“Ultimately, it’s up to the wearer to decide what’s comfortable,” says coach Katie M. Feeley. Power Plant Gym The Aston, Pennsylvania, resident added that when buying shoes online, she recommends ordering two sizes or options to see which one fits best and then returning the other one.
As a general guideline, Feeley says you want something cushioned for running and flats for weight training, but if you’re looking for one pair of shoes that can do it all at the gym, Feeley (and other experts) recommend buying a cross-trainer, hybrid sneaker, or a general universal shoe that can be used for everything from the elliptical to the leg press.
Elijah Parker, physical therapist assistant; Decolonizing Fitnessalso likes cross-training shoes. “My biggest considerations are budget and the versatility of the shoe. I might spend a little more on a versatile training shoe because they’re pretty versatile,” Parker said. Gary SamsonHead Coach and Owner Philly Personal Fitnessechoes a universal sentiment about shoes: “Don’t overcomplicate it. Pick the shoes you’ll wear and get to work out.”
Of course, a universal training shoe should be a training shoe. Phil Nicolaou,trainer personal trainer philadelphiasay they want something that’s made for sports and activities. “We’ve seen customers hurt their ankles trying to wear regular shoes that don’t offer much support,” says Nicolaou. “If their everyday work shoes were designed for the gym, people would wear them more often.”
