You are there, the treadmill is waiting for you, the winter race outing is on the calendar, or your re-registration for your favorite group class has been signed. You are ready but notice that your equipment is dated or shows good signs of wear; it's time to go to the store for advice and select the pair of shoes you need. Here is a short guide to make sure you make the right choice.
(It should be noted that we are more than aware of the restrictions brought about by the current health situation. That said, the following article aims to offer you content likely to help you in your purchases; it goes without saying that what affects gyms and indoor sports activities will have to be traded for the moment for home training or outdoor activity sessions. Never forget: with good shoes, you can always indulge in a host of activities!)
How much to invest in your training shoes?
At the start, you should know that we are talking about regular practice when a sport is practiced at least three times a week. In such a case, it is important to have a more specialized shoe that will be made for the sport in question. It will thus provide adequate protection from impacts, will be manufactured to undergo the right movements and will allow you to avoid injuries.
A specialized shoe will be slightly more expensive than a multisport shoe due to the technological elements that go into it. Thick soles, carbon plates, bouncy foam, nothing is magic. It is the effective combination of technical components that will make your sports shoe your best ally.
For the price to pay for a sports shoe for adults, men or women, you should plan between $100 and $120 for multisport models and $120 and more for specialized shoes.
When to choose “multisport” shoes
The multisport shoe is suitable for occasional athletes as well as those who practice several different sports.
a multisport shoe provides foot and ankle protection during lateral movements; it is much stronger than most ultra specialized sneakers. This type of shoe is best suited for indoor sports but can be worn by some runners as well. Its structure offers reinforcements, so it is effective for those who practice aerobics or tennis.
Occasional or regular athletes?
As a general rule, the more the sport is practiced regularly, the more the shoes must be specialized, so we aim to wear shoes with a quality product.
Several types of sneakers depending on the sport practiced
For each activity or sport practiced its adapted shoe.
Spanish espadrilles
Timeless and accessible, running is always popular with young and old. The equipment required is basically limited to you and your feet! Don't forget to put them on properly.
It is important to seek advice in store if you want this seemingly simple but in fact quite complex sport to remain enjoyable and free of injuries, as these, once established, can remain.
The running shoe is designed specifically for straight-line travel. Beginner, intermediate or advanced, the goal is to feel comfortable as soon as you step into your shoe. If you are not injured, a winning strategy is also not to change characteristics too much in the new model selected.
And bref:
- A thin sole will give a better impression of contact with the ground but will increase the level of impact of the latter on your foot;
- A light shoe will give a great feeling of ease of movement but is not a guarantee of its quality;
- A minimalist shoe will be flexible and will promote the dynamism of the foot and its biomechanics;
- Key words: support and reinforcement, height difference and absorption; do not hesitate to discuss these elements with our dedicated and experienced teams.
Shop our different categories of sports shoes:
gym sports sneakers
The difference between running shoes and models designed for training may seem subtle. They will be of similar shape and some identical materials may return in their manufacture. Training shoes are versatile and suitable for exercise and strength training sessions.
The training shoe offers padding that offers much less cushioning than a running shoe and is evenly distributed over the entire sole. The heel will generally be lower and the sole flatter; thus making its contact surface with the ground larger.
The weight of sports sneakers in the gym is often a little heavier; their ability to resist lateral movement demands greater strength and durability.
Finally, the general support of the shoe must also allow multidirectional movements, so this aspect will be thought out accordingly.
Risks of using the wrong type of footwear
Simple details can sometimes create a lot of discomfort, sometimes expose you to injury. For example, the uneven sole of a running shoe used when lifting weights indoors will have the effect of making you feel unstable.
Similarly, running a long distance or even a marathon in training shoes carries the risk of severe pain. With your heels not getting the support needed for repetitive impacts on the ground, this could lead to nasty injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
The lifespan of sports shoes
In terms of wear and tear, using the right shoe when resuming your physical activities, whether you practice an indoor or outdoor sport, will allow you to make the most of the useful life of your equipment. Before your purchase, determine what activity you mainly indulge in, this will already be an excellent start to start your selection. If it turns out that your budget allows it, and if you practice two distinct sports activities, consider buying two pairs. This will limit their wear and benefit from increased comfort and performance.
