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!!!!!!!!!
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!
1. 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
Hi Heidi! I’m 23 and I recently discovered that I have a deviation in both of my knee caps (I was born with it – it just started to become problematic as I’m getting older). It’s getting bad and the doctor says that the only way to make it better is by creating an amount of muscle in my legs that will hold them in place, but, at the same time, I can’t run, do any squats or anything that will bend them too much. So, how do I build legs like yours without doing those things? I know this is completely unrelated to shoes, but you mentioned your knee surgeries and I figured you are the best person to ask. I’m 5’5 and have a perfectly normal weight. Any advice? 🙂
Here’s an idea. Show the exercise part of Chris and Heidi’s carb cycling program (it’s in their book, “Choose More, Lose More for Life”) to your healthcare team, and work with them to put together a program that will help you reach your goals and keep those knees safe. Another idea is to work with a physical therapist – they are a great resource to help you know how to work around your issues. We wish you the best!
Hello Heidi, I was just wondering which one of these shoe’s would be best for working out? I have been looking for a good workout shoe that I could use for walking, running, and exercising. So I was just wondering if the crossfit shoe would be the best or what do you think…..Please help me…
Here’s another post that might help you figure this out: https://heidipowell.net/170/if-the-shoe-fits/. Since running and general exercising can put different types of stresses on your feet, it’s so important that you find the right shoe for your foot for each activity. For example, for you, running shoes might not be best for CrossFit, and CrossFit shoes might not be best for running. Hope this helps! 🙂
When I workout, the bottoms of my feet burn…sometimes so severely that I have to take a break from my workout. I know I could push harder if only my feet didn’t burn. Help!
Here’s a post from about finding the right shoe for you, and it might give you some ideas: https://heidipowell.net/170/if-the-shoe-fits/. You might also want to discuss this problem with a podiatrist.
I am pleased to say I bought a pair of ZQuicks tonight and cant wait to wear them!
I too agree about wearing the right shoes. I typically do not appreciate Reebok as it feels very heavy when I run. What would be more useful for me would a honest feedback on the right shoes without any form of sponsorship then it will be more genuine and shows that we have done our homework.
Apologies if this is not deemed appropriate but I will love to leave Heidi or Chris make a comparative analysis based on their vast experience. BTW I have been exercising for 15 years now and throughout the years I found some brands suit me better than others,
Since the “right” shoe is based on several different factors and can be different for every person, it’s very difficult to offer comparisons that would be useful for everyone or even most everyone. Chris and Heidi truly love Reebok shoes, so they were sharing what’s worked for them. Heidi shares more info on how to find the right shoe in this post: https://heidipowell.net/170/if-the-shoe-fits/. Hope it helps!
I have purchased 2 pair of dmx Reebok s this year. On a trip earlier this month I tried on gravity defying athetic shoes (they have a spring embedded in the heel portion of the shoe. Does reebok make any type of “spring enhanced” shoes ?
I could not agree more that the right shoe makes all the difference. I went to a running store and the advised what shoes I should wear. Best thing I ever did? socks make a huge difference too? make sure they have no cotton.
They get paid to push the “crossfit” shoes, so not an accurate assessment. Sorry but it’s true. Reeboks are crap and always will be.
Thank you for saying this! EXACTLY what I was thinking.
What about shoes for wide feet? 🙂
The majority of my fitness program consists of hiking in the beautiful Montana forest and walking my dog. I have found that I need to rotate the shoes I wear to keep my feet feeling good. I agree that shoes are so important. I like the Merrell barefoot shoes. They have several different models and I own three different models. I use one for hiking on rocks, one for walking on cement, and one for crossfit type activity. I also have a pair of super cushy Brooks running shoes that I wear when my feet get sore from lots of miles. I have a pair of OBoz hiking shoes that have a rock hard sole for hiking when my feet are sore. I have noticed that paying attention and constantly rotating the types of shoes I wear is critical to keeping my feet healthy. If I wear the same shoe too often, I will get sore.