Best Shoes for Weights and Running – Be on the Competitive Edge

To be on the competitive edge with weights and to run means you have to be focused 24 hours a day – winning does not come easy – but hard work always pays off. Some people say that there is no way you can enjoy running and also train with weights. However, it has been proven that these two exercise sports actually complement each other: the weights help runners to look great while burning body fat, and the running itself keeps you fit and flexible so that you can avoid any nasty, niggly injuries.

Certain shoes can be used for weightlifting and running, while others are more beneficial for only one sport. It depends on how comfortable you feel, and it depends on your budget and whether you can afford two types of training shoes. Certain running shoes can cause significant problems when wearing them for weight lifting, and vice versa.

So how do you know which trainers to wear when? The $1 m question; Let’s see what information we can find to assist you in making an informed choice about which shoes to use for these two sports. But first, we will take a quick look at what is important when trying to find the best shoes for weightlifting and running.

Features to Look out for in Your weightlifting and Running Shoes

1. Insole

Sometimes this is called a sock liner. It can be removed from the shoe, and another kind can be put in – this usually helps the shoe to fit better if it is a little loose. Often is molded itself to the shape of your foot, increasing the comfort of the shoe. A lot of shoes have a built-in insole which cannot be removed. It between the insole and midsole in the heel and toe areas to give you a tip-top shock absorption.

2. Outsole

Also called a sneaker tread – you get two types of outsoles. Either carbon rubber which is entirely black in color or a mix of colorful brown and black carbon like rubber. The carbon rubber is much stronger than the brown rubber, which works to ease the weight of your walking stride. If you are going hiking in the mountains along rocky trails, then you need a shoe with black carbon outsoles. The deeper the indentations on the outsole, the better traction they have.

3. Midsole

Who knew their shoe had so many ‘souls’?! This layer is made of foam for extra comfort cushioning. Some other materials – like plastic inserts – are also added in. If you want a shoe with the greatest comfort and stability, then chose one with lots of gray dual-density foam around the arch. Shoes with the grayest material around the arch are intended to support a high arch.

Therefore they would be more suited to being a cushioning shoe for running in suitable for high arches. If the gray area is limited to only be under the arch itself, then the shoe functions as a stability shoe. When the shoe has gray foam wrapped around the arch to around the heel, then the shoe is a motion-control shoe – best suited to people with flat arches.

4. Upper

This refers to the top part of the shoe. This are of a shoe is made for comfort and style. You need a shoe that enables you to wriggle your toes around without being blistered from scratchy material inside the shoe. And the more mesh that is over this part allows the shoe to breathe more easily.

Two Tips on Choosing Shoes for Running and Weights

• Do not be quick to judge a shoe by all the adverts you see on TV and in the magazines and newspapers. Always go to the shop and try it on before purchasing the wrong shoe. A good example is the Inov8 F-Lite 195 which was advertised as the best shoe for light workouts and running, and now turns out to be excellent for lifting too. Maybe this is the best shoe for weightlifting and running – what do you think?
• Do not think you can lift weights in barefoot, like some people still do. Today you can buy perfectly balanced and stabilized shoes designed with all the modern technology money can buy – this all helps you balance yourself as you do your weight training. The shoes are specifically designed to absorb your weight and the weights you lift.

5 Best Shoes for Running and Weights

1. Men’s New Balance Minimus 20v3 Trainer, Grey/White, 8 D

via amazon.com

Do you want to feel as though you are barefooted while running or training? If so, this is the shoe for you. It gives you superb lateral support with stylish molded material over the top of the shoes near your toes.

Made to be sturdy and reliable, they will go the extra mile with you whether it be in running or lifting weights. A 4 mm arch support gives you extra strength while keeping you comfortable.

Pros

• No chafing as there are no stitches to rub on your feet
• Perfect grip
• Upper shoe is made from lightweight material
• The shoe is odor-protected

Cons

• More support needed in the tread
• Can be a bit large around the toe area

2. Inov-8 F-lite 195 Shoe

via amazon.com

As the name suggests, these shoes are an innovative design as the upper part is meshed for easy airflow, and at the same time, they hold your toes tightly in place while keeping them in alignment with your foot and arch.Again, you will notice that these are another “barefoot” running style shoe.

The minimalist shoe is very popular right now. The sole of the shoe is a blend of synthetic Lite Rubber and EVA foam so that the shoe is lightweight but still protects your feet. This design makes them perfect for weightlifting, cross-fit and running. The point is that these shoes deliver on all levels.

Pros

• 3mm Differential
• Imported

Cons

• The airy mesh fabric can be subjected to quite a lot of wear and tear over time

3. Reebok Nano 5.0

via amazon.com

Reebok shoes have always had a good name, and now they have included “computer-speak” terminology into their shoe names with this one being the Reebok Nano! This is the mark of a forward-thinking company that are on the ball while delivering new comfortable shoes to all athletes. When you buy this shoe, you can relax completely and know that you own one of the most technically advanced shoes on the market!

The Nano 5.0 has been called ‘as tough as Kevlar’ – this being the new fabric they have used to make the upper shoe, while the shoes retain their flexibility. It also demonstrates great lateral support with a wider toe area making it perfect for running or weights.

Pros

• As tough as Kevlar
• Imported
• Synthetic and breathable
• Rubber sole
• Contoured heel counter

Cons

• Toe area too wide for narrow feet.
• Choose the right size

4. New Balance MX20V3

via amazon.com

The main feature of this product is the above average arch support system which never lets you down – literally! For lifting and running, these shoes will give you exactly what you need – stability and durability. You can replace the inner sole should you need to have a more snug fit.

The manufacturers have a “no sew” policy on these minimalist shoes so as to enhance the comfortable feel and the fit. This ensures no rough edges rub on your foot and causes blisters. The outer sole has excellent grip in rain and muddy conditions with layers of Vibram to give it more grip.

Pros

• Constructed with cool and durable cloth
• Best quality rubber and plastic material
• Suitable for all types of CrossFit sports

Cons

• Not good if you are a heel striker kind of runner

Conclusion

And last but not least, There is a new shoe in town, and I bet you all already know what it is called – yes, it is the ‘Minimalist’! Everybody is talking about it, and lots of people already own a pair – they have certain characteristics such as:

• Heel Drop – the difference in height from the heel to the toe of the shoe – normally only 4 mm
• Stack Height – total height of a shoe’s sole. The lower this is, the more “barefoot” you will feel
• Toe Box – Clearly the tip of the shoe which covers your toes. Most minimalist shoes have wide toe boxes
• Zero-Dropped – Fancy terminology for saying the shoe is completely flat

After reading this review, you should have sufficient knowledge to be able to go into a training shoe store and know what you are looking for – and you will have all the right lingo at your fingertips.

Experts in the sports field have all said that the minimalist range is fantastic and generally there is less chance of injuries than from the older style of shoe. These shoes offer great benefits for athletes well into their strength training. The number one thing that all these shoes have in common is the tight, snug fit and the absolute comfort.

Now, isn’t it about time you went to your weight training session? You have no excuses now! Go and get your pair of the best shoes for Weightlifting and Running!