Need a new pair of shoes for the gym -- any recommendations?

[rdawson808]

I looked for a similar question but didn't see anything, so I thought I'd ask.

I currently have two pairs of general cross-training shoes, both of which I'd like to replace. I need something that I can wear to the gym for lifting, rowing, and using the bike, elliptical trainer, and treadmill. You know, general work-out stuff.

And I'd like something light-weight, maybe with a mesh upper to keep it light.

I'm looking at this from Nike and will continue my search; but I'd love to hear some recommendations if you have any.

(The jury seems to be out on minimalist shoes and plantar fasciitis so I don't think that is a good option.)


thanks,
b

 

[fuji]

Nike frees i guess? I'd just buy a pair of converse for lifting and whatever running shoes you find comfortable for running.

 

[whiteslashasian]

I use those silly Vibram Five Fingers... I love the barefoot feel, close to the floor, perfect for lifting and I use them on some light jogging and sprint intervals at times too. Really helps build up your feet and legs and helps to enforce a better running form; no heel striking!

New Balance Minimus is a good, less nerdy looking alternative.

 

[forbritisheyes]

Honest to God, Buy a pair of Barricade II's and purchase good orthotics for your flat feet. I have flat feet too. Tennis shoes are phenomenal for everything, considering the fact that tennis is demanding in lateral movement. These shoes are heavier than other tennis shoes you'll find out there, but it suits my taste. I you read the reviews they last FOREVER in tennis(at least the first several releases did), if you play 1-2x/week for <2hours. You will not wear out this shoe easily doing what you are doing. The shoe is deep and goes above your ankle, so it feels very secure.

Your other option is getting legitimate weight lifting shoes.

 

[rdawson808]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I suppose there's little consensus and it's just what you like individually. I'll just go try some one and see what's what. I did find a pair of New Balance on the same last as another pair of their shoes of theirs that I have and love.

b

 

[the_drizzle]



I use those silly Vibram Five Fingers... I love the barefoot feel, close to the floor, perfect for lifting and I use them on some light jogging and sprint intervals at times too. Really helps build up your feet and legs and helps to enforce a better running form; no heel striking!
New Balance Minimus is a good, less nerdy looking alternative.

+1

VFF are the way to go. There's a few good minimalist options from other companies as well: http://www.newbalance.com/nb-minimus/

 

[Gus]

For the gym, I get the lightest, most compact ones possible. That way when I travel, they take up less room in my carryon. But, if you plan to be out of the gym and hiking or walking a lot with them, then go for comfort and stability.

 

[g12528]

if your going to be doing squats and deadlifts go for a flat soled shoe that does not compact under pressure

 

[Bradford]

I just bought a pair of the Nike Lunar Edge 13 training shoes...

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-436399/pgid-436397

They fit great, are extremely comfortable and according to Nike, "An aggressive, multi-surface traction pattern makes this shoe ideal for fields as well as gym floors. Exercises like planks and push-ups can cause excess wear and require extra traction on the toe of your shoe, so this trainer features durable rubber that wraps the medial side of the toe. Plus, quick turns are made easier with a pivot point in the forefoot."

 

[forbritisheyes]

I just bought a pair of the Nike Lunar Edge 13 training shoes...
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-436399/pgid-436397
They fit great, are extremely comfortable and according to Nike, "An aggressive, multi-surface traction pattern makes this shoe ideal for fields as well as gym floors. Exercises like planks and push-ups can cause excess wear and require extra traction on the toe of your shoe, so this trainer features durable rubber that wraps the medial side of the toe. Plus, quick turns are made easier with a pivot point in the forefoot."

This can be good, but all proper tennis shoes offer "pivot points" due to the necessity of quick latitudinal movement. Plus, heavy, reputable tennis shoes will probably last longer and are better for multipurpose.

 

[Lagrangian]

as said earlier, that cushioning is NOT what you want in a shoe you're going to lift in. That is, if you bought that **** for lifting.

 

[whiteslashasian]



as said earlier, that cushioning is NOT what you want in a shoe you're going to lift in. That is, if you bought that **** for lifting.

I see some bodybuilder types lifting in their socks (usually against gym rules but they are rarely enforced) to avoid any sneaker sole compression issues when lifting heavy.

The VFF's sole is only a like 3.5mm thick and will not compress at all. Perfect for lifting. Used them with for my workout last night which included snatches and thrusters.

 

[Lagrangian]

oh crossfit nvm

 

[Bradford]



This can be good, but all proper tennis shoes offer "pivot points" due to the necessity of quick latitudinal movement. Plus, heavy, reputable tennis shoes will probably last longer and are better for multipurpose.

He didn't ask for tennis shoes, he asked about shoes for use in the gym and he specified that he wanted something lightweight, with a mesh top.

I see some bodybuilder types lifting in their socks (usually against gym rules but they are rarely enforced) to avoid any sneaker sole compression issues when lifting heavy.
The VFF's sole is only a like 3.5mm thick and will not compress at all. Perfect for lifting. Used them with for my workout last night which included snatches and thrusters.

VFF's look stupid.

 

[fuji]

He really should get 2 pairs. One for running and one for lifting. I suppose he could wear nike frees or some other minimalist shoe, but most people would be better of with a traditional running shoe.