The right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your physical fitness journey. Working out in a pair that’s ill-fitted or uncomfortable not only impacts your comfort and range of motion, but can also make you less likely to maintain your commitment to working out regularly.
Are you in the market for a new pair of training shoes? Today, we’re diving into how to choose the right pair and why it matters. We’ll also share a few of our top picks to help you get started!
What Are Training Shoes?
Training shoes are just like running shoes, right? Not quite.
Running shoes are specifically designed to protect your feet and joints as you pound the pavement. These are designed to facilitate forward movement, with built-in supports to cushion the impact of the repetitive movement. You might purchase running shoes for marathon training, or simply to enhance your at-home running workouts, including treadmill exercises.
On the other hand, training shoes are designed for multi-directional movements, especially lateral (side-to-side) ones. One difference between running and training shoes is that the soles on these shoes tend to be flatter than the ones you’ll find on a running shoe.
This is referred to as a lower heel drop, which measures how much taller the heel of a shoe is than the forefoot. Flat sole training shoes are more flexible and can accommodate a wider range of motions, including:
- Jumping
- Stopping
- Cutting
- Breaking
In addition, it’s also easier to change directions quickly in a training shoe, making them ideal for fast-action sports like basketball. For this reason, many women choose to make training shoes their go-to gym shoes. Whether you’re lifting weights, running on the elliptical, or working on your cardio, a training shoe will deliver the support and flexibility you need.
You can also incorporate training shoes into your everyday lifestyle if you prefer. For instance, can you wear training shoes for walking? The answer is yes, as long as you’re just walking casually. If you plan to log long distances in your shoes, then it’s best to find specially-designed walking shoes that are more cushioned and provide a higher level of support than typical trainers.
How Do You Choose the Right Pair?
There are many options on the market in a wide range of different styles and fits. This might leave you asking, “how do I pick the right workout shoe?”
As you try on different training shoes, it’s important to pay attention to the way each one fits. It should have a flexible midsole to support all of your movements, as well as a lower heel drop that makes it easier for you to push off the ground and pivot.
If you have any type of specific foot needs, be sure to keep these in mind as you shop. For instance, if you have wide or flat feet, look for shoes that are specially designed and sized to accommodate your feet and keep them comfortable as you train.
The same applies if you have high arches. You may need to find a training shoe that has high arch support, as well as features like adjustable closures that allow you to customize the fit so the top of your foot doesn’t feel too tight.
Once you’ve found a brand and style you like, it’s time to think about how you’ll use the training shoes in your workout. Look for pairs that are lightweight, easy to transport, and easy to put on. This will make it easier to incorporate them into your daily fitness routine. Finally, search for styles that meet your personal aesthetic! Don’t be afraid to rock bright and bold colours to inject a little personality into your fitness wardrobe.
Top Picks for Training Shoes
Now that you know what to look for in a training shoe, it’s time to start shopping! Which gym shoes are best for women? Let’s take a look at a few of our top women’s training shoes, all available online at Walking on a Cloud.
New Balance WX711SB3 Navy Cross-Training Shoe
The New Balance brand has long been synonymous with cross-training. For years, they’ve created gym-ready shoes that offer peak performance and excellent agility. The New Balance WX711SB3 Navy Cross-Training Shoe is no exception.
This training shoe is lightweight, featuring soft, synthetic padding around the tongue and heel. It also includes the brand’s trademarked Cush+ technology and imprint foam around the heel and collar, as well as Forefoot Flex Grooves. These touches reduce pressure and add cushion and support to every movement, helping you exercise longer and more comfortably.
Other standout features include:
- Durable synthetic upper and sole
- Shock-absorbing traction
- Adjustable laces
- Stylish, no-sew overlay on the upper
The navy and pink colorway is neutral enough for everyday wear but still fashion-forward and eye-catching. This is a solid pair from one of the industry’s most well-known brands.
R Evolution Sportec12 Grey Pink Perforated Slip-On Bungee Sneaker
R Evolution makes sneakers that are ideal for hitting the gym or running errands. The brand’s Sportec12 Grey Pink Perforated Slip-On Bungee Sneakers are easy to slip on and off thanks to a pull tab at the heel and feel great on your feet all day long.
These training shoes feature a textile perforated upper and bungee-style laces, ensuring a perfect fit every time. Special features include:
- Durable, lightweight rubber outsole
- Built-in flexibility
- Stable, shock-absorbing traction
- Microvelour/Drysport interior lining
If you’re looking for a training shoe you can take to and from the gym, this pair is a great pick. In addition to the gray and pink colorway, this model is also available in all black.
New Balance WXCTRLB1 Black Fresh Foam Cross-Training Shoe
Another favourite from New Balance: the WXCTRLB1 Black Fresh Foam Cross-Training Shoe is designed to provide the support, stability, cushioning, and multi-directional traction you need to perform any workout at the gym.
While some trainers can be too flat, this pair features the brand’s Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. Precision-engineered to be ultra-cushioned and lightweight, it will keep your feet comfortable for long stretches of time. Other features we love include:
- Knit/synthetic upper
- Solid rubber outsole
- Engineered mesh
- TPU external heel stabilizer
This pair is available in a black, indigo, and “moon dust” colorway that goes with everything and always looks sleek.
New Balance WXAGLPM2 Pisces Cross-Training Shoe
When you’re working out, you need a training shoe that’s lightweight and flexible but also features excellent traction to keep you from slipping and sliding. The New Balance WXAGLPM2 Pisces Cross-Training Shoe more than fits the bill.
This pair is included in the brand’s beloved FuelCore Agility line, which is specifically designed to optimize cross-training performance. The performance lace mesh upper is tightly woven for excellent support, but surprisingly breathable and comfortable on foot.
This shoe is meant to support quick, lateral movements, built with New Balance’s Rapid Rebound foam that offers more return than standard performance foam. You’ll also find two different foam densities in this shoe, with one designed for underfoot cushioning and the other for step support.
Other features include:
- Odour management treatment
- Rubber outsole
In addition to the trainers listed above, we also offer a wide variety of women’s shoes in lots of different styles, including running training shoes, casual shoes, boots, and more. Feel free to shop our online collection today and contact our team if you have any questions!
