Sneakers - how to choose the best and not overpay. How to choose the right sneakers for all occasions? Selection of sneakers

29.08.201817:56

Sports are in trend now. That's all today more people, regardless of gender and age, chooses intense sports activities. Health promotion, beautiful fit figure and, as a result, self-confidence and great mood- this is just a small part of the bonuses brought by constant training. And to get yourself into excellent physical shape, you need excellent sportswear, pardon the pun. And first of all - the right shoes. Therefore, the question of how to choose sneakers remains relevant and is important for every athlete.

Having decided to go in for sports, or simply having an active lifestyle, a person faces a dilemma - which sneakers to buy so that they are comfortable and serve faithfully for a long time. Experts advise purchasing high-quality sneakers from, this is where you can find models for all occasions.

We emphasize that it is recommended to choose any model of sneakers in evening time. By evening leg naturally it swells a little, and properly selected sports shoes should not put pressure on the foot.

When buying comfortable sneakers for walking or running, it is advisable to choose a model that is 1 cm larger, provided tight fit to the ankle. The fact is that during intense physical activity, such as cross-country running, the runner's leg moves according to the law of inertia. In this situation, the toes rest heavily on the toe, so the most comfortable sneakers should have a reserve for the big toe.

The key criteria for choosing sneakers include the following parameters:

• Comfort – the legs should be as comfortable as possible;
• Right size‒ remember that sneakers should not dangle or squeeze on your feet;
• Material – sneakers must “breathe”;
• Rigid fixation of the ankle;
• High quality product;
• The ability of the model to withstand heavy loads.

To understand which sneakers are best, you should test them in the field, that is, try them on and perform several exercises. When trying on, you must follow simple but tactically sound rules to help you choose the right sneakers.

To make an appropriate choice, you will have to work a little, because “you can’t pull a fish out of the pond without difficulty,” and in our case, you won’t choose the best option for sneakers. We have compiled for you the Top 10 rules for choosing the ideal sneaker model.

Rule No. 1 "You definitely need a supply"

Sports shoes should have a reserve of approximately half a size; this, by the way, is strongly recommended by professional surgeons and orthopedists. What does this look like in practice? There should simply be a distance of about 1.5 centimeters wide between the toe of the model and the end of the big toe. It is easy to check this gap with your thumb; its width will correspond to the specified one.

Rule No. 2 "Ideal Form"

High-quality sneakers should tightly fit the transverse arch of the foot, the so-called “arch,” as they say, “tail to neck.” It is worth emphasizing that this tightness is the original characteristic, even with loose laces or loose lacing, without any tightening.

Rule No. 3 "Heel in place"

When deciding how to choose the right sneakers during fitting, be sure to pay close attention to the heel. Feel free to walk around the sales floor while trying it on; if the heel is too “forced”, then you should give preference to another model.

Rule No. 4 “Don’t forget about socks”

You should try on sneakers with socks on. It's best to wear the ones you're used to jogging in. And if you use special orthopedic insoles, then also don’t forget to take them for fitting. These, if I may say so, “accessories” will help you choose the right good sneakers. So that you don’t feel painfully sorry for your legs or money. Because you cannot know in advance what kind of socks the store employees will give you; it is even possible that the proposed store option will skillfully hide the shortcomings of the model, which will emerge only after the purchase.

Rule No. 5 "Running Man"

Before choosing sneakers, you should find out a number of important indicators, such as:

• distance;
• pronation;
• running style.

Only after a detailed clarification of your specific features should you go to the store prepared. In this case, you will know how to choose running shoes with the necessary cushioning and support to ensure maximum comfort while running.

Rule No. 6 “Knowledge is power”

Of course, when choosing sneakers, the buyer pays attention to the appearance and color of the model, but in no way should you forget, and accordingly, you should definitely take into account the individual anatomical features of the foot structure.

Therefore, before going to the store and trying them on, you need to know your personal pronation in order to choose and purchase the most comfortable sneakers. What does the term "pronation" mean? Just turning movements of the lower extremities inward, so to speak, the “amplitude” of the legs. By the way, today the notorious pronation can be determined in many specialized sports stores with the help of a consultant.

