Best Hybrid Training Shoes For Fast Runs And Sprints
When assessing the best hybrid training shoes for faster runs and sprints Im keeping my eye on two key performance features. First, Im looking at a shoes energy return and how it feels when tackling more explosive movements.
Second, Im assessing the shoes overall comfort and responsiveness. For sprints and fast runs, youll typically want a shoe that provides you with an athletic fit that gives you more pop when digging into your forefeet.
What Makes A Good Running Shoe
The best running shoes for women are engineered for comfort, durability, and support for your specific gait and running style. Good running shoes are light and flexible, and their soles are engineered to absorb the impact of your foot striking the ground with each stride. Depending on where you run and how far you run , you’ll also want to consider varied types of sole grips, cushioning, and upper materials.
Which Shoe Brand Is Best For Running Shoes
There are a number of great shoe brands to choose from for the best running shoesit all depends on the style and support you’re looking for, as well as how often you run. Start your search with either leaders in all-around athletic gear or shoe brands that make running shoes and running shoes only. Frequent runners tend to prefer performance and racing styles by Hoka, Nike, On Running, and Asics, while more casual runners have found great running shoes at Adidas, New Balance, and Reebok, among others.
- Responsive cushioning
- Enhances speed
If your weekends are filled with 5K and 10K races, you’ll want this Nike running shoe close by. With a cushioned, aerodynamic sole and a flexible upper, these ZoomX Vaporflys are made for hitting PR after PR.
Runners say owning these shoes has led to some of their best races yet. “There was zero ‘break-in’ time with these, they felt perfectly conformed the first time I wore them,” one shopper says. “The knit is stretchy enough and breathable, and the design of the shoelaces keep them from untying.” Other runners note that the foam soles wear out faster than some other pairs, so you may be due for a replacement in a shorter amount of time.
Sizes: 512
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Community Choice: Converse Chuck Taylor All
Good for: People who want a reliable, inexpensive shoe with a stable base
Community Choice
- Canvas construction isnt very durable
- Theyre not the best for squatting
- Narrow through the midfoot
We asked our Home Gym Community on what their favorite training shoe is and while the No. 1 pick was the Nike Metcon 7, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star was a close second.
Honestly, I like our readers style. I mean, whats not to love about Chucks? You get a rigid outsole, great ankle support , and they look great so you can wear them in the gym and to dinner. Talk about versatility.
Some of our readers pointed out, and I agree, that Chucks arent the best pick for every lift, particularly the back squat. This is due to the minimal heel-to-toe drop, which is fine for deadlifts and other moves. The flat, thin midsole is another reason why these shoes are great for people who need to feel grounded during their workouts.
The shoes upper is made from canvas fabric, which isnt great from a durability standpoint but awesome because its breathable and flexible.
To put it bluntly, these arent the best if your workouts involve a lot of cardio. If youre just doing warmups, theyll hold alright, but I wouldnt do anything too competitive in them like sprints, or even burpees. On the bright side, theyre great for everyday use and should hold up just fine on long walks.
How Should Hiit Shoes Fit
I like to suggest sizing HIIT shoes similarly to cross-training and CrossFit shoes. That being said, opt for shoes that have anywhere from .2-.6 of space at the end of the toe box. This will usually be a good range for most athletes, lifters, and others interested in HIIT workouts.
Ideally, you want enough room in the toe box to not jam your toes when jumping, cutting, and doing other ballistic exercises, but not too much room to where youre sliding around and your heel is popping out leading to heel slip.
Everyones preferred HIIT shoe size will be slightly different and this is due to personal preferences and the vast differences between everyones foot anatomy. However, if you work within the suggested sizing range above, then you should be well on your way to finding HIIT shoes that fit really well.
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How I Test And Review Hybrid Training Shoes
To test training shoes that excel for lifting and running, I have two main performance categories that I keep an eye on and these include running and lifting a shoes thresholds for each.
When it comes to running, I assess the following:
When it comes to lifting, I review the following:
Once Ive identified these thresholds, I then dive into the shoes construction to better understand the materials used in the model. This can then suggest the shoes durability which can relate to the two threshold categories above.
Of The Best Workout Shoes For Women
If you have narrow feet, these Brooks Glycerin 19’s come in Narrow to fit your slimmer foot. They are cushioned with the brand’s DNA Loft foam, and also have a breathable mesh upper for more air flow.
