Do you like to set yourself up for the following day by setting out your workout gear before you go to bed? Here are the staples that I always make sure to include in my gym bag: workout clothes; water bottle; (Sweaty Betty) towel; sneakers. Yes… I said sneakers. Anyone else who is from the Northeast will say the same. For the purpose of this article, you may sub in the terms “tennis shoes” or “runners” if it makes you feel better.
Growing up as an avid runner, I was always conscious about my sneaker choice for exercising purposes. I participated in every sport from soccer, to basketball, to gymnastics, to ballet, to (two of my favorites) track and cross country. My track and cross country coach, Mr. Coy, always made sure to educate his athletes on “shoe types”. “What’s a shoe type?”, you might be asking yourself. It’s a specific fit of sneaker (insert LOL for frequent use of the word sneaker) for your foot. Check out one of my favorite sites here for reference:
Roadrunner Sports
If you select “Women’s Shoes”, you’ll see “Shoe Type” as a category by which to sort, along the left hand side of the page.
Try looking for your sneakers on this site to see what shoe type you wear. Did you find them? If not, try looking on the shoe manufacturer page to see details about your specific shoe. Most manufacturers have this information (and much more) available for us to see.
How do you know what is the best shoe type for you? The BEST resource to go to (in my opinion) is either a shoe consultant at Road Runner Sports or Fleet Feet Sports. Thankfully for us LKN/Charlotte folks, we have Fleet Feet Sports right in Birkdale Village in Huntersville. Look at their super detailed shoe fitting process https://www.fleetfeetsports.com/mission/fitlosophy I took my Mom here over the summer when she was here to visit. The gentlemen who helped her out selected a shoe that she NEVER would have picked out for herself. It was indeed, her perfect fit. In fact, my Mom loved that shoe SO much, that she re-ordered it once the pair wore out that she bought at Fleet Feet Sports.
How important is it to have a shoe that fits right on you? VERY! How come? Think of all of the different types of exercises you do at Burn Boot Camp and other fitness activities DAILY. What gets you through those workouts, besides proper nutrition (remember food is fuel), adequate sleep (yes, even all you Moms) and your internal desire to beat the you from yesterday? Proper equipment! You work HARD and need a solid foundation on which to work (and by that, I mean your sneakers). Wearing a proper fit can help to maximize your efforts in the gym, minimize or eliminate foot/back pain and more.
Even if you’re NOT a runner, this site is a very helpful resource in figuring out what shoe type is best for your build/goals/physical activity https://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor
How old are the sneakers that you wear to exercise on the regular? If your answer is more than six months old, it’s time to go SHOPPING! The good news is that most sneaker manufacturers have FINALLY figured out that we women (and you men) like to mix fashion with function. Look around the next time you’re at camp/the gym/a workout class and admire all of the fun and bright shoes around you.
When you pack your gym bag tonight, make sure you’re packing the BEST possible pair of sneakers that will work best for YOU.
Here are our TOP 10 SNEAKERS TO WORKOUT IN:
- REEBOK ONE CUSHION 3.0
- Mizuno Wave Rider 19
- Brooks Ghost 8
- ASICS GEL-Kayano 22
- Adidas adizero Boston Boost 5 Shoes
- Mizuno Wave Sayonara 3
- Nike MetCon 1
- Adidas Ultra Boost Shoes
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16
- Reebok All Terrain Thunder
Be sure to check out the Burn Boot Camp #wewantREEBOK campaign video posted here burnbootcamp.com/burn-boot-camp-wewantreebok-campaign/