Rule No. 7 "Evening is wiser in the morning"

This is how it’s worth rephrasing fairy-tale folk wisdom, because when deciding which sneakers are best, you should try them on in the store in the evening. At this time, blood rushes to the legs, which means the lower limbs naturally swell. In practice, a slightly swollen state will give a better idea of ​​how you will feel after prolonged use. physical activity, which will allow you to make the optimal choice of sneakers.

Rule No. 8 "Appearances can be deceiving"

When choosing good and high-quality sneakers, give preference to the convenience and functionality of the model rather than an attractive appearance. This parameter is secondary. You should walk and run in them, not be photographed on the cover of a magazine.

Rule No. 9 "No Borders"

Don't focus only on "gender" shoes. Often young ladies ask consultants to select sneakers exclusively from the women's assortment, and men only from the men's arsenal. But if a woman is happy with wide feet, then it makes sense to try on models for men. And representatives of the stronger sex with narrow feet may come women's options. Moreover, such universal shoes as comfortable sneakers are often designed in a “unisex” style, equally suitable for both men and women.

Rule No. 10 "It's never too late to come back"

After trying on, but before making a purchase, be sure to check the rules governing the return of shoes. You may come home, put on new clothes and feel that something is wrong. For example, sneakers don’t fit as comfortably on your feet as you thought in the store. Therefore, it is important to know how to quickly and easily return a pair in such a situation in order to choose sneakers of a more suitable size or model.

By following these simple but effective rules of selection and fitting, the buyer is likely to purchase the most comfortable sneakers, which will be indispensable when running or walking, providing a high level of comfort and excellent well-being.

Having chosen and tried on the model you like, you should carefully visually inspect it to ensure that you choose high-quality sneakers. We focus on the following points of visual inspection:

• degree of accuracy in applying glue;
• evenness of the lines on the model;
• availability and quality of lacing;
• absence of a strong odor;
• size data;
• the presence of an information sticker indicating the materials used: for the sole, as well as what the outer and inner parts of the sneakers are made of;
• information about the country of manufacture, indication of the model brand.

If during the inspection at least one information point is missing, then it is better to abandon the chosen model in favor of better quality sneakers. If you successfully pass the superficial “face control”, you should begin a detailed study of sports shoes.

We check the presence of an instep support. It protects the ankle joint from premature fatigue. The instep support also provides the necessary prevention of the development of all kinds of problems with the foot and the musculoskeletal system of the body as a whole.

Please note that there is a removable insole inside. It will keep your sneakers in proper hygienic condition, eliminating unpleasant odors. The removable insole can be dried and, if desired or necessary, replaced with an orthopedic analogue.

Check for a soft edge in the ankle area. It will minimize the possibility of chafing and avoid other discomfort during use.

With a quick visual inspection, you are convinced that the glue is applied evenly and neatly, but it is still worth noting that it may move slightly due to temperature changes. So the best option- this means choosing sneakers that are both glued and stitched at the same time.

Don’t be lazy, especially carefully, even scrupulously, study the material from which the shoes are made. Of course, high-quality leather sneakers for active pastime or sports activities are an excellent choice. And here are the models from artificial leather‒ a dubious pleasure, or rather continuous problems: legs do not breathe, low shock absorption, inability to withstand loads, discomfort, etc. When deciding which sneakers to buy, the “leatherette” option shouldn’t even be considered.

On the contrary, models made from progressive high-tech synthetics have proven themselves to be very good sneakers. They are in no way inferior, and sometimes even superior, to their leather counterparts. The innovative material is able to provide excellent air exchange inside the model. When checking the quality of the manufacturing material, to make sure which sneakers are better, you should conduct a small but effective test. You just need to press your index finger on the toe area for five seconds, if the resulting indentations are leveled out immediately, then this model is worthy of your attention.

When choosing comfortable sneakers for every day, you should focus on the sole. The shallow and dense relief will provide the necessary level of comfort. Following the instructions and recommendations on how to choose the right running shoes will help you make the best choice for the perfect model.

Distinctive feature The modern market has an impressive range of product lines. The shortage has sunk into oblivion, and the time has come for an abundance of goods. The variety can amaze the buyer's imagination. On the one hand, this is, of course, wonderful, because a wide selection will allow you to find exactly your model, but, on the other hand, in order not to drown in a sea of ​​sports shoes, you need to clearly understand why you plan to purchase sneakers. Depending on their purpose, the range of sneakers can be divided into two broad groups: everyday wear and products for specific sports.

