We are living in the middle of a pandemic, and the best thing we can do to keep our body and mind safe is through proper diet and exercise. To keep ourselves protected from the deadly virus, we must work on our immunity and keep our heart and lungs safe. Of all workout regimes, weight training and cardio are the most effective ones. Cardio exercises improve endurance, and weight training increases metabolism while burning fat from the body. You deserve only the best workout gears for your strict workout routine to perform the exercises effectively and comfortably. The shoes are the essential workout gears as they provide essential support for your feet while exercising and keeps you safe from injuries. To get more effective results, you must include best shoes for weight training and cardio, a proper diet and adequate rest with your exercise routines.
Why should you use specific shoes for weight training and cardio?
There are many kinds of shoes out there to choose from. Generally, running or walking shoes are not suitable for exercise routines. These shoes are made specifically for running or walking. However, manufacturers make shoes for weight training and cardio exercises. As weight training and cardio demand more endurance from the user, the shoes must be capable of holding that much pressure. Usually, the best shoes for weight training and cardio have different heel height than running or walking shoes. Plus, these shoes are equipped with elevated soles. Most importantly, your feet go through a lot while weight training and cardio, so the shoe must be durable and strong enough to support your feet.
Is there any difference between weightlifting and a cardio shoe?
Both weight training and cardio shoes are designed to provide maximum comfort and support for your feet. Even though they work similarly, the user shouldn’t confuse these two types. There are a few subtle differences that set the two apart.
Things to consider before buying shoes for weight training and cardio:
Whether you’re into shoes for weight training or cardio, your feet deserve only the best shoe to perform the exercises effectively and comfortably. Before jumping into the wide range of options out there, you must consider a few for a smart buying experience.
Heel height: This is the most crucial factor while choosing the right pair for you. Generally, the best shoes for weightlifting come with an average heel height of .75″. Shoes with the right heel height allow the user to perform varieties of exercises with ease.
Type of heels: Traditionally, weightlifting shoe heels are made of leather or wood. Nowadays, these are made of plastic material which makes the shoe more durable than wood or leather.
Soles: The elevated heels of weightlifting shoes are connected with their flat soles. Fitness experts suggest using sturdy soles over well-cushioned ones.
Lacing: A good pair of weightlifting shoes must be secured by laces. It gives you the freedom to loosen or tighten up your shoe for a better fit.
Material: The upper body of weight lifting shoes can be made of different items. But it would help if you considered a stretchable shoe and durable enough to provide comfortable support.
Now that you’ve learnt so much about the mechanisms of weight training and cardio shoes, it might not be tough for you to choose. But, wandering through the pool of options available in the market, it’s hard to find the best shoes for weight training and cardio can be a tricky task. But after checking numerous products and comparing them alongside, we’ve narrowed down the five best shoes for weight training and the five best shoes for cardio to help you choose the right pair for you.
Which one to buy?
5 Best weightlifting shoes
Reebok Men’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer
We all know Reebok is a pioneer in sports and fitness equipment. The Reebok Men’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer tops our list for its incredible performance. This product is crafted with 100% percent synthetic material. Plus, the outsole is made of rubber. This shoe is a low arch variant and equipped with a toe box. The upper is made of Flexweave material that provides durability and flexibility. This men’s weightlifting shoe features abrasion-resistant RopePro in the outsole for enhanced performance.
Nordic Powerlifting Shoes
As the name suggests, this made for powerlifters and weight trainers. Thi shoe features a newly-added 1.4″ heel to help you achieve optimal lifting posture. The upper of the shoe is made of high-quality cotton mesh that offers a comfortable fit. This shoe is a laced variant that allows the user to tighten and loosen up according to their preference. Also, it offers an additional Velcro strap. Additionally, this shoe is made of rigid anti-slip material that provides excellent stability.
Adidas Men’s Powerlift.3.1
Adidas is another trusted name in the sports world. The Adidas Men’s Powerlift.3.1 pair of a weightlifting shoe is made of synthetic leather, making this product more durable than its counterparts. It comes with removable insoles, making it easy to clean, and a rubber sole that provides excellent support on the ground. This pair provides extra comfort with its extra-wide design. Plus, it showcases a wide mid-foot strap. The high-density die-cut wedge midsole provides a sturdy grip on the ground.
Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 335 Weightlifting Shoes
The Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 335 weightlifting shoe is an excellent choice for weightlifters. The upper is made from synthetic material, which makes them highly durable. This laced variant allows the user to adjust this shoe according to their comfort. Plus, it also provides an adjustable hook and loop mid-foot strap. This shoe boasts forefront flexibility and overall stability. Additionally, this pair is equipped with sticky rubber on the outsole for better grip and a plush padded for better comfort.
Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoes
The Otomix Stingray Escape weightlifting shoes are made of polyester material with leather touches. This shoe is very lightweight compared to its counterparts. Plus, it features a relatively thin outsole that provides excellent grip over hard surfaces. The heel is made with precision to provide a comfortable posture for weightlifting. This shoe can also be used for MMA, boxing, and judo. This shoe is easy to clean because of its synthetic materials. Plus, it makes the shoe more durable and flexible.
5 Best Shoes for Cardio
Nike Men’s Metcon 2
The Nike Metcon 2 tops our list because of its fantastic performance in the gym. This shoe is an ideal choice for cardio exercises. Plus, this shoe features all-mesh uppers. The outsole is made of rubber material that makes this shoe lightweight. The newly-added Flywire cables, along with laces, allow the user to adjust the shoe as per their preferences. This product is a low-arch variant. The specially designed flat heel allows the user to grip over the surface easily. Plus, this product is durable and flexible.
Reebok Men’s CrossFit Sprint TR Training Shoe
According to its performance, the Reebok Men’s CrossFit Sprint TR Training Shoe is a bit pricey but worth every penny. This shoe is made entirely of synthetic materials. This feature makes this shoe easy to wash and more flexible. The in-built high-quality rubber sole increases its overall durability and traction. This laced-up variant is easy to adjust. The anti-friction lining helps reduce the moisture, which keeps your feet dry and cool. This shoe comes with a thin sole which provides the user with a better grip over any surface.
Mevlzz Men’s Casual Athletic Sneakers
The Mevlzz casual cross trainer is a perfect choice if you are looking for cardio and running shoe. This product is a perfect choice for runners looking for ankle-length support when running on the track. The comfortable uppers are made of knitted materials. It provides excellent breathability and keeps your feet cool even after a long cardio session. This shoe provides comfortable padding. The newly designed midsole provides excellent stability. The specially engineered outsole provides a bouncy stride for enhanced comfort.
Saucony Men’s Guide 8 Running Shoe
The Saucony Men’s Guide 8 Running Shoe is an excellent choice for you if you are looking for a running shoe used as a cardio trainer. The shoe is entirely made of synthetic materials, making this shoe durable and flexible. Plus, it is easy to wash. This product weighs around 9.9 ounces which makes it one of the most lightweight shoes in its category. The Powergrid full length cushioning provides a comfortable experience. The outsole is made of XT-900, which makes this shoe flexible.
Adidas Men’s Alphabounce Cr Cc
The Adidas Men’s Alphabounce Cr Cc cross-training shoe is the last shoe on this best cardio shoe. This shoe is entirely made of synthetic materials. This shoe is a low-arch variant. Plus, it is provided with premium cushioning for extraordinary comfort while working out. The in-built Climacool technology provides a 360-degree cooling effect for the entire foot. Additionally, the upper I made of mesh materials for breathability. The Adiwear outsole increases flexibility and makes the pair durable.
