What’s On My Feet?!

It’s time we have a chat?about your footwear. Would you wear stilettos rock climbing? Or how about a cute pair of wedges for a quick run around the block? I didn?t think so. As obvious as it is that there are certain shoes that are definitely off limits for physical activity, when it comes to the differences in general athletic shoes, the lines of what to wear (and what NOT to wear) get a little hazy.

Honestly, I?ll be the first to admit that not too long ago I had no clue about the HUGE impact the ?right? shoes would have on my workouts. I thought all shoes were created equally. But (and I hate to admit this), I was wrong. By testing out and choosing the right style and the right fit for me, my workouts went through the roof and my previously-aching body thanked me. I know, I know?makes you chuckle to think your shoes could actually make you jump higher. While they can?t add a foot to your high jump, proper shoes will take care of your body the way it should be cared for?and this equates to maximizing your athletic potential (possibly a higher box jump!).

It should seem obvious: Crossfit shoes are best for Crossfit, running shoes are best for running. But sometimes finding the right shoe is a little trickier than that. Over the past few years, I?ve been blessed to try just about every shoe out there?and I?m happy to tell you I have my favorites!! Time to share my top picks with you. I am a devoted follower of Reebok for a reason: I freaking love their stuff!!!!!!!!!

heidi_reeboksweb

1. Dance UrTempo Mid – Okay, I admit, I?m no dancer and have ZERO rhythm ? but these shoes totally make me feel like I could be! Ha! Honestly, I love the way these look, which truthfully, is what first drew me to this shoe?but they really are designed for dancing. Since Zumba is a GREAT way to burn some cals, I highly recommend these when you?re wanting to bust a move! They feel amazing on, and maybe, just maybe if I keep wearing them, I?ll become that dancer I pretend I am.

2.?Skyscape Runaround?- This adorable shoe literally only weighs 5 oz…you can?t even feel these babies! Totally perfect for walking or, in my case, chasing around my littles! So many different colors and patterns, you can’t go wrong with any of ’em!

3.?All-Terrain Super?– The ultimate trail running shoe! I first tried these shoes back in February when Chris and I participated in our first-ever Spartan Race. The traction on these bad boys was so amazing ? while everyone around us was slipping through the mud (I felt so bad), Chris and I were solid as a rock! The 360 traction, H2O drains, and the built-in obstacle grips will rock your world too. Couldn?t imagine a better shoe to wear for an muddy obstacle race, or any ol? trail run! You can read even more about my experience with this shoe in my post,?Did The Shoes Make The Cut??

4. CrossFit Nano 4.0 – I?ve said it before, and I?ll say it again, one shoe certainly does not fit all. Guys, there is a time and place for each and every shoe, and when it comes to Crossfit and Olympic style weight lifting THIS is the shoe you want to be wearing. I am by no means an Olympic weight lifter, but in the short period of time since I?ve taken up Crossfit, I can genuinely feel the difference when I wear this shoe. Plus?Chris thinks my feet are sexiest with these on ;).

5. ZQuick – The name says it all?Z-?quick?. So light flexible, they?re absolutely perfect for a long run – or a short one! And call me crazy, but I feel faster in them (says my inner child). These puppies are made of the most breathable material and somehow still provide the most incredible support. After two major knee surgeries, I have to be picky about my running shoes. With these, I?m completely confident I?m getting the support and structure I need. And the colors? So cute! What more could you ask for?!

As important as it is for us ladies to be wearing the right shoe, its just as important for the men in our life to have the right footwear too. Especially when you?re married to a man that wishes he could live in the gym. Heck?Chris would make our entire home a gym if he could. Anyway? here are a few of Chris? top picks for guys, straight from the man?s mouth, himself!

chris_reeboksweb1. All-Terrain Super Series – “Ultimate hiking and obstacle racing shoe.”

2. CrossFit Nano 4.0 – “All around best workout shoe.”

3.?GL 6000?- “Classics for kicking’ it – insanely comfortable and timeless!”

4. CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.0?- “Go-to weightlifting shoe.”

5.?CrossFit Lite?- “Perfect for powerlifting.”

Finding the right shoe, is so essential in helping prevent injuries during any sort of physical fitness – so tell me, what’s your fave fitness shoe?!

Xoxo,

Heidi

For more of my favorite shoes and workout apparel, head over to Reebok.com/Heidi.Powell

56 Responses

  1. I have tried most of the shoes on the market, from Asics, Brooks, Mizunos, etc. I walked into a local dealer one day and he suggested the Nike Lunar Eclipse. I was a bit skeptical as I have serious over-pronation and needed good support. Needless to say I liked them so much that I bought a second pair, something I have not done before. They are great all around, I use them for Zumba, running, and bootcamp without any problems. They recently changed versions but the shoes are still awesome.

  2. My question is the same as Sara’s. I’m doing a boot camp/boxing/conditioning class 3x a week and I know my running shoes aren’t the right choice. My only other shoes are Nike Lunar Glides, which sometimes give me blisters. I originally got them for errands/bike rides, etc. What’s the best shoe for our classes?? Thank you Heidi!!

