Have you committed yourself to getting in shape this year?
If so, you have a lot of work ahead of you. After all, dropping those pesky pounds and developing muscle tone doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a commitment to a serious fitness plan, a healthy diet, and the right equipment for achieving your exercise goals. This includes buying the best shoes.
But it’s important to remember that all athletic footwear is created differently, especially when it comes to cross-training shoes vs running shoes. That’s why it’s important to match your footwear purchases to your fitness plans. Fortunately, this article can help. Here we take a look at a shoe guide that will help you find the perfect footwear for your needs. Keep reading to learn more.
The Basics of Cross Training Shoes
Let’s start by addressing the question, “what are cross training shoes?” This is actually a strange name for an extremely useful and popular type of footwear.
A cross training shoe is designed specifically to provide you with multi-directional movement. You’ll also enjoy a wider range of motion than most other types of footwear can provide.
Cross training shoes also feature a flatter sole. This provides you with a tremendous amount of flexibility during your workout.
A huge advantage of investing in cross training shoes is the fact that they are designed to be an all-purpose type of footwear, for a range of activities from shooting baskets to lifting weights or attending a Zumba class at the local Y.
The Design of Cross Training Shoes
For the next part of our cross training shoes guide, let’s look at what makes this type of shoe special. Well, for starters, cross training shoes provide a ton of shock absorption in the heels. This makes them far more comfortable than the average pair of running shoes.
Plus, you’ll enjoy more cushion in the forefoot of your shoes. This is a design feature that is incredibly important for protecting your toes during a strenuous workout.
Cross trainers also feel firmer, which makes them ideal for activities like weight training where you need a solid foundation. The soles are wider than running shoes, so you’ll benefit from the extra support for lateral movement when you need to make sharp cuts during a game of hoops.
Cross Trainer Materials
Cross training shoes are typically built using materials that are more durable than running shoes. This allows them to take a lot of abuse without falling apart.
The materials used to manufacture cross trainers make them heavier, but most people consider the added weight a worthwhile trade-off given the extra comfort and durability, especially during tough workouts at home or the gym.
The Basics of Running Shoes
Now we will provide a running shoes guide so you can see what differentiates them from cross training shoes.
The basic definition of running shoes is a type of footwear designed to provide excellent heel-to-toe movement, extra cushioning, higher heel drop, and added support in the heel and midfoot.
One of the primary benefits of choosing running shoes over cross trainers is weight. That’s because running shoes are incredibly light, which really adds up when running long distances.
Keep in mind that every ounce matters. So the lighter the better.
Running shoes also offer increased breathability, which helps keep your feet cool on long, hot runs on asphalt surfaces.
Here’s a great resource for finding cool athletic shoes, so be sure to check it out.
The Design of Running Shoes
As we already mentioned, the vast majority of running shoes are designed to be as light as possible. This includes every aspect of the shoe from the sole to the upper. That’s why mesh is always a primary material used to reduce the amount of heat generated during a run.
The fit of your running shoes will make a huge difference in both performance and comfort. This is why you need to focus on finding shoes that provide the proper foot width, room in the toe box, and arch support.
Fit is especially important for long-distance runners who spend a lot of time on the road. Keep in mind that uncomfortable shoes can quickly make for a miserable experience after only a few miles.
Running Shoe Materials
Most serious runners look for shoes that are both durable and comfortable, yet as light as possible. This can be tricky.
The best running shoes on the market focus on comfort and weight in order to provide the highest level of performance.
That’s why mesh is a key ingredient for both breathability and weight concerns. But the material used for the sole is also incredibly important. That’s because the sole provides the only material that separates your feet from the road. Thus the sole needs to be made from material that is durable yet provides a tremendous amount of quality padding.
The key to finding the best running shoes to meet your needs is to chat with an expert at your local running store or online.
The Best Shoes for Your Lifestyle
Choosing the right shoes for your lifestyle can be challenging. The key is to first assess your favorite activities and then match your shoe choice to your fitness goals. This is obviously a personal decision, but chatting with a fitness instructor could help point you in the right direction.
A Guide to Cross Training Shoes vs Running Shoes
There’s no denying the importance of staying in good physical condition when you’re wanting to be as healthy as possible. Fortunately, this guide to understanding the differences between cross training shoes vs running shoes will help ensure that you choose the best footwear making the most of your time at the gym.
This blog is an incredible resource for finding the information you need to improve your overall quality of life. Continue exploring the content in our library of articles to find more useful tips and advice.