First, let's look at running shoes. They differ from the rest in improved stabilization and increased level depreciation. In addition, they feature a reinforced heel with a flexible and lightweight forefoot. The sole can be grooved or zigzag. This provides a high level of safety, protection and convenience. Due to stabilization, the runner’s leg does not fall over while running on hard surfaces, but is fixed exclusively in the correct and safe position.

Shock absorption technology protects joints and reduces stress on the spine. By the way, good running shoes have minimal weight. The models are lightweight due to the use of advanced, highly functional materials in production. Let us remind you that it is better to choose running shoes that have a bit of free space in the front. Compliance with this condition will avoid calluses and microtrauma of the nails.

Walking sneakers are a little heavier than their running counterparts. Their feature is a corrugated hard sole and a fairly soft upper, as well as circular stitching and a rubber toe.

Arch support plays an important role in walking shoes. It protects the foot and prevents flat feet. Let us emphasize that you should not purchase running shoes for walking. These two athletic shoes are designed to suit specific physical activities.

The priority in running shoes is to give the foot freedom of movement, while when walking, on the contrary, the emphasis is on fixation. If there is not enough support, it is very easy to twist your foot during a fast step.

Each type of sports exercise implies its own specificity and load characteristics. With the help of well-chosen sneakers for the gym, you can effectively compensate for them so that the likelihood of injury is minimized. During active training, the following key shoe parameters become of strategic importance:

• excellent breathability;
• low weight of the model;
• seamless special design.

Modern high-quality sneakers for the gym must meet the listed parameters. This will give not only a pleasant feeling of comfort, but also high athletic performance.

First of all, fitness models are characterized by a thin rubber sole, characterized by a fine tread pattern. They should have excellent shock absorption. The internal presence of air cushions will effectively reduce the load on the joints and feet during intense sports exercises. The manufacturing material must be of the highest quality. Fitness sneakers should be breathable, durable, but at the same time flexible. You need to feel complete freedom of movement in them.

The quality of training directly depends on sports shoes. Special sneakers for CrossFit have characteristic features. These include:

• Solid sole. To maximize the use of strength from all muscle groups, the feet need to be planted firmly on the surface.
• High quality grip. In CrossFit sneakers, the soles should not slip in any way.
• Tight fit. The model must fit closely to the foot.

It’s worth noting that sports shoes are not appropriate for every dance style.

First of all, dance sneakers are indispensable during hip-hop classes. The requirements for the models are quite high, because a considerable load falls on the feet. Home distinctive feature The shoe for dancing has a separate and extremely shock-absorbing sole. These characteristics will ensure complete freedom of movement for the foot, which is so important in dance.

Weightlifting shoes are special weightlifting sports shoes designed for deadlifts, kettlebell lifting and barbell work. When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Heel. It should have a lifting height of 3-7 centimeters. The presence of a heel reduces the load during squats with a barbell on the ankle.
• Material of manufacture. The best option is considered to be rawhide, which has an increased density; accordingly, excellent fixation of the athlete’s foot is observed.
• Sole. It is better to opt for a model where the sole is both stitched and glued. As a rule, weight lifters have a multi-layered platform, which means that it is almost impossible to properly glue or stitch it. But the “symbiosis” of glue and hard threads will provide a high level of fixation, which is so important during an approach with a barbell. Remember that the weights on your legs should fit snugly and have a comfortable level of lift.

These models belong to the everyday group. They are easier to choose than, for example, sports sneakers. The main focus here is on convenience and external aesthetics. Do not forget that walking models should absolutely not be used for exercise in the gym, otherwise you may get injured.

Sneakers are the leading type of footwear for sports. Although the latest fashion trends are such that modern girls even Wedding Dress manage to combine with sneakers. Today, these shoes are worn not only as part of a sporty style; sneakers are in harmony with dresses and classics. It's bold, fresh and comfortable.

Sneakers are not shoes, but a lifestyle. Bright, dynamic and excellent. If you want to be successful, athletic, healthy and agile - choose the right sneakers! For all occasions.

The widest range of sports shoes from various manufacturers often causes confusion among buyers. How to choose sneakers so as not to be disappointed in the purchase and not to regret the money thrown away? These shoes are very specific, so you shouldn’t focus only on appearance. There are many other important criteria that must be taken into account when purchasing suitable equipment.

