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The Best Type of Shoes For My Workouts
Blog | February 06, 2015
I’m often asked what are the best shoes for my workouts. I’m a firm believer in minimalist training shoes. They provide the necessary support for my workouts without being bulky or cumbersome. While not having the proper footwear is not the end of the world nor should it stop you from working out, it can definitely help. Here’s why:
Stability
Minimalist shoes provide the most stability among athletic footwear. Stability is crucial for the rapid pace of my HIIT routines. Minimalist shoes have very neutral, flat soles that are not hindered by excessive cushioning. In fact, many minimalist shoes have no cushioning at all and simply conform to the natural contours of your feet.
Often standard athletic footwear – think standard running shoes, cross-trainers, hi-tops, etc. – have so much padding in the soles that they offer very little stability especially for movements that require pivoting and directional changes. Sure they may be comfortable for walking and running errands (one could even make the argument that certain running shoes geared toward long-distance runners need the extra support), but it’s not necessary for my workouts and can actually be a hindrance.
Even my old shoes from Diesel with flat soles are better for my workouts than any fancy padded sneakers.
Heel Drive
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of proper heel drive when performing squats – a cornerstone exercise of the Zgym. When shoes are burdened with a lot of padding in the soles it’s difficult to sit back on our heels and drive up. The padding of typical athletic shoes can get in the way and not allow us to properly execute the movement. Our feet end up floating on all that cushioning. One way to think about it is imagine performing squats on a pair of pillows – sure it may be comfortable, but it’s definitely not optimal for executing the movement with proper form. Minimalist shoes allow us to firmly plant our heels when squatting due their flat, neutral soles.
Staying on Your Toes
Minimalist training shoes are not only better for proper heel placement, they also keep us on our toes when jumping rope, sprinting, running, etc. Again it’s the flat, neutral sole that allows our feet to function in a more natural manner. Unlike squats, these movements require that we stay on the front of our feet not our heels. Try running with bare feet for a moment. Notice how you naturally stay on your toes? Kind of like when we were kids and would run around the house? This is a more natural movement and much better for your posture and overall body alignment. Shoes with excessive padding get in the way of our natural movement patterns. Often they encourage bad form such as an unnatural heel strike when running or jumping rope.
What kind of shoe are you wearing at the Zgym? Tell me about them!
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Private Member |
bogotá, d.c, colombia
I use vibrams mainly elizas because it feels like barefoot but the skin doesn’t get any 5 harm and I can do yoga or jump rope without thinking in hurting my toes.
Private Member |
Great post 🙂 I go barefoot when I can but when jumping rope or at the gym I bring out the sneakers. I have a pair of Nike Pegasus, which I love for distance running but I will try to avoid them for ZGym stuff from now on! I also have a pair of New Balance minimalist (Rev Lites) and they do feel more natural I must admit. However, I would not recommend them for anyone looking for a new pair – they are comfortable and light but little pieces of foam come off the soles every time I use them – very poorly made.
Private Member |
I workout barefoot some times. sometimes when I work out barefoot it hurts a certain spot in my heal, so I wear sneakers for days when we are doing more jumping. I am wearing some Dr. Scholl’s with the little pads you put inside. Some times the sneakers hurt my ankles. so I think I need to find a different pair of shoes. These were actually given to me =)
Private Member |
I was watching modern marvels yesterday. One episode was about shoes. They said people had stronger toes before shoes were invented, and when they started wearing shoes the toes were smaller, and the bones were smaller. They were also saying how shoes are bad on that effect, but shoes are good for your feet for the most part because they allow your feet to walk or run on something more balanced on your feet so that you don’t have to use your toes as much to walk or run.
Private Member |
québec, canada
I worked out bare foot for a while (at least 6-8 months), then I developed ankle pain both sides, so I realized I needed more stability to relieve this pain. I bought Reebok Zquick (you have one or two pair yourself I think), and they are great. I love them and they are pretty light and well adapted for Zgym exercises.
Private Member |
manchester, uk
I am used to training bare foot because I trained for so many years in Thai boxing but I do find I can slip on the carpet when I least expect it lol. I train in Nike Free 1.0 Bionic they are very minimalist but have great grip. 🙂
Private Member |
I work out barefoot. I do high knees instead of using the jumprope since I don’t have the space. But I would need shoes if I ever start to use the jumprope. It hurts when the rope hits my feet! So I’m paying attention to the recommendations here. I’m also a flatfoot.
Private Member |
fenton, missouri, united states
Barefoot as well! We are a big group I see!
Private Member |
Very interesting post! I tend to work out barefoot except when there are burpees or plank jumps because I find I jurt my toes when I land, hahaha…have you read the book Born to run? I am not a runner but I still thought it was a very good read and I think you would too 😉
Private Member |
I use Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport or barefoot. Can’t stand running or tennis shoes on my feet now. Even speed roping is barefoot. Once you take the bulky shoes off you will never go back!
Private Member |
Barefoot for me too!