Are Fitness Shoes Worth It?

by Jeri
(Hawaii)

Killer Body by Fitness Shoes or Structured Fitness Plan?

Killer Body by Fitness Shoes or Structured Fitness Plan?

Hi Monica,

Lately the buzz around my office has been about different types of fitness shoes that are supposed to keep you fit. A few names I've heard are Kangoo Shoes, Skechers, Shape Ups, etc.

These coworkers don't work out consistently on a regular basis but when they do workout (mostly walking) they're looking for ways get the most of their walking.

I wanted to know what's your take on these types of shoes. I just find really it difficult to justify their prices ($100-$200+). Thank you.




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Are Fitness Shoes Worth It?

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starstarstarstarstar 		Fitness Shoes or Barefoot Training with Vibram Five Fingers
by: Monica

My favorite is the Reebok ad featuring a girl wearing short shorts. Most women want a butt and legs like the ones in those ads but with little to no exercise. They can keep dreaming! Wearing a fitness shoe a couple of times a week for walks isn't gonna cut it especially if they have tons of cellulite. That requires diet changes and a structured fitness plan.

Exercisers who are consistent will actually benefit more from a less supportive shoe or no shoe at all. Shoes that work your feet can really alter your posture and contribute to dysfunction and injuries as explained in the awesome video below. You can also find tons of expert opinions and studies over at MSNBC.

Barefoot training forces your feet to work, improves balance and stability, and all this helps your body burn more calories and fat. I rarely wear shoes for workouts and often ask clients to remove their shoes too.



Check out my barefoot training and barefoot exercise tips post for more cool info and videos.

If you decide that barefoot is for you then Vibram Five Fingers offer extra protection and have the same feel as being barefoot but they're very expensive and not necessary if you train indoors.

My shoe of choice if I had to wear one while training would be the Nike Free Run Running Shoe.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Now I want to get rid of my shoes
by: Jeri

Hi Monica,
I can't believe I didn't notice you not wearing shoes in your videos (I guess I've just been so focused on making sure I follow the proper form).

Would it be a problem if I just stop wearing shoes all together during my workouts or do I need to "ease into it"? How about when I'm on the elliptical?

I guess it's the runner's mentality all these years of wearing cushioned shoes...although I have been reading about overcushioned shoes possibly leading to injuries.

It never amazes me how I'm always learning something new from you.

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starstarstarstarstar 		LOL
by: Monica

I felt the same way you did but kept seeing the trend grow and then I started running barefoot in aerial dance class and it just happened naturally.

I eased into it slowly. First with strength workouts then with bodyweight intervals that included a few high impact intervals and now I just go barefoot all the time unless I'm training outdoors. For outdoor workouts I wear my adidas supernovas (very little support and very flexible).

I don't think I'll ever be as crazy as Erwan Le Corre who runs barefoot on gravel, rocks, and boulders or John Sifferman who ran barefoot on ice in one of his videos. Ouch!!!

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