Why Proper Training Shoes Matter
When you’re working out, your feet are often the first point of contact with the ground. The shoes you wear can significantly impact your training. Gym shoes are designed to provide support and stability during workouts. They help ensure proper body alignment, reducing the risk of falls and missteps. The right shoes can also help prevent certain injuries. They offer cushioning that absorbs shock, reducing the impact on your joints and muscles. The type of shoe you choose is also important because specific training shoes can enhance your performance based on what you need. In CrossFit, we perform many different movements in varying workout styles which can require different types of shoes in different situations. For instance, we have weightlifting shoes, running shoes, and CrossFit-style shoes, and each one has its own purpose in the gym.
Weightlifting shoes or “lifters” are designed for maximum support for your big lifts. They have an elevated heel that helps you maintain a better torso position while reaching better depth for different squat variations. The elevated heel combined with the thin hard soles provide great stability and make these shoes the perfect option for heavy squats and Olympic lifts such as Cleans and Snatches. But, these qualities also make them a bad option for things like deadlifts and running. The elevated heel makes a deadlift more difficult as it adds extra distance for your pull and the bulkiness and lack of cushion are not optimal for running even short distances. However, we do have other options if running is a focal point of your training.
Running shoes are designed with running in mind. Of course, right? But there’s no one-size-fits-all all running shoe because everyone’s foot is different and what you may need varies by person and also by goal. They make running shoes for different distances, levels of cushion, support, and more. Anything you can think of, there’s probably a shoe out there for you. Many running shoes have great cushioning which is perfect for long runs and fast-paced workouts, but those squishy soles are not optimal for lifting heavy weights due to the lack of stability. So these wouldn’t be a great option for things like deadlifts, heavy squats, or Olympic lifting. So you might be wondering, “What if I need to lift something and run in the same workout?”. Great question!
Enter the CrossFit style shoe. The best of all worlds, just like CrossFit itself. They were created to be an all-around performing shoe. These shoes do everything and help bridge the gap between lifting and running so you don’t have to constantly change your shoes in the middle of your workouts. They provide stability and support for lifting while also being versatile enough to take out for short-distance runs during a metcon workout. They are a great option on those days that don’t require more specific training shoes, so definitely give them a try!
Investing in the right pair of training shoes is a crucial aspect of your fitness journey. They provide the necessary support that you need in the gym to safely and effectively complete your workouts. Now that we’ve talked about the different types of training shoes and how each should be used to help enhance your performance, make sure to try a few on, see what suits you best, and start making those workouts more effective!