Instruction: How To Choose Sneakers For Different Types Of Training

Strength training and crossfit

Denis Sychev

Founder of the PMP mono studio network

For strength training, sneakers need solid shoes so that the feet do not walk in them. This is a kind of "shackle": you should feel that during squats or deadlifts with a barbell with large weights, you are firmly on your feet.

In order to squat with a barbell on my shoulders, first of all, a reliable fixation of the foot is important to me. Weightlifting shoes, which are now featured in every sports brand, are perfect for this story.

Puma Jaab XT © press service

I also personally love the Puma Jaab XT sneakers. This model is inspired by boxing and is ideal for training and everyday use. This pair has a lightweight supportive midsole, rubber overlay, and a zoned rubber outsole engineered to support multi-directional movement. With a pair like this, you'll be ready for maximum performance in any situation.

Maria Evdokimenko

Sports Marketing Specialist, Reebok

If you prefer heavy dumbbells and barbells, you will need shoes to help you stay stable. Reebok's Legacy Lifter with a weighted rear outsole will do the job brilliantly, and the optimal heel-to-toe load distribution will help you squat and clean with confidence.

Crossfit requires a shoe with a flexible yet durable upper, a soft enough outsole for running exercises, and good lateral support. In the Reebok line, this is the Nano model, its latest version to date is the eighth.

Legacy Lifter and Nano by Reebok © press service

Functional training

Daria Savelyeva

Founder of Booster Workout studio

When choosing sneakers, first of all, you need to look at the functionality of the model, take into account what type of training and for what athlete it is designed: a beginner, an amateur or a professional. For interval training, the trade-off between cushioning and lightness is important to me. I have enough running experience to afford the lightest shoe with the least amount of support and cushioning.

Puma DEFY TZ © press service

Strength training shoes should primarily provide a high level of foot support and traction. Aerobic and fitness shoes should be well cushioned, have a flexible sole, and minimal weight. In my opinion, the Puma Defy TZ model is perfect for fitness. The ProFoam midsole provides responsive cushioning, while the rubber midsole provides agility.

Maria Evdokimenko

Sports Marketing Specialist, Reebok

Among the Reebok models there are sneakers that are suitable for combined loads: training on simulators, light jogging, circuit and speed workouts. These are Speed TR Flexweave and Flexagon Force. The first ones are distinguished by high stability and good grip; you can do almost anything in a fitness club.

Reebok Speed TR Flexweave © press service

The latter have a very flexible sole that instantly reacts to all movements. This is especially felt during fast and abrupt rearrangements in different directions.

Daria Brygina

Nike Training Club coach

The Nike Metcon Flyknit 3 training shoe is one of the most comfortable pieces in the Metcon line, featuring a stretchy, breathable Flyknit upper and updated collar. A concealed outsole and hard rubber in the heel provide durability and stability for high intensity workouts.

Nike Metcon Flyknit 3 © press service

Walking

Maria Evdokimenko

Sports Marketing Specialist, Reebok

Softness, lightness and flexibility are the top three qualities of a good walking shoe. Long walks are hard to imagine without elastic cushioning. The Reebok Ever Road DMX Slip-on is especially noteworthy for its DMX technology, which moves air in the outsole from toe to heel with each stride, making it feel like you're walking on waves.

Reebok Ever Road DMX Slip-on © press service

Running in the hall

Denis Sychev

Founder of the PMP mono studio network

Absolutely not worth running in strength training shoes, we need a result, not a meeting with a traumatologist after 10 kilometers of running in uncomfortable shoes.

When exercising on a treadmill, I choose sneakers that will follow the shape of my foot. These pairs are made of lightweight, breathable materials and have good shock absorbing qualities. I love the Puma Hybrid Rocket sneakers. This shoe features a midsole with two innovative features: the foam material provides superior cushioning and cushioning while returning energy to help you run faster.