The main differences between models for men and women

Women's and men's sneakers, like all other clothing, differ from each other. The exception is unisex models designed for daily use. Despite the fact that these sneakers can even be worn for long walks, they are not intended for sports.

Features of models for women:

• bright colors (men's sneakers are less often decorated with colorful patterns);
• due to the structural features of the foot, in order to avoid dislocations and rubbing, women’s lasts are much narrower;
• additional heel height avoids damage to the Achilles tendons;
• use of more elastic material;
• women usually weigh less, so the shock absorption of shoes should be softer;
• insoles, laces - durable, but less massive;
• The mark in the form of the letter W will definitely not allow you to make a mistake in choosing shoes.

Purpose of purchase

Choosing sneakers is not an easy task: running shoes are not suitable for playing basketball, fitness shoes are not the best option for regular walks.

Shoes for everyday wear should be light, ankle-length, have a raised heel, a fairly rigid textured sole, and a mesh breathable upper. An important point to consider is fashion trends.

Sneakers for long walks should be well cushioned, firmly fix the ankle joint, and protect the toes and heels from impacts. It is better to choose a waterproof upper for these shoes.

Running places its own demands on shoes: low, dense soles, even, precise seams, and the absence of unnecessary decorative elements. Shoes should not be heavy, but not too lightweight.

Strength training requires a hard sole and a dense, reliable heel. Leather sneakers fit your feet well and help you maintain balance, which is important for such activities.

A curved heel, excellent shock absorption, non-slip hard herringbone sole, foam inserts around the ankle, leather or mesh upper are the criteria for choosing sports shoes for playing volleyball.

For tennis, it is better to choose ankle-high sneakers, with an unusual pattern on the sole (zigzags or dashes) to prevent slipping, socks with rubberized inserts that protect the toes from impacts, a lightweight leather upper and soft foam inserts.

Fitness will help relieve tension, relax muscles, feel healthy and energetic. Accordingly, properly selected shoes should help with this. The ideal option is leather with mesh inserts, high or medium height models, firmly fixing the ankle joint, flexible thin sole, narrow back, wide toes.

Good basketball sneakers should be stable, have a rigid and relatively thick sole that provides good grip on the surface, have excellent shock absorption, and firmly fix the foot. Which sneakers to choose - high, low or mid - depends on the functions performed by the player.

What does a visual inspection tell you?

Selection of sneakers in specialized boutiques – correct solution, since in addition professional advice sales consultants, there is a guarantee to purchase high-quality reliable shoes, and not cheap fakes made in a homemade way.

The first look at a pair of sneakers will tell you a lot. For example, the absence of laces, torn or uneven stitching, glue splashes throughout the product, a pungent unpleasant synthetic smell, the absence of a sticker with information about the material (sole, upper and inner part), lack of size, country of origin should cause a hint of doubt in the buyer.

Inspection of individual parts

Each shoe consists of an upper with tongue and laces, insole, arch support, midsole, outsole and tread.

The top can be different: leather, fabric, made by combining artificial leather with synthetic materials. If sneakers are purchased for everyday wear, it is worth remembering that even the most quality models Made from premium breathable mesh, they look fabulous in the colder months. In addition, a person wearing such shoes will feel cold and uncomfortable.

Shoes that combine several materials at once look beautiful: for example, elements from genuine leather with synthetic mesh. Foam inserts will add comfort and softness to the shoes, reflective strips located on the sides will protect the owner while walking in the dark. Rigid elements on the upper are only allowed in the heel area.

There are different types of laces: elastic ones are easier to secure shoes on the foot, round ones are easier to untie than flat ones. The insoles of branded sneakers (removable and non-removable) should provide reliable support for the foot, prevent slipping, and have good ventilation and absorbency. The presence of a soft arch support will prevent flat feet and leg fatigue.

The midsole prevents deformation of the main sole under high loads, and the presence of cans filled with compressed air significantly increases elasticity. The tread serves for adhesion to the surface: a rubber porous sole with all kinds of indentations is suitable for uneven surfaces, a more even ribbed one is suitable for smooth and wet ones. Rubber pads, attached in the heel area, will significantly extend abrasion resistance.

General tips to help you choose the right sneakers

• active movements require more cushioning;
• the more prominent the surface, the higher the tread;
• the more movements, the stiffer the sole;
• a breathable upper will ensure good air exchange, models with a special membrane will combine “breathing” with excellent waterproofness.

