By Susan Ciancio
Do you dread shopping for new workout shoes? Do you find yourself standing before rows upon rows of different brands and different designs feeling overwhelmed and unsure which will be best for your F45 workout?
Do these thoughts run through your mind: Which will keep my feet healthy and sturdy during this workout and Which not only feels good for the 10 minutes in the store but will also retain that good feeling throughout a workout?
If you’re like me, you’re desperate for guidance when it comes to making a decision about which workout shoes are the best.
Because we know that your time is valuable and that you trust F45 for your workouts, we have done the research for you. We scoured some of the top fitness sites to find the shoes that have consistently performed well and that have withstood even the toughest workouts so that you can leave that overwhelmed feeling at home and feel confident in your purchase.
First, keep in mind a few dos and don’ts for finding the right shoe to wear during your F45 workout:
- Do buy a shoe that has a close fit, but not one that is too tight.
- Do make sure your heel will not slip out of the shoe. You want to keep your feet secure to avoid injury.
- Do know your arch type and buy a shoe suited to your foot.
- Do have your feet measured at the store. Remember, one foot is usually a little larger than the other.
- Don’t skimp on a workout shoe and buy the cheapest shoe out there. You only get two feet. Treat them well.
With that said, let’s briefly look at the three different F45 workouts—cardio, resistance, and hybrid—and some shoes that will suit you best for each one.
F45’s cardio workouts are meant to get your heart pumping. In these workouts, you will feel the burn, but you will love the results as this workout sculpts and tones your body. For this kind of workout, you need a durable shoe with a good cushion and good support.
The Adidas Ultra 4D offers both support and a good cushion. Plus, it is light and breathable on top so your feet won’t get overheated even though you might!
Another good option is the Asics Gel-Kayano 29, which offers both cushion and the stability you need to do things like jump or move laterally during your workout.
F45’s resistance workouts use weights and resistance training to activate muscle fibers, target your core muscles, enhance your athleticism, and improve explosive movements like running and jumping.
For this type of workout, you need a shoe that won’t slip, that offers stability, and that has little cushion and little to no arch. The Shape Fitness website explains, “The more stable and flat your base is when you strength train, the more weight you’ll be able to lift.” This is because you can plant your feet in the ground more easily, thus gaining power.
The Under Armour Reign Lifter training shoes fit this bill, as reviewers say that this shoe is “very secure and stable to squat in, and you can rest assured your feet won’t slip during heavy lifts.” The down side is that their ventilation is poor, but if you don’t have feet that sweat profusely, you will probably like these.
NOBULL is another great option, as not only are these shoes perfect for stability, but according to fitness experts they are “designed with durability in mind, ensuring that they can withstand the wear and tear of regular weight training sessions.”
F45’s hybrid workouts are similar to cross training and help you improve your endurance and metabolism. You will get cardio, resistance, agility, and core movements all in one efficient workout.
According to Tom’s Guide, “The best cross training shoes should balance durability, comfort and versatility so that you can transition seamlessly between activities like running, HIIT or weightlifting without delay.” In addition, you should also look for a shoe with a “durable outsole and light and cushioned midsole to absorb shock.”
For this kind of workout, fitness experts have found that the Nike Metcons, which come in different versions every two to three years, are excellent for both men and women. New York Magazine says that these shoes are perfect for a hybrid workout because “they’re flexible at the front of the foot, which allows for good movement through things like lunges or running” but also have a “stiff heel, which creates stability in movements like heavy deadlifts and squats.”
Another great shoe for a hybrid workout is the Reebok Nano. According to SportsShoes.com, “This shoe excels at everything . . . from cross-training, to HIIT workouts, to running, it’s built for all movements.”
Experts say that you can’t go wrong with any of these shoes. So whether you’re doing the F45 cardio workout, the hybrid workout, or the resistance workout, you know that there is a perfect shoe out there to help you power through and get the most out of your training.
Now that you have some great ideas in mind, determine the kind of F45 workout you will predominantly do, then head to the store to choose a shoe that fits your workout goals.
