lateral support.

I am currently living in China, so having a in-person lengthly discussion with an athletic shoe pro is not likely going to happen anytime soon. I am wondering how I can determine on my own whether a shoe is more suited to running or plyometric / kick-boxing type moves. I have a pair of Asics Gel Kayano running shoes as well, and they actually feel more supportive than my cross-trainers. Clearly I am not the best judge of what is a running shoe vs. cross trainer

I have considered basketball shoes in addition to cross-trainers, but I think they may not work for the frequent pivoting involved in Turbo Fire.

Help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all!

meghannrenee

Running shoes aren't great for things like TurboFire, P90X, etc. Running shoes are designed to support forward movement, not side to side movement. Cross trainers really are best (I've read articles supporting this, and been told this at a running store - they actually recommended that I try a different store with a better selection rather than selling me on what they had in stock).

I have been using a old pair of Nike Free cross trainers for several years for gym and DVD workouts - I wore down the tread on the ball of the foot to allow for easy pivoting.

I'd say find a good pair that are comfortable.

free8gent

Running shoes aren't great for things like TurboFire, P90X, etc. Running shoes are designed to support forward movement, not side to side movement. Cross trainers really are best (I've read articles supporting this, and been told this at a running store - they actually recommended that I try a different store with a better selection rather than selling me on what they had in stock).

From what I've seen you are absolutely right - cross-trainers are what I need. My issue is not knowing how to determine whether the shoes I am trying on are running shoes or cross-trainers. What are the differences in feel and appearance?

jayche

My advice for stuff like P90X would be to get a pair of vibrams, they're comfortable and you have the option to run in them.

LeenaRuns

Honestly, I do these kinds of workouts at home and I do them barefoot.

timeasterday

If you can find them there, try the Nike Shox Turbo. My wife & I just got those and they are great for our indoor workouts. She does TurboFire and Chalean Extreme (Chalene wears the Nike Shox herself). For running we have dedicated running shoes.

free8gent

Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into the Nike Shox Turbo and see if they are available here. I have read a lot about the Vibers / barefoot training, but I have flat feet and worry that the lack of support could cause issues for me.

I am still wondering how I can determine whether a shoe is a cross trainer just by looking at it /feeling it. Any thoughts here?

Thanks everyone

jacksonpt

For those types of workouts, go as minimal as possible. You don't really need/want traditional shoe support - you want traction, and maybe a little bit of protection. Vibrams, new balance/merrel minimalist shoes... Inov-8 makes some good ones too that are very popular with the crossfit crowd.

free8gent

For those types of workouts, go as minimal as possible. You don't really need/want traditional shoe support - you want traction, and maybe a little bit of protection. Vibrams, new balance/merrel minimalist shoes... Inov-8 makes some good ones too that are very popular with the crossfit crowd.

I know these shoes work well for some people, but given the issues I have with my feet I am not sure they are right for me.

If I am interested in a more traditional type of shoes, how can I tell whether a pair of shoes are cross-trainers or running shoes?

MoreBean13

For those types of workouts, go as minimal as possible. You don't really need/want traditional shoe support - you want traction, and maybe a little bit of protection. Vibrams, new balance/merrel minimalist shoes... Inov-8 makes some good ones too that are very popular with the crossfit crowd.

I know these shoes work well for some people, but given the issues I have with my feet I am not sure they are right for me.

If I am interested in a more traditional type of shoes, how can I tell whether a pair of shoes are cross-trainers or running shoes?

Traditional running shoes (minimalist excluded) have a pretty high heel-to-toe drop and are curved up at the toe, often with the sole extending to the tip of the shoe. Cross trainers are flatter and more stable.

jacksonpt

What issues do you have with your feet? That they are flat? You should be on the balls of your feet the vast majority of the time, so your feet should support your movements, not the shoe.

Since you appear to set on a shoe marketed as a cross trainer, look at the various manufacturer's website and see what they list as the intended purpose for the shoe. Most sites will segment shoes by purpose/use, or at the very least talk about purpose/use in the shoe's description.

free8gent

What issues do you have with your feet? That they are flat? You should be on the balls of your feet the vast majority of the time, so your feet should support your movements, not the shoe.

Since you appear to set on a shoe marketed as a cross trainer, look at the various manufacturer's website and see what they list as the intended purpose for the shoe. Most sites will segment shoes by purpose/use, or at the very least talk about purpose/use in the shoe's description.