Puma HYBRID ROCKET © press service

Olga Smirnova

Trainer Nike Run Club

Running in the Nike Free 5.0 has a natural feel. You will feel better under your feet thanks to the thin, elastic sole and will develop and strengthen the muscles of the feet, which is necessary for every athlete. The pair is suitable for everyday activities on the treadmill and for short runs up to 3 km.

Nike Free 5.0 © press service

Daria Savelyeva

Founder of Booster Workout studio

Sneakers for running are chosen based on many parameters: individual foot position, running technique, type of surface on which you plan to run, and taking into account the degree of cushioning required. I highly recommend going to a specialized store for running shoes. Depending on the area of use, it is worth paying attention to the weight of the sneaker: trail running shoes will be heavier due to the stiff sole and protectors, and, for example, marathons for high-speed running should be as light as possible.

Puma HYBRID NX © press service

I do jogging and interval training in our studio - alternating cardio sessions on a treadmill and strength and functional exercises with small equipment, and therefore I prefer the Puma Hybrid NX sneakers. This pair has a high level of cushioning and energy return. Reliable for everyday running, these shoes allow you to get the most out of the gym and the outdoors with a molded heel for extra support.

Running on the street

Maria Evdokimenko

Sports Marketing Specialist, Reebok

The main task of running shoes is to compensate for the stress on the joints, knees and spine. This is why their outsoles are usually made of lightweight foam that cushions well. If you are going to run outdoors, such as on tarmac, Forever Floatride Energy sneakers are worth a look. Their key quality is a powerful return of energy when pushing off the ground. The outsole not only softens the shock load, but, like a spring, pushes the runner up and forward.

Olga Smirnova

Trainer Nike Run Club

The Nike Pegasus 35 FlyEase features revolutionary FlyEase technology. There are no traditional laces in this model: the construction combines Velcro and all-round zip, which allows you to take off and put on sneakers in one quick motion. The mesh upper, soft foam midsole and Zoom Air unit combine to make this pair the perfect choice for urban mid to long-distance runs.

Elena Kalashnikova

Athlete, CCM in the Marathon distance

To choose a pair of sneakers, you must immediately decide: what distances you will run in them and on what surface. For example, I have training in the stadium and in the arena, where I run fast. This requires a shoe that is lighter and stiffer than for long, quiet runs, where cushioning is important. For mountain runners, trail shoes are a must.

Manufacturability plays an important role. For me personally, this is a guarantor of safety and convenience. For example, a tech outsole should cushion better, and this is a very important condition for a runner, since we get a large shock load (160-180 steps per minute, imagine how much is obtained in at least a 30-minute run), and if the sneakers cushion well, then the legs will be intact.

Marathon

Olga Smirnova

Trainer Nike Run Club

The Nike Epic React Flyknit 2.0 was designed with the needs of runners of all skill levels in mind. A minimalist, breathable Flyknit upper conforms to the shape of your foot for perfect support, durable Nike React midsole provides a soft, responsive midsole, and a molded heel is combined with incredibly responsive cushioning and stability. This pair is suitable for short, fast runs as well as marathons and long workouts.

Elena Kalashnikova

Athlete, CCM in the Marathon distance

In competition, the weight of the running shoe is important for runners: it is usually the lightest shoe. We run with this weight the entire distance, step by step. Training shoes for slow running can weigh up to 300 g, and competition shoes are not heavier than 170-200 g. At long distances, towards the end, each gram is felt on the foot. Due to their low weight, special shoes are less cushioned and fail quickly: the resource of heavy sneakers can reach 700–1000 km, and competitive lightweight shoes are unlikely to withstand more than three marathons.

The technical lacing and upper of the sneaker always guarantee comfort. There are now running shoes that give an increase in speed at specific distances. It’s easy to tell the difference by running in some kind of sneakers and then in good running shoes. However, I do not advise you to run in sneakers.

Boxing

Maria Evdokimenko

Sports Marketing Specialist, Reebok

It is better to practice jabs, hooks, uppercuts and punching a punching bag in shoes that are specially designed for this. The Reebok Boxing Boot Buck is perfect. They will provide reliable support for the ankle both during technique grinding and during sparring in the ring.