Preparation
When shopping for the right pair of exercise sneakers, there are a lot of things to consider. Perhaps the most important is whether the shoes you’re looking at will provide the correct amount of support for your needs. “Proper support can lessen the impact of each step you take and improve your performance by enabling you to make better changes in direction—especially if your exercise has lateral or side-to-side movements,” explains Roger E. Adams, Ph.D., a doctor of nutrition, personal trainer, and the owner of eatrightfitness. “A shoe that fits well and gives you support will also lessen the risk for foot—and possibly, knee, hip, and even low-back—pain or injury.”
Another critical detail to think about? You need to factor in the type of workout you are doing in order to make the right selection when it comes to footwear. “If you are doing aerobics, for example, you want a shoe that is lightweight, but has plenty of shock absorbency in the toe area, where you spend most of your time,” notes Dr. Adams. “But if you are indoors doing weight training, you want a stiff-soled shoe that can withstand lots of extra weight placed on it. You need something that isn’t too cushioned and isn’t going to lead to a rolled ankle or make you bounce out of your squats.”
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in a supportive exercise sneaker, allow us to introduce several options. Whether you’re a daily walker or boundary-pushing weight lifter (or some combination of both!), check out these expert-recommended shoes—they’re simply the best on the market.