Rave Review: “I now have 3 pairs of Glycerin 19 shoes…1 pair stays at work, 1 for home indoors and 1 for walking outdoors . Love them…they have so much cushion for the foot especially for the heel which I tend to have issues with. So walking on cement, wood floors, tile, tread mills are not a problem anymore!” – Julia H., brooks.com
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Best Training Shoes Of 2022
From driving them into the floor while doing squats, to gaining full flexion on sprints during cardio workouts, your feet do a lot of hard work while you exercise. So it makes sense you want to care for and protect them by find the best training shoe you can. To fitness newbies, it might seem silly to buy a special pair of shoes just for working out, but you’ll feel the difference once you put a pair on. As with anything, having the right accessories and gear can make a world of a difference.
Not every training shoe is suitable for all types of workouts though, as one might be better for running and another for supporting you as you power through that third set of burpees.
You don’t have to guess which one is best for which because the ACTIVE Reviews Team researched countless pairs to do the hard work for you. All you have to do is read on to find our top picks for the best training shoes for 2022, then choose the ones best-suited for your needs.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Training Shoes – Our Top Picks
- Best Training Shoes for Walking and Running:Salomon INDEX .01 Shoes
Best Training Shoes For Women Adidas Ultraboost 21
SPECS
- Key feature: Increased forefoot bending
- Drop: 10 mm
- Sizes: Women’s 5-11
For women who love walking or running, your best bet is the Adidas Ultraboost 21. Whats special about this shoe is its increased forefoot bending, so your stride feels more natural as your foot hits the ground. We also loved its level of cushioning, giving your feet the sensation of walking on a cloud. What more could a woman ask for?
The Adidas Ultraboost 21 is the latest iteration of the brand’s Ultraboost series, and it might be one of the best ones yet. Plus, it’s made with recycled materials, so you can feel good wearing it knowing no new plastics had to be manufactured. Not to mention there are more than 30 colorways, so youll be sure to find a design that works for you.
PROS
- More than 30 color options to choose from
- Cushioned design
CONS
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Top Pick: Reebok Nano X2
The Reebok Nano X2 is taking my top hybrid training shoe spot for lifting. You can train pretty heavy in the Reebok Nano X2 and they work decently well for shorter indoor and outdoor runs .
This shoe features Reeboks Floatride Energy Foam in its midsole and it has a full rubber outsole with a lug pattern. The blend of these two features helps give this shoe a nice responsive, yet fairly stable fit and feel.
I think the Reebok Nano X2 will work best for those that like to prioritize their lifting on a weekly basis, but also enjoy getting in some light warm-up and cooldown runs.
Another aspect that could be a benefit for some with the Reebok Nano X2 is that they have a fairly good width to them so they can work for wider feet as well. The drawbacks to the Reebok Nano X2 include that its not a great model for CrossFit and that it may not work for narrow feet.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training, Lifting, and Short Runs
- Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-3 miles
- Lifting Stability Threshold: < 505 lbs
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
What To Consider Before Buying Cross Training Shoes
Cross training shoes really cover a wide range of the market these days. You can find models that cater to nearly every niche type of training you can imagine. This can be overwhelming, but we think there are a few main factors to think about before purchasing your next pair of cross training shoes.
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Best Gym Shoes If You’d Rather Go Barefoot: Vibram Five Fingers V
Buy It:Vibram Five Fingers V-Train, $72,
You may have heard about Arnold Schwarzenegger walking around the gym training barefoot. What better way to get your heel as close to the ground as possible? Having relatively nothing between your foot and the floor allows for increased range of motion in your foot and leg muscles, which might be compromised with a more cushioned shoe. “Most gyms don’t allow you to train barefoot, so these will give you a similar feel,” assures Wickham.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 5
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is an excellent all-purpose running sneaker that will quickly adapt to your foot and speed. One tester took these on a variety of runs and activitiesfour-mile runs on concrete, circuit-training classes, and uphill hikes on dirt roadsand reported that they added a boost to his gait in each circumstance. Plus, our testers confirmed that these sneakers have all the usual perks: a well-spaced toe box, no slippage, and ideal arch support.
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Drawbacks Of Hybrid Training Shoes
As you get more serious and specific with your training, a hybrid training shoes benefits will start to fall off. I like to use my coaching background when discussing and conceptualizing the drawbacks of hybrid training shoes.
A good example here would be someone whos primarily doing CrossFit workouts and working to get better at the sport. For These athletes, theyll want a quality pair of CrossFit shoes to help them achieve their goals.