The final touch - fitting

The comfort and safety of movement depends on which sneakers you choose. A correctly selected shoe size means no calluses, corns, bumps, protruding bones or deformed feet.

Tip: When choosing shoes, it is more important to know your foot size, not your shoe size.

A few rules to help you choose the right sneakers:

• size is the length of the foot in a relaxed natural state;
• try on each new pair of your size as if it were the first time;
• take your time - try on several pairs, including half sizes;
• Be sure to wear both sneakers;
• It is better to try on the socks that you are supposed to wear;
• socks should not be too thick;
• by the end of the day, the legs swell, so it is better to try on at this time;
• the insole in the toe area should be 5-7 mm larger than the foot;
• keep in mind that training shoes should be a few millimeters larger than usual;
• it is important to walk on a hard surface, as a soft one distorts the sensation;
• standing up on your toes, measure the distance between the heel and the heel, the index finger should fit freely;
• A run will allow you to feel if these are your shoes.

Shoes that are chosen in size, fit comfortably on the foot, made from high-quality materials in compliance with all existing standards - a 100% feeling of comfort and confidence, half the way to achieving high results in sports.

Choosing modern men's sneakers is also difficult because there are many companies and brands that offer their shoes to consumers. As a result, you can get completely confused about which sneakers are suitable exclusively for running, and which ones are great for everyday wear.

If you choose the wrong sneakers for every day, it can ruin your feet, especially in children and teenagers. Experts emphasize that during the day the optimal length of time to walk in these shoes is up to four hours. Excellent options for men's sneakers can be found on the website www.step.mk.ua.

About the features of choice

So, a specific model of sneakers is selected depending on where and when, how often the shoes will be worn. The entire load of the body during sports falls on the foot, and exactly which part of it is placed on, much depends on the specific type of activity.

For example, when playing tennis, the sneaker should support the foot on all sides. Therefore, shoes for this sport must have reinforced heels and flexible soles.

If you are buying running shoes, then the chosen shoes must be elastic. This is due to the fact that during running there is a forward movement of the foot and often running sneakers are light in weight (up to 400 grams), have a narrowed toe and a beveled heel.

Advice! It is best to choose running shoes for men that have air pockets under the heel, as well as a special pad of the foot. Air pockets are large cavities inside the sole that are filled with air. Thanks to such cavities, the sole greatly softens impacts.

If running is carried out on rough terrain, then you need to choose other shoes that will provide good grip on the ground. In such a situation, the sole must have a large tread.

Ideal for step aerobics high top sneakers. They perfectly fix the ankle and this helps to avoid the risk of damage to the ankle joint. Such shoes should be soft and, as when choosing running shoes, the presence of an air cushion under the toe is welcome.

If sneakers will be used for everyday walking, then experts advise paying attention to shoes with hard grooved soles and, at the same time, soft tops. It would be great if additional fixation of the ankle joint is provided through sneakers with high lacing.

Are there universal models?

Of course, if a person leads an active lifestyle, then often there is more than one type of sport and activity in his month. Not everyone has enough money in such a situation to buy sneakers for every occasion. In such a situation, you should take a closer look at universal models.

The universal model of men's sneakers has a rigidly fixed foot, it is advisable to have an air cushion under the heel and the sneakers should not be high.

Important! Nowadays, the amateur game of football is becoming more and more popular among men. Regular sneakers are not suitable for this sport; you need to buy boots that have special spikes on the soles.

Important requirements for sports shoes:
1 . Shoes should be the correct width so that your toes fit naturally.
2. Your feet will not sweat in leather sneakers; this is an important advantage.
3. If the sole of the sneakers is white, this indicates that the shoes are designed for working out in the gym.
4. When it’s hot outside, the leg swells and, as a result, increases in size. So, Summer shoes Not suitable for cold weather at all.
5. Velcro on sneakers is already a relic of the last century; preference should be given to lace-up shoes.
These are the main aspects to consider when choosing running shoes for men. Sneakers, no matter how much they are loved for their convenience and comfort, are still sports shoes. Orthopedists do not recommend wearing sneakers for more than four hours a day.

When buying shoes, especially sports shoes, it is important to decide on the size. How to choose the right sneaker size, how to measure your foot and what are the units of measurement?

