This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
When it comes to fitness, many people overlook the importance of proper footwear. However, the right shoes can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and enhancing performance. According to Nina Odongo, a fitness expert, certain sports require specialist shoes, and running is no exception.
Running places a tremendous amount of stress on your joints, and proper running shoes can provide a combination of cushioning and stability to reduce impact on your feet and knees. They also have a slightly higher heel than toe to facilitate forward motion. It's essential to choose shoes that are a half to full size larger as feet swell during running and change them every so many miles, even if they don’t look particularly worn.
For those who lift heavy weights, weightlifting shoes make a big difference to balance and stability by keeping your feet close to the floor. They are built with hard flat soles to help you transfer force through the ground and a slightly wider base for better support and balance.
For the average gym-goer who does a little mild to moderate-impact cardio and some light weightlifting, cross-training shoes are the best option. They still offer enough ankle stability to do your Zumba class but aren’t as cushioned as running shoes, meaning you can lift weights in them.