A good pair of CrossFit shoes will deliver construction features that specifically feed into this style of training whereas hybrid training shoes will be more general with their construction.
That being said, the main drawback to hybrid training shoes is that there will always be a threshold where their performance drops off and this could come in the form of running or lifting-focused goals.
Best Cross Training Shoes For Men
If youre doing regular weight training, by now you will be well aware of the value of a strong and stable foot. One potential complication is that these measures are a bit subjective, meaning no two athletes want the exact same amount in the exact same places. Some athletes might want a lighter, more flexible shoe, while others prefer a heavier, more grounded feel. HYLETEs Circuit II trainer addresses that by offering three different, interchangeable insoles, so athletes can customize their feel around an already supportive base.
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Why The Right Gym Shoes Are Important
Just like a running shoe protects your feet, knees and joints in addition to making your run easier by offering you a cushioned, springy surface to add to your step, so too do the best gym shoes enhance your workout. An upper which is high on your ankle, with a flat surface underneath you, can help stabilize you while performing moves like a barbell squat. Thats why a lot of the shoes have excess rubber around the heels and outer/inner parts of the sole: to create a stable surface.
Expert trainer at F45 Training, Rachel Penrose, is no stranger to HIIT. She says: Finding a good cross training shoe can hugely benefit your workouts. With workouts such as Metcon , becoming so popular, having a shoe that can cross over between a strength workout to a cardio workout, all the while supporting your foot correctly, benefits your body enormously.
Your feet are the base of your body and unfortunately a bad gait can result in numerous niggles and injuries travelling up your whole body. It is super important to have the correct tools to assist your workouts.
Many of the other features of these shoes help you perform, from the HOVR’s energy-boosting foam midsole to the Nano 9’s burpee-guarding toe protection. High-impact training such as jump squats, and most CrossFit workouts require you to protect your joints just as much as runners do, especially if you’re working out a few times a week or more. Why not make the investment for better performance and a safer workout?
Top Choice: Nike Free Metcon 4
The Nike Free Metcon 4 is an awesome option for classes, HIIT workouts, shorter runs, and light lifting. This shoe features Nike Free tech throughout the entirety of this shoes sole, which Im a big fan of for HIIT workouts. This feature gives this model a very maneuverable feel through the forefoot and midfoot.
This shoe also features a chainlink mesh upper construction which breaths fairly well. If youre in hotter classes or gym settings, I dont think the Nike Free Metcon 4 will give you any issues with your feet getting too hot.
This model is also nice because you can wear them in so many different settings. The general consensus with this model is that theyre a fantastic daily driver that can excel for HIIT workouts, short runs, and some light lifting so theyre a nice shoe to use when you dont feel like thinking about your shoes or bringing multiple models with you for the day.
- Best For: HIIT Workouts, Light Lifting, Shorter Runs
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
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How To Buy The Best Workout Shoes
Generally speaking, a good workout trainer has a relatively flat sole, especially under the heels . Unlike running shoes, which tend to feature a curve from heel to toe to help you transition from one step to the other, workout shoes best serve their purpose when they are able to provide a stable platform for lifting weights.
Some models have a wider, reinforced heel area, which copes with the excess pressure when tackling a really heavy deadlift or squat and avoids any ankle rolling. In contrast, others will be more geared towards explosive movements and high-intensity workouts.
Keep in mind what you plan to do, as a shoe that’s designed purely for heavyweights probably isn’t the most suited to those thinking of incorporating plenty of jumping jacks, box jumps and sprints into their workouts.
However, the most important factor to consider is fit. Most brands differ in terms of the width and snugness of their offerings, so make sure you do your research before you buy a discounted pair online.
Nike React Metcon Turbo
Nike has taken their popular Metcon training shoe and shaved down the weight by a noticeable degree . That means a shoe that still boasts features for rope climbs, handstand push-ups , and heavy lifts, just a bit more streamlined and, well, lighter. We love Nikes Metcon models for squats and even Olympic lifts, but the sleek and light design means theyre no slouch when it comes to speed work. The soles maintain a nice level of stability, too, thanks to their firmer outer layer, balancing out the softer inner core. The breathable upper is another plus for comfort, but wont be quite as durable as some of the other shoes on this list.
Nike’s React Metcon Turbo is ultra-light to maximize running, jumping, and cutting performance. It still features the rope wrap and heel clip Nike Metcons are famous for, all with a focus on reducing any excess weight that could slow athletes down. That means a slightly thinner upper construction that still maintains some padding for comfort.
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