With the spread of social networks, online shopping sites and the ability to pay for almost everything via the Internet, shopping for shoes, as well as for other items of clothing, has become less common. There is an increasing desire to buy online, but shoes are not as easy to choose without trying them on, like, for example, a T-shirt or accessories. Here you need to take into account many factors, one of the important ones is the size chart of each brand. All manufacturers may indicate sizes differently; even within the same company, sneaker lines will differ in terms of indicators. We will help you understand the features of sizing charts and tell you how best to choose sneakers.

How to choose your running shoe size

The key feature of sports sneakers is their shape, modifications and additional technologies for comfortable running, jumping or other activities. That is why sports shoes have their own separate size chart almost all brands. For example, running shoes from Asics should be selected in centimeters, since this is the only correct designation that will exactly match the size of your feet. Please note that foot measurements should be taken after the load on the legs, as the length and width will be slightly larger. Thanks to this small point, the sneakers will not rub or squeeze during direct use. In addition to the size itself, it is worth considering that there are also differences in women's, men's and children's lines. Even if a girl sees attractive small men's sneakers, she shouldn't buy them. Foot width, instep structure and changes in underfoot shape individual characteristics a man's legs will cause discomfort, and a person will no longer be able to fully devote himself to sports, feeling uncomfortable.

When buying running shoes, it is still recommended to come to the store and feel all the details of the shoe’s structure for yourself. In addition, it is important to understand how suitable the cushioning, toe and heel structure are for you. If you decide to make a purchase online, we advise you to take your time, carefully measure your foot by standing on a piece of paper and tracing your foot with a pencil. Place a ruler from the farthest point of the big toe in the figure to the farthest point of the heel, round to an even value, for example, if the size is 25.7 cm, round it to 26 cm. In any case, it is recommended to always add about 5 mm to your size. When choosing sports shoes, be sure to take into account not only the blood flow to the foot, but also the thickness of the sock; this can lead to the fact that you will need to take shoes 1 or even 1.5 cm more than the original result. Compare the centimeters indicated on the box with your measurements, you should not rely on the European system, and we will tell you why.

Choose the size of sneakers based on the insole

Most often, this is how shoes are selected, but there is a certain feature that needs to be taken into account. Manufacturers reserve the right to change the size chart depending on the shoe model. For example, the same size of sports and casual sneakers may differ. Often european sizes(EUR) do not match the real ones. This happens because the unit of length of the European measure is calculated by the so-called shtich, which should be equal to 6.7 mm. This is very long tradition, which not all companies currently comply with, so you can find sneakers that have the same size in the EUR system, but differ in the British, American and Japanese systems. It is very convenient that the Japanese shoe measurement (JP) is indicated in centimeters; thanks to such knowledge, you can compare the length of the leg with this parameter indicated. After all, there are times when there are no adapted tables on store websites. Therefore, for Russian buyers, the only correct and understandable measurement is in centimeters.

Remember that when choosing, be sure to focus on the tables of exactly the series of sneakers and exactly the manufacturer that you have chosen. Never change your Nike running shoe size to New Balance casual shoes. The sizes will definitely not match.

How to find out your sneaker size

We have already briefly described the simplest and most accurate method above. If you have known your size in the American or British measurement system for a long time, searching for shoes will become an easier task for you, but it is best to know the size in centimeters so that whenever possible you can check it in a specific table models. At the same time, always pay attention to such details as indicating the men's, women's, and children's line. There are also Unisex lines, in which the width of the foot is less important, so you can find sneakers for both genders. When choosing sports shoes, you should be more picky about all the parameters; you generally won’t find running shoes in the Unisex category.

By measuring your foot on the sheet and comparing it with the table of the line you like, you can easily buy shoes without trying them on in the store. But our advice is to still try to do this, because the time has not yet come when you can virtually try on shoes and immediately refuse delivery if the size does not fit. Until this is not possible, don't be lazy about spending time measuring, comparing, and reading specs when buying sneakers without trying them on. It is thanks to attentiveness that you can always have one or more perfectly fitting sneakers at home, which you didn’t have to take a step to purchase.

Sneakers occupy a special place in the wardrobe of a modern active girl. High-quality sports shoes turn training into real pleasure, protect your feet from injury, and look stylish and bright. Let's figure out how to choose the right sneakers without paying a fortune for them!

