What trainers are best for the gym?
Don't assume that any footwear will do in the gym. Ideally, gym-goers will need a pair of gym trainers with breathable uppers (especially for sweaty sessions).
Can I just wear running shoes? If you're just sticking to the treadmill, sure. But not if you're into weights. There are some great running shoes that feel amazing on your foot when running. They are not, however, your best option for weightlifting.
Gym trainers should offer a steady footing during squats, lunges, deadlifts, burpees, etc.
The best gym trainers for you depend on your activity of choice, but in general, you’ll want to ask yourself the following:
How comfortable are they?
Can you move your toes? - Now that’s a big one. If your gym trainers have a narrow toe box, this isn’t optimal for your feet! 🦶 You should be able to spread your toes in the shoes you are wearing. That would make you a lot more stable when lifting weights. Especially when you do your leg workouts.
Does your arch feel supported? Are the laces tight?
Is there firm heel support? What about ample ankle stability?
If you spend most of your time lifting weights or doing bursts of high-intensity cardio (HIIT), you'll want a shoe with the right level of support, cushioning and flexibility. So here are a couple of my recommended gym shoes that are great all-rounders.
Nike Metcon 7: Best all-around gym shoe- breathable upper and lightweight, a well-cushioned sole, the shoe is brilliantly supportive for weightlifters. Also great for and classes where you typically make a lot of sharp, aggressive and lateral movements.
Vivobarefoot Primus LITE 3: Good for barefoot training- Helps train your feet to support themselves. There is barely any sole the toe box is super wide which allows the toes to spread so your foot feels nice and stable when lifting.
In short other don’t only go for the looks, comfort and foot support is key when it comes to trainers. Choose a shoe that is flatter, has wide toe box with a lower heel-toe drop and greater flexibility. They can be worn for HIIT, weightlifting, strength training, basketball, tennis, dance classes, Crossfit, Aerobics and more.