let's talk shoes

[lainabaina]

ok, if any of you can relate...I have been a group fitness certified instructor since the early 1990's. back in those days we would go to those big workshops & you would get a pair of aerobics shoes. I remember how much I loved that! LOL

i haven't taught regularly in a few yrs, but I really need some new shoes, especially ones for workouts like Drill Max, HiIT & the MMA's. i look in the stores every time i take my boys for new shoes but everything looks like a running shoe now. do they still make cross-trainers?

what do you recommend, brand & where to buy?

 

[MelanieC]

The only brand of cross-trainers that has worked for me is New Balance.

I did have to try many brands though - Asics, RYKA, Nike (can't remember the others). The shoe store was always good about taking the shoes back that didn't work (I would only try them out once/twice indoors).

Its a very personal thing though, so what works for one person won't work for the next.

 

[AYLE09]

My favorites are Ryka and UnderArmour. My feet are a bit on the narrow side so Adidas and New Balance don't work so well for me. I will wear Nike's, but I think the other two brands have better support while doing high intensity.

 

[psusoccer17]

I am having a terrible time finding a new pair, I really need a "high" top sneaker for ankle support but all the ones I have tried from zappos either hurt my ankle, have no lateral support or are downright uncomfortable. I wish they still made the enlight or n gage sneakers, if anyone knows where i can find either of these shoes still please let me know. Good luck finding a pair you like.

 

[lisa_la_machina]

I love Zappos

My current favorite shoe is the Ryka Assist XT2. In previous threads, this is the shoe Cathe says she uses so I thought I'd give it a try. The shoe has a wide toe box, cushioned heel, and my orthotics fit perfectly inside.

Whatever you decide to buy, I recommend shopping at Zappos if you aren't sure what brand or style you want. The return policy is unbelievably long (365 days), customer service is helpful, the shoes ship quickly, and shipping is free. So you could order a few pair, give them a gentle test drive, and settle on the shoe that works best for you (and ship the others back for free). I remember the days when you used to be able to try on cross trainers IN the STORE, but the stores in my area only carry running shoes nowadays.

 

[NinjaMom]

I agree that shoes are a personal thing and what works for one person may not work for another. That said, I have always used Ryka aerobic shoes for Cathe workouts and Asics for running but recently purchased my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers and have become a convert. They are awesome for all my fitness workouts (step, kickbox, stength....) and I'm slowly getting into running with them as well. It just feels more natural and my shoes are not dictating how I should be moving anymore.

 

[nkhansen1]

I get all my shoes from Road Runner Sports.com. They have lots and lots of x trainers. It's about the only place I can find them.

 

[lainabaina]

I am having a terrible time finding a new pair, I really need a "high" top sneaker for ankle support but all the ones I have tried from zappos either hurt my ankle, have no lateral support or are downright uncomfortable. I wish they still made the enlight or n gage sneakers, if anyone knows where i can find either of these shoes still please let me know. Good luck finding a pair you like.

found this one today http://store.ryka.com/product81.html

i'm used to the mid-tops, too

 

[lainabaina]

My current favorite shoe is the Ryka Assist XT2. In previous threads, this is the shoe Cathe says she uses so I thought I'd give it a try. The shoe has a wide toe box, cushioned heel, and my orthotics fit perfectly inside.

Whatever you decide to buy, I recommend shopping at Zappos if you aren't sure what brand or style you want. The return policy is unbelievably long (365 days), customer service is helpful, the shoes ship quickly, and shipping is free. So you could order a few pair, give them a gentle test drive, and settle on the shoe that works best for you (and ship the others back for free). I remember the days when you used to be able to try on cross trainers IN the STORE, but the stores in my area only carry running shoes nowadays.

thx, looked on zappos today & these look good. thx for letting me know they're roomy in the toe box & I have orthotics, too. i checked the ryka site, too.

 

[*~Jessica~*]

found this one today http://store.ryka.com/product81.html

i'm used to the mid-tops, too

I am seriously thinking about buying these studio mid flex shoes! they seem to be a bit cheaper here at the main site ( for now anyway). I never purchased shoes on line before and am a lil leary. BUT, I have the rykas assist and LOVE those so I am hoping that these will be just as nice. I just need a lil bit more support around the ankle and judging by what ppl are saying, these work real well! thanks for the post, it gave me just the push I needed to break out my credit card and order, haha

 

[horsing around]

Zappos!

I buy all my workout shoes from Zappos. Their return policy is very easy. I've already had up to 4-5 pair at one time trying to find that perfect fit. About the time I find something I love, they discontinue it. I'm currently using Ryka Studio Flex Low for aerobics, kickboxing, etc and have Sofsole inserts in my them. For my treadmill I use Brooks Adrenaline. On 2nd pair for both shoes!

 

[maddiesmum]

thx, looked on zappos today & these look good. thx for letting me know they're roomy in the toe box & I have orthotics, too. i checked the ryka site, too.

I tried this same Ryka Assist shoe just before Christmas and it was truly awful and went straight back. My usual size that I buy in a Ryka was enormous on me, the next size down didn't fit properly. I did not have enough cushioning, not as much as my previous Ryka hi top studio sneakers, and little to no lateral support. The toe box was way too roomy. Overall, a disaster.

So yes, you have to try on several different styles and brands to find what suits you.

Clare

 

[cataddict]

I agree that shoes are a personal thing and what works for one person may not work for another. That said, I have always used Ryka aerobic shoes for Cathe workouts and Asics for running but recently purchased my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers and have become a convert. They are awesome for all my fitness workouts (step, kickbox, stength....) and I'm slowly getting into running with them as well. It just feels more natural and my shoes are not dictating how I should be moving anymore.

I just checked out their website---they are some strange looking shoes, but I am really intrigued by them. How do you find them for support/cushioning? I've got some foot issues so that's why I'm asking. Have you done high impact workouts in them (like Cathe's Intensity, for example)? TIA.

 

[NinjaMom]

I just checked out their website---they are some strange looking shoes, but I am really intrigued by them. How do you find them for support/cushioning? I've got some foot issues so that's why I'm asking. Have you done high impact workouts in them (like Cathe's Intensity, for example)? TIA.

Yes, they are strange looking shoes....LOL! Since they are supposed to mimic being barefoot, there is little to no support or cushioning. But after reading a lot about VFF's and the belief that traditional shoes weaken our feet and force us to move in a restricted manner, I too was intrigued. I tried on a few different styles and found the Bikila fit the best for both running and other fitness workouts. It is recommended to start slowly with them as the muscles in your feet & legs adjust however, I wore mine to do just the step part of Intensity and I felt so good, I ended up doing the whole workout with no issues. It just felt more natural along with better balance and feeling more connected to the way my body is supposed to move. I was also able to jump higher and only felt slightly vulnerable during lateral movements. That is no longer an issue now that muscles in my feet, ankles & calves have strengthened. Hope that helps!

 

[cataddict]

Thanks, Judi, yes that helps. I think I will look into trying these.