If you’re committed to level-upping your health and fitness game in 2021, it’s not enough just to have the motivation.

You also need the right activewear that’s practical, comfortable and will enhance your performance — and this includes workout shoes.

After all, your feet and ankles need proper support, whether you’re walking, running or weightlifting. A good pair of sports shoes can also help you to avoid stresses, strains and injuries.

That said, here are 3 types of workout shoes every woman needs in her wardrobe — this year and beyond!

1.   Running Shoes

Firstly, running shoes are designed to protect your feet when they’re coming into contact with the ground repeatedly. They have a higher heel drop to provide added cushioning for heel-to-toe movement.

In fact, there are three types of shoes that are ideal for those who love to run as a form of exercise.

• Cushioned or “neutral” shoes are constructed for runners with high-arched feet. They have a midsole made of a foam material called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in the arch and heel. This is soft with varying density to mould to your feet.
• Stability shoes offer light to moderate stability for runners with an arch that may collapse during activity. They contain polyurethane material in the arch, and sometimes the heel, to provide more support for the flat foot type.
• Motion control shoes are ideal for those with a heavier body weight and flat feet. They have an outer sole made of carbon or blown rubber to offer maximum durability. There might be an extra stabiliser on the inside edge of the heel for more control.

To help you choose between the three, do  a “wet test” to determine the shape of your foot. This is where you wet your foot, step on a piece of brown paper and trace your footprint.

Alternatively, you can look at where your favourite pair of shoes shows the most wear.

2. Cross-Training Shoes

Cross-training shoes support a range of movement, making them perfect for many different types of workouts, such as:

• High-intensity exercise classes
• Outdoor boot camps
• Weight lifting
• Strength training
• Agility training

You can usually tell if a shoe is a cross-trainer by how flat it is. In other words, it has a shorter heel drop than running shoes, which is the distance from the heel height to the toe height.

Cross-training shoes are flexible, protective and have good shock absorption. They combine elements from different types of athletic footwear. For instance:

• They may have the heel cushioning of a running shoe to pad the balls of the feet
• They may have the lateral stability of a tennis or basketball shoe
• The forefront cushioning may be that of a volleyball shoe

To put it simply, their versatility makes cross-trainers a good, all-round gym shoe.

3. Walking Shoes

Lastly, walking shoes are a must-have for those who like to hike or go for long strolls. Whether in boot or sandal form, they provide stability through the arch, good shock absorption and a smooth tread.

Let’s unpack these one by one, shall we?

• Stability is particularly important given that you can often walk across uneven surfaces, therefore, most hiking shoes have a higher upper to support this
• Comfort and cushioning in the insole is also key to absorb shock from various impacts
• Good tread on the sole is imperative to keep your foot firmly planted on the surfaces you step on

If you have arthritis or pain in the arch of the foot, keep in mind that you might be better off getting a rocker sole. This will encourage your foot to roll naturally as you walk.

Investing In Different Types of Workout Shoes

As well as running, cross-training and walking shoes, there are other types of workout shoes you can try depending on your exercise preferences.

Be sure to invest in the ones you need to properly support your feet, elevate your physical performance and promote optimum health.