what type of shoe do you wear for step?

F

Fach

Cathlete
What type of shoe do you wear for step? I have tried running shoes and trainers. I can't seem to find the light weight aerobic shoes of last decade. So many of the running shoes made these days seem bulky and thick for quick stepping moves. I have really wide feet so finding a good shoe is tough. Anyway.... what type of shoe works best for you?
 
I have become absolutely addicted to Asics running shoes. I have wide, flat feet & these shoes are like wearing pillows. They make my Rykas feel like combat boots (sorry Cathe :p ), and I have tried pretty much every different Ryka shoe out there, also have tried a variety of Nike & Avia. They were all uncomfortable to some degree & my feet & ankles would cramp after about 15 minutes of step.

Nothing has come close to the Asics when it comes to comfort. My current favorite:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/6634378/c/50335/g/women/s/6/w/1.html

Oh, also I always order a half size up to allow for room for socks & my wide feet. ;-)
 
I've been wearing these relativelyl inexpensive Reebok cross-training sneakers... think I got them at Models... and I really like them for step. I couldn't imagine using my Nike Air running shoes for step... they've got a really big toe box for me, and I think I'd trip right over the step.
 
It's funny that you ask this question since it has been on my mind too. I am tiptoeing my way into step workouts and started doing Low Impact Step about 3 weeks ago. I found myself wondering why I did not hear Cathe and the crew's feet when they step on the step but I sound like an elephant. :7 I thought that maybe they just edited the sound out but I have also thought that it may be my shoes. I have the cheap Champion brand from Payless. They are really good for walking around in comfort but not for aerobic exercise. I've been on Ebay searching and even tried on a few pairs at several department stores. I don't like the Avia's as they tend to run small. I normally wear a 7.5 Med. shoe with plenty of room for my socks. The 7.5 Wide Avia's were tight with no socks on! It is hard to find a good aerobic shoe and I am uncertain if a running shoe is a good substitute. I am glad for the Asics recommendation since I am sorely in need of some direction in this department.

Tracey
"Where there's a will, there's a way."
 
I like Asics running shoes and Saucony running shoes. They both are light weight and have enough width in the toe box for me, which other brands do not.

MissL
 
Ryka didn't work for me either. I've got the wide Fred Flintstone feet too so it was a challenge to find something that fit well and were lightweight. When I was out replacing my indoor and outdoor athletic shoes I bought Sauconys for running. I loved them so much for running I bought their cross trainers for stepping. They are very light and are mostly made of a meshy material on top so my feet don't get so hot. However, I still sound like an elephant when I step :7
 
TK,

May I ask you how different the Saucony cross trainers are than their running shoes--at least as far as stepping goes? Are they a lot better for stepping? I have always worn running shoes for stepping and aerobics b/c they seem to have more cushioning. I really like the Saucony's for that reason (well, that and the width thing), plus they have the little inset (or cutout) in the heel that helps distribute the weight better. Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

MissL

Shop 'til you drop, then buy shoes . . . .
 
Hi MissL! The cross trainer has less tread than the running shoe. There's just as much cushion on the cross trainer but it's a smoother sole. I've never been able to use running shoes for stepping. It seems like I am more likely to trip because the running shoe sole wants to 'stick' to the step.

I just weighed each of them (seriously - LOL) and the cross trainer appears to be about an ounce lighter. That's not too significant but I was just curious!
 
TK,

Thanks much for the info. I will definitely check into the crosstrainers. I hadn't noticed any problem with my shoes sticking to the step but often we don't notice those things until they don't happen! I might find Cathe's workouts to be easier with the right shoes, do ya think?

MissL
 
MissL - It was per shoe. So two ounces for the pair. If you add up all the steps you take in a normal step routine, just think of all the pounds you're not putting up on that step! }(
 
Yep, another Asics running shoe girl here too. From running my toenails are squished in any other shoe, I need that extra room in the toebox. (after having the dreaded black toenails, I love the Asics!!)
 
I find the irony about Ryka is that they claim to be made for women's feet, but not if your women's feet are wide. Apparently Ryke doesn't think those of us with wide feet need shoes made for women.

That's my gripe with Ryka.

Ssan L.G.

P.S. My step shoes are New Balance 608s.
 
>I find the irony about Ryka is that they claim to be made for
>women's feet, but not if your women's feet are wide.
>Apparently Ryke doesn't think those of us with wide feet need
>shoes made for women.

Needless to say being from a family of women with tiny feet (except for me) I got a lot of ribbing over the years about my big wide feet. I'll always used to tell them that 'it takes a larger foundation to hold up a cathedral than it does an outhouse'.;)
 
I love the Ryka Enlight II's the best, then the Ryka N-Gage shoes. I find that they are the best on the market- well at least for my feet. :)
 
I currently have Rykas but wore New Balance for years prior.

I haven't found my "dream" aerobics shoe and don't know if I ever will...

I used to buy expensive aerobic sneakers but now that I am running and need to buy good shoes for that, I really can't afford to spend alot on both pairs so I have toned down the bucks on the aerobics shoes. It's fine though cause they still do thier job well enough for me. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top