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. A lot of runnin shoes have leather in them. I’m vegan, so I obviously can’t do that. Any recomendations for shoes I can try on in store, not just online, that are guaranteed 100% synthetic? I’ve found some websites, but so far no real stores that only sell vegan shoes.

  2. Any idea why they stopped at at women’s size 10 on the new Nanos? I would love some, but wear an 11. I noticed they do have 11’s in the Nano 2.0’s. Would you recommend those as well? Thanks!

  3. I sort of have a general problem with the fact that ONLY Reebok shoes made the list. For running you didn’t mention Asics, Brooks, Hoka, etc? I love my Nanos and my Reebok Oly lifting shoes, but overall this list sounds like this was more marketing than an actually researched list. Which for 2 people who have as much of as following as you 2…is disappointing.

  4. I hate to admit it but I have bunions. I realize a shoe with a wider box helps but boy it sure is painful to try to do traditional pushups or burpees! Just bending my toes the wrong way hurts like heck! I wear barefoot running shoes that help realign my toes and keep the bunions from hurting while doing other exercises. Can you recommend a good shoe that will help with this problem? Thanks for all you do!

  5. I have fallen in love with running but I have plantar faciitis on my left foot. Any chance you know what type of shoe could help support me through my workouts? Thanks for all your great advice!

  6. I would like to try the shoe for wt lifting but I have over pronation in my feet… do you know if they come they any wt lifting shoe for over pronation? Or could I just get by without that support for lifting only? I love wt. Lifting and have trouble with squats, deadlifts. Any suggestions on shoes?

    1. You could try them, and if you need to, you could add an over-the-counter orthotic/insole to help with the pronation. 🙂

  7. Hi Heidi. I recently started doing 5K but I walk part of it because I haven’t gotten up to running the whole way. What shoes should I go for? A good walking shoe or a running shoe?

  8. I’m about three months into exercising, which is going great. I’ve lost about 45 lbs and am now at my ideal weight. Unfortunately I did it by not eating very much and not exercising. Now that I am exercising I am aware of how lots of aches and pains in my feet, ankles, and particularly up the outer side of my ankle and up my leg. At first I assumed that this was because of not having a lot of muscle and it would get better as I worked through it and built muscle. I’ve been exercising and had my nutrition in line for about three months now but my feet and lower legs still ache. I workout on carpet in the family room barefoot. Could this be the problem or do I just need to get some of the muscle back that I depleted during my weight loss?

    1. Congratulations on the weight loss – that’s awesome! I’d definitely suggest you wear shoes while exercising, even though you’re on carpet. Any added muscle will help, but you really need to get the correct shoe. 🙂

    2. I know your not asking me but I wanted to jump in and say that when i first started working out the classes I went to were taught at a Dojo. he would teach his classes barefoot and everyone in the class did the same. I did it for two years and I constantly had foot pain and leg pain bc you cant do high impact things barefoot and shouldnt. I now workout in shoes at all times and no foot pain or leg pain. I advise you wear shoes as well speaking from personal long term experience. by the way congrats on your 45lbs lost! amazing:)

  9. Hi Heidi! Great post! I have Nanos and LOVE them for CrossFit. What’s a good rule of thumb for when Nanos need to be replaced? I know running shoes are 500 miles or every 6 months. Is there a similar guideline for CrossFit shoes? Thanks!

    1. It kind of depends…if you start feeling some random aches and pains, then it’s time! 🙂

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