    1. You might try the Dance UrTempo Mid or the CrossFit Nano 4.0. There are links to both in this post. 🙂

  3. Hi Heidi and Chris, So here is my problem I am going to buy new shoes next week on the advice of my Dr. I have lost 80 Pounds and all the shoes I currently have rub my heel give me blisters and they mess with my toes. I had blister under my toe nails and now my toes are pretty sore from I guess rubbing in the shoes. I do a lot of walking what can you suggest when I go looking for shoes . What do I look for ? I am so lost when it comes to buying shoes!

  4. I took up power walking a few years ago. I kept getting shin splints and developed foot issues. My Dr recommended running shoes cause they offer better impact protection and have good heel stabilization. Success!!! I was able to work up to 4 miles a day without issue.

  5. Most shoes hurt my feet. So unless I’m outside or running on the treadmill, I prefer to workout bare foot. I’m not sure if this is damaging my joints or other body parts in any way. I will tell you this: I’m more apt to workout longer if my feet don’t hurt!

    1. I did that for the longest time. I love running barefoot. Did it for years However, it seemed that overnight I developed bunions that made it painful to walk or wear shoes without some type of correction to realign my toes. Please, please be careful!

  6. I wish Reebok would continue making some of the Zig sneakers, specifically the Zigactivate. They are a little heavy but in all my years I never found a shoe with better cushion. I found a few pairs online and scooped them up in my size so I have 5 pairs of them to hopefully last me a few years. At about 4 to 5 miles of walking per day I am lucky to get a year out of a sneaker.

  7. Hi Heidi! First, I just want to say that I love love love your show. Secondly, would you or have you ever thought about having a show that transforms people from normal, semi-healthy to very fit? I am actually in that process. My goal is to loose about 12 pounds and 8% body fat. I am fairly knowledgable in nutrition in terms of what my macro %s should be in combination with exercise to achieve my goal (at least I think I am knowledgable). I would just love to see other people doing it on a show and possibly be on one!

    1. I’m with you Anna, I would like to lose 30lbs and be fit. I currently run 3-5 miles 2-3 times a week. Weights three days a week, including some boot camp classes. I have lost 25lbs since February and have hit a plateau. I think gaining more muscle has confused my body and I can’t get a grip on the nutrition (how much to eat, not eat). I cut back when I gain a pound but not sure if it’s water weight or muscle weight. If I were able to go the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center I think they could help me figure it out.

    2. Hi Michele: It sounds like you’re on the right track! Check out Chris and Heidi’s carb cycling program in their book, “Choose More, Lose More for Life.” The book contains their complete nutrition and exercise program, and it’s the same one they use on the show. And it can work no matter how many pounds you want to lose. It will teach you everything you need to know and do to achieve your own transformation! Learn about the nutrition basics here: https://heidipowell.net/2713/carb-cycling-101/. And here’s a post about weight loss plateaus that might help also: https://heidipowell.net/5889/avoiding-and-conquering-that-weight-loss-plateau/. You got this!

  8. Hi Heidi and Chris, I have a terrible time finding shoes that are comfortable. Most shoes rub on the back of my heel that for some reason sticks out. I really can’t afford high end shoes either. What I did find were cross-trainers from New Balance. Oh my goodness they are honestly the most comfortable trainers I have ever worn in my life. Also my Merrell shoes are awesome too. Although lately when I walk fast I seem to be getting pain in the front of my lower leg. Is this shin splints? Why do I get it and what can you suggest for me to do to get rid of this pain? At this point I will try just about anything. OUCH!!!! Thank you

    1. Shin splints could be caused by a few different things. How long have you had these shoes? One sign that it’s time for a new pair is when you begin to get random aches and pains. And for shin splint pain in general, be sure you’re stretching that front part of your leg and that might help. 🙂

    2. Hi Heidi, Thank you so much for the info. I’ve had the trainers for a year but I only wear those for my lunchtime workouts (inside) and I have a different pair for walking around outside. They still feel very bouncy. The painful legs started this week after I returned to school after a two week break from the gym (it was closed for renovations). The problem is starting to feel a little bit better today. One of the fitness staff told me to try compression stockings (I had a pair from a past surgery) and then ice at night and massage. The pain and burning was so bad on the walk across campus I had to sit down and just wait. That is not like me at all, that’s why I worried when it happened. Again thank you.

    3. Hi it turns out that it wasn’t shin splints it was a blood clot in my leg. I’m being treated for it now.

  9. I had been looking for new shoes. I am running my first half marathon a month from today. Everyone keeps telling me brooks or asics are best. I am now interested to see what those ZQuicks are like. Thanks!

  10. Heidi, which shoe would you recommend for all around workouts? I do a lot of bootcamp, sports conditioning and plyometrics and never know which shoe is best. Help!

    Sara

    1. A couple of years ago I bought a pair of Reebok real flex because they were the MOST comfortable shoes I had ever worn. I used to just wear them for volleyball since they are so light. A few months back, I started training for a 5k and LOVE these shoes for running. I can’t find this particular style anywhere anymore. 🙁 I’m guessing that I’ll have to resort to finding them on eBay.

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