Before choosing a model based on color and design (which is what you want to do first), think about what kind of workouts you need shoes for. Will you be running, doing aerobics or going to the gym in your new sneakers? Gym. Major brands produce separate lines of each type of sneaker. They differ in the design of the sole, the materials used, and other parameters.

For running

Running involves significant stress on the joints and ligaments of the ankle. Accordingly, good running shoes have a number of features.

First of all, they must absorb the impact of the foot on the surface, that is, have good shock absorption. And it is ensured by a thick elastic sole. The harder the surface you are running on, the more important this criterion is. Most running models have elastic inserts under the heel. The best option is special thickenings under the heel and under the metatarsal part of the foot, that is, under the bone of the big toe.

Flexibility of the sole is also important, especially in the forefoot. When trying on sneakers, roll your foot from heel to toe several times. You will perform these movements regularly while jogging. The sole and upper part of the boot should bend easily in the right places, following the contours of the foot.

The abrasion resistance of the sole is also important. The criterion is important if you are going to run on asphalt. This issue is often solved by adding inserts of a denser material to the toe and heel portions of the sole surface.

The heel portion of the boot upper may have rigid elements to stabilize the foot. This is not necessary, the main thing is that the sneaker fits perfectly on your foot. That is, the foot should not dangle from side to side.

The upper part of running shoes is made of fabric materials. Running in leather or rubberized sneakers will be hot and uncomfortable.

If you are going to run in the gym, choose the lightest, breathable model. For jogging outside in cold, damp weather, you should prefer an option with a denser upper material. You won’t be able to kill two birds with one stone - light, thin materials quickly get wet, but remove excess heat well. And denser moisture-resistant fabrics will not allow your feet to breathe fully.

When choosing a size, leave a margin of 3–4 mm. That is, there should be a small space left in the toe box. If your big toe rests on the front of the shoe, it can cause nail injuries when running. That is, you will have to forget about a beautiful pedicure.

For aerobics and group training

In many ways, these sneakers are similar to running models. They should have good cushioning, be light and comfortable.

An important criterion is the flexibility of the sole and good ankle support. Mobile group training involves not only relatively monotonous steps, as when running, but also active movements from right to left, turns, jumps, climbing steps, etc. That is, the variability of movements, and, accordingly, the risk of injury increases.

Therefore, when trying on a model, bend your ankle to the right and left, try to push to the side, feel how well the shoe fits on your foot.

There are special models for dancing. Their peculiarity is that the sole is divided into two parts - the heel and toe. And in the middle part of the foot the sole is very thin. This provides maximum flexibility to the boot.

For the gym

When choosing sneakers for strength training in the gym, you need to be guided by completely different criteria than for running shoes.

What is important here is not shock absorption (you won’t be jumping with a barbell and dumbbells), but maximum stability of the foot.

The sole of sneakers for the gym should be smooth, without pronounced thickening under the heel or toe, and relatively thin. The bottom of the heel should be wider than the top. When lifting weights, your feet should be horizontal and stable.

Choose a thin and breathable upper material - you definitely won’t freeze in the gym, but you can easily sweat.

It is also important that the sole does not slip and has good grip on the surface.

For yoga and gentle fitness

Many trainers encourage their clients to do yoga, Pilates or stretching without shoes at all. But this will not always be comfortable for everyone. Compromise option– shoes with tight non-slip sole and open fingers.

When choosing shoes for soft fitness, the principle is this: the thinner and less noticeable a sneaker or slipper is on the foot, the better.

Thin flexible sole, light elastic upper fabric. Shoes should allow you to freely bend your foot in any direction without slipping off your feet.

Some yoga models have additional ties or elastic bands for a soft fit on the leg.

For walking around the city

Everything is very simple here. Shoes should be comfortable and match your clothing style. You can choose both sports and walking sneakers. Leather and rubberized models will save you from dampness, insulated winter ones made of suede and dense fabrics will allow you not to freeze in the cold, and light and bright summer models– will cheer you up during the warm and sunny period of the year!

How not to overpay?

I will not advise anyone to buy sneakers for training on unverified Chinese sites or choose little-known manufacturers. Famous brands value their reputation and strive to produce high-quality and comfortable shoes. Another thing is that such shoes are always expensive. So what to do?

The answer is simple - buy sneakers during official promotions and sales. For manufacturers, this is a good opportunity to increase customer loyalty and stir up interest in the brand, and for fitness enthusiasts - to get high-quality sports shoes at a reduced price.