So we have a feature here called Fit Feminists Answer where readers email in questions and we try, to the best of our ability, to answer them. We also often get help in the comment threads. Thanks wonderful community of fit feminist readers and commentators!
But today I have a question and I want your advice. This is “fit feminists ask” rather than”fit feminists answer.” I have been told by my very nice knee surgeons in white coats with serious faces to never ever run again. They say I shouldn’t even say the word “running.” And as readers know I’ve struggled. I said a sad goodbye first to soccer and then to running.
I’ve decided that it would be easiest if I made a clean break. Like lots of people I tend to wear my old running shoes to the gym. They’re no good for running but they’re fine for rowing machines, the elliptical, weight lifting etc etc. But looking at my old running shoes makes me sad. I think it’s time to say goodbye to them. What to get in their place? Clearly not new running shoes.
Now I’m no longer running I no longer need pricey running shoes, but what do I need? I’ve thought about lifting shoes but that seems like overkill. I’m not that serious. I feel the same way about lifting shoes as I do about deadlifting socks. They’re cool and all but really? Do I need them? Do you wear special shoes for weightlifting/strength training? What kind and why? Do you recommend them? How serious to you have to be to wear them?
This fall I ordered custom University of Guelph Adidas though the soccer team for me and my athletic U of G attending son. I thought that might be good. As Dean I could wear them to official events and still be comfortable. Sadly it was one of those deals where they needed to get enough orders to make them and that fell through. No red, black, and gold sneakers for me. So that option is out.
What about the rest of you non-running gym goers? What footwear do you wear to the gym and why?
Help me out here!
Pride sneakers?
I wear an old pair of all black converse; perfect lifting and they go well with multicolored/crazy pattern leggings 🙂
These days I do wear my old running shoes to the gym. But in the past , before running, I used to wear walking shoes or more casual sneakers, often whatever was on sale and looked good. I don’t know if you have a Costco membership but they often have sport shoes that aren’t suitable for running and look good and are under $35. They’re fine for the gym and comfortable for walking around.
I hate wearing shoes, so I love when I can lift at Bodytribe, because I can do it barefoot. When I go to the conventional gym (or for competitions), I wear Feiyue shoes. They’re inexpensive ($20-40 on Amazon), fit well, and don’t have a lot of cushion, so they’re good for lifting.
New Balance 940 v3 is what I have now and I love them. I also went with one of their slightly expensive insoles that makes it feel like I’m walking on a cushion of air.
I have a pair of Vans hi-tops for lifting, and some plimsolls for the rowing machine.
I do wear lifting shoes! But only on days I’m doing Olympic lifts like cleans and snatches. Most days I wear a cross trainer, specifically a Reebok Nano, but if I weren’t running and jumping as part of my training I would go with a pair of old school Converse.
Running shoes with arch support for overpronation, for either riding my bike or walking. Current faves are an older pair of Skechers (no longer made), and a pair of Nike Air Zooms.
For physical therapy and walking in general since my ankle sprain I’ve been wearing Merrell Moab 2 vent low rise hiking shoes. They breathe a bit and have a solid sole and feel very stable. They’re also not heavy. I’m also considering buying the Merrell (I love me some Merrells– all of them fit me) Siren Hex Q2 E-mesh hiking shoe (even though its name is very silly), which is breathable, low-rise, solid but light. If Merrell isn’t your thing, try Keen– a light mesh low rise hiking shoe might work.
I have a pair of Saucony, walking shoes. Works for all around stuff. Lots of people love converse for lifting but I imagine any not impact activity they would do. I love my hiking boots but only for hiking, they are a bit much for anything else. I’ve been having issues with my toes recently and I’ve been thinking of trying those five to vibram soles. I think they are so ugly, but I also feel like having toes separate would feel really good.
I wear Vibram Five Fingers to the gym. I find them comfortable. It’s a pair with very thin soles.
I also wear Vibrams to the gym!
I doubt that Vibrams are for everyone, but I like them because the thin soles are good for lifting and because I find minimal shoes more comfortable than thick-heeled ones. (I also like that they’re multi-purpose – I mostly use them for strength training, but could run a mile or two in them if need be.)
I wear very supportive shoes that help manage the fact that I tend to pronate, and are super comfortable because I often walk 10 km or more a day. The fact that they look exactly like running shoes (because they are), is just coincidence. Mind you, I haven’t been a runner since high school so they don’t have emotional associations for me.
You need a shoe with a stable base but minimal cushion. Cushy shoes make you unstable.
I’m a powerlifter and I wear Volleys because they’re cheap, not too cushioned and have a grippy sole.
I usually wear deadlift slippers for deadlift,but only because I got a pair for free.