What Type of Shoe Should I Wear for Exercise?

You need to determine what shoe you will wear based on what type of exercise you will be doing. I often sing, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!” and call myself Mr. Rogers because I am constantly changing my shoes based on which class I will be teaching.

When I teach dance

I wear athletic dance shoes for my dancing classes because they have very little tread and a flat circular spinning portion under the ball of the big toe so when you twist and turn it is smooth and less stressful to the knees. A cross trainer is often what we recommend. 

When I teach a high impact class

Running shoes and aerobic shoes are great for exercise with impact because they have good shock absorbers. The running shoes are heavier and the aerobic shoes are lightweight. I personally like to wear running shoes during classes such as kickboxing/step/TRX because I see it as a slight challenge of added weight.

What if I can only afford one pair?

Cross training shoes have great heel and toe cushioning with good lateral support which makes them versatile to many activities. If you’re involved in an exercise program with multiple types of workouts, or you’re part of a gym that provides lots of activities, go with the cross trainers.

What about the new “toning” shoes?

Toning shoes are meant to create an unstable surface, keeping you off balance to work more stabilizing muscles while walking.

They would not be recommended for running or step aerobics, where the lateral support is important for ankle and knee safety. Other than the shoe manufacturing industry, the limited outside research finds there is no significant difference between a toning shoe and a regular athletic shoe in its claim of effectiveness.