Whether you’re starting a new workout program, or you’re already married to your soulmate workout, one very important part of exercising is your shoes. And, I’m not just saying this because I have a major shoe addiction. Shoes really can make all the difference in your workout. The wrong shoe can result in an injury, like the very common plantar fasciitis. The right shoe, on the other hand, can make your workout much better and help you stay injury-free.
People continually ask me what shoe is best for their workout. While I can’t give a specific answer because everyone’s needs are different based on the shape of their specific foot – and I don’t recommend a particular brand for everyone – I will give you a few pointers on the best type of shoe for my programs and similar workouts as well as some things you’ll want to avoid.
Recommendations for Workout Shoes
For a cardio kickboxing program like Turbo Fire that involves a lot of side-to-side movement and optional plyometrics, you’ll want a shoe that provides support for lateral movement and impact. Basketball shoes or cross trainers are both good options. Choosing a shoe with great arch support and forefront cushioning can help you have a safe workout and avoid plantar fasciitis.
While the barefoot running shoes are incredibly popular at the moment, I would take caution when using them for a program with a lot of lateral movement and impact. Oftentimes, people feel they can jump higher and go harder with a shoe like this because they are so light. However, the support is minimal, and it is very likely you could end up with an injury or plantar fasciitis.
Overall, be picky with your workout shoes. When doing lateral movement and impact exercises, be sure to get a shoe with lots of support. Everyone’s foot and needs are different, and so is every brand. Be open to trying a few different kinds to find the one that is best for you.
I have the hardest time finding a good fitting workout shoe. I have wide feet. So far the only one that I have been able to wear is the ASICS Kayanos 15’s, 16’s are there any others that you may know of?
I also have wide feet and have found that keen and Merrell have a wider toe box. Check those brands out and see if they have what you need.
I agree, you need to find the brand that gives your foot the right fit. Cross trainers seem to work the best for my type of workout. I keep my workout shoes by my workout equipment. They go on when I am ready to workout and come off as soon as I am done. I do not wear them around the house or outside. I think of them as being a piece of my work out equipment just like my weights. They also last longer.
thanks for sharing
New Balance makes the best wide shoes! Their 810 new crosstrainer also has this awesome foam and design that fights foot numbness! I love them!!!!
Thanks for sharing!
I want to find the brand shoes, whose Chalene wear in her “AB JAM” turbo jam video. They looks with many rounds in the back.It looks very good and I want it!
You are always wearing Nike in your videos. What style are those? I’m having a difficult time finding that type. Thank you for being so inspiring and motivating! I currently am doing Chalean Extreme and can’t wait to use that and Turbo fire together. Turbo fire is the BEST!!! THANKS!!
I recently am recovering from plantar fasciitis, it was horrible and felt like it was never going to go away. I heard you say on Snap that you use inserts, can you recommend a brand?
Thanks ❤️ You🙏🏼
Chalene I’m 4 weeks into your Piyo workout program and love it!! Quick question I’ve just got plantar fasciitis. Do you think Piyo is a safe workout whilst recovering from plantar fasciitis? Many thanks 🙂