I have flat feet and used to wear orthotics. I no longer wear them because they hurt my feet (I tried different doctors and orthotics).

I am hesitant to try the minimalist shoes because I already feel a lack of support from the cross-trainers I have. Sometimes I feel like I could easily roll over my ankle. Is this not a concern when wearing minimalist shoes? What about the theory that a lack of cushioning and support in shoes during high impact activities can put joints at risk? I am open to changing my perspective, and my hesitation may be due to a lack of current information.

What is your view on why minimalist shoes are preferable to traditional cross trainers?

jacksonpt

What issues do you have with your feet? That they are flat? You should be on the balls of your feet the vast majority of the time, so your feet should support your movements, not the shoe.

Since you appear to set on a shoe marketed as a cross trainer, look at the various manufacturer's website and see what they list as the intended purpose for the shoe. Most sites will segment shoes by purpose/use, or at the very least talk about purpose/use in the shoe's description.

I have flat feet and used to wear orthotics. I no longer wear them because they hurt my feet (I tried different doctors and orthotics).

I am hesitant to try the minimalist shoes because I already feel a lack of support from the cross-trainers I have. Sometimes I feel like I could easily roll over my ankle. Is this not a concern when wearing minimalist shoes? What about the theory that a lack of cushioning and support in shoes during high impact activities can put joints at risk?

What is your view on why minimalist shoes are preferable to traditional cross trainers?

I'm no foot expert, but I do a lot of running and have an addiction to shoes, so I've read a lot on the topic. My understanding is that...

Flat feet typically encourage pronation, causing weight to shift to the inside of the foot. Logically, this motion would resist the tendency to roll your ankle. If you had especially high/rigid arches and underpronated (rolled the weight towards the outside of your foot), you would be more prone to rolling your ankle.

If that is your primary concern, I'd suggest ankle braces over shoes. I have ASO braces that I use for basketball and they are GREAT!

When you say you feel like you have a lack of support - what exactly does that mean? What do you feel?

As for impact... I go back to what I said before... if you are on the balls of your feet, then the natural suspension in your feet/legs should be taking the brunt of the impact (as they are designed to do). I think poor form has a greater influence on injury than does the minimalist nature of minimalist shoes.

rybo

My thoughts echo jackson's very much.

I've found from running trails & very uneven surfaces that I am WAY less prone to rolling an ankle in minimal shoes compared to traditional runners. The heel thickness is just too high and causes issues.

I'm also of the belief that your feet will strengthen from wearing minimally supportive shoes and you will be better off than trying to keep them in supportive shoes & orthotics. Which you have tried and found it didnt help.

If you are dead set on crosstrainers, just look up a bunch of shoe websites and go to the cross trainer section. You will quickly see what they look like versus running shoes.

Bakkasan

For me nothing helped more than motion control running shoes like Brooks Beast or gts. They suck for squats and deadlifts

jacksonpt

Also... look at the shoes companies are making for these types of workouts... Inov-8, Reebok, etc. They are all minimalist in nature. Maybe not as minimal as something like the vibrams/merrels/new balance minimalist shoes, but certainly more so than a typical running shoe or old school cross trainers.

MoreBean13

Check out the videos here to learn more about pronation and footwear:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/LearningCenter/?show=LC

Also, they have some at-home methods to help you get fitted for proper shoes for your pronation, as well as an option to send them a video of you walking/running to have them help you find proper shoes for free. I would highly recommend doing this since you said local store help isn't really an option. Even if you don't end up buying from them, they'll help you figure out what you need.

MoreBean13

For me nothing helped more than motion control running shoes like Brooks Beast or gts. They suck for squats and deadlifts

Just ditch the shoes and squat/deadlift barefoot. You don't want to put that much added weight on the support of your shoes anyway, it will just make the support break down prematurely.

free8gent

Thanks very much for the suggestions. I did some research, and I am going to check out the New Balance Minimus in person. If those don't seem to be a good fit, hopefully the big sporting goods chain here will have a decent selection of other types to check out. I appreciate you taking the time to provide thoughtful insights.

Danny_Boy13

Yeah the best shoe for p90x/ crossfit, ect is Cross-Trainers. Running shoes are built / designed for more of a forward motion and not really lateral movements. Most if not all of the Asics crosstrainers are a great shoe for this. Just my $0.02.