#ad The Ultimate Guide to Your First Pair of Workout Shoes
Are you lacing up for a jog or heading to the gym? Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier you! But before you dash off, have you considered whether your shoes are up to the challenge? Before you buy your first pair of workout shoes, you need this advice!
The right footwear is non-negotiable. Your joints, posture, and love of exercise all come down to the shoes you select. You might be new to the fitness game, but with our expert guidance, you’ll be nailing your workout shoe selection like a seasoned pro.
Step 1: Know Your Feet
Training shoes or trainers are not one-size-fits-all, fit is everything in the shoe game. When it comes to running and training, there’s no substitute for understanding your feet. Are they wide or narrow? Do you overpronate, underpronate, or have a neutral gait? Fear not; you don’t need to become a foot expert overnight. But you need a basic understanding, and visiting a sportswear store’s fitting section can give you just that.
Examine Your Foot Shape and Movement
The Wet Test (wetting your feet and standing on a dry surface to see the shape) might be glamorized, but simple observations work just fine. Additionally, find out if you land on the inside or outside of your foot initially when you run or stride. These insights will inform the advice of any knowledgeable shoe retailer.
Step 2: Determine Your Workout
Will you be sprinting, pounding the pavements, or practising yoga? The type of exercise is paramount in selecting the best shoe. Men’s running shoes are built for forward motion and impact dispersion, as are women’s running shoes, the only difference is the size and the colours! While training shoes offer a broader base for activities with side-to-side movement, like HIIT classes or aerobics.
Understand the Difference
Running in training shoes can lead to injury due to the different support requirements. For example, the adidas Supernova is ideal for long-distance running thanks to its cushioning and comfort. Meanwhile, the adidas Galaxy 5 shoes provide flexibility and grip for agility workouts.
Step 3: Assess the Fit
Now the fun part begins—trying on shoes! This step is like finding the perfect partner; you’re looking for comfort, support, and a little bit of magic. Your first pair of workout shoes may mean trying on a huge variety of brands, styles and sizes to get the perfect fit. Your future pairs may be easier when you know what works for you.
The Perfect Fit
You should have around a thumb’s width between your longest toe (not always the big one!) and the front of the shoe. The heel should be snug but not tight, and you should be able to wiggle your toes without constraint. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store to check for fit or, if you order online, to wander around your home and up and down the stairs to feel if they are comfortable.
Step 4: Material Matters
A shoe’s material influences its weight, breathability, and durability. For running shoes, a mesh upper is breathable and light, while a strong sole (like the adidas Supernova’s Boost midsole) ensures longevity, especially if you plan to put in high mileage.
Step 5: Test the Feel
The real test is taking your shoes for a spin, a sprint, a squat—you get the idea!
Don’t Just Walk; Move
You wouldn’t buy a car without taking a test drive, right? The same principle applies. Ensure the shoes feel great with the movements you’ll be doing most. For example, if you’re a keen cyclist and like to pop into spin classes, test how they feel in the clip-in pedal spaces (yep, sports stores usually have those for you to test out!).
Step 6: Colour, Style, and Price
Let’s be real. The aesthetic appeal is always a factor; you want to be proud of your footwear. But remember that functionality should trump form. And while the price tag can be hefty, view it as an investment in your health and comfort. Plus, with a pair like the Supernova, you’re getting the looks AND the tech, so it’s really a win-win.
Don’t Break the Bank, But Don’t Cheap Out
Top-tier shoes can last 300-500 miles, and a good rule of thumb is to replace them every six months if you’re a regular. This isn’t an area to be stingy. But you don’t need to drop a month’s rent on them either. With a little research, you can find a quality shoe within your budget that won’t need swapping out before you’ve made real progress on your fitness goals.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect workout shoe may seem daunting, but with a bit of knowledge and the right approach, it’s achievable—and crucial for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment of exercise. Remember to consider your feet, your activities, the fit, the fancy features, and the value. And with choices as advanced as the adidas Supernova, you can be confident in taking each step towards a healthier, more active lifestyle.
I am an adidas blogger and work with them regularly to share my favourite products and bargains, but I only ever share the products I love.
