Cross training shoes are versatile and can be ideal for someone who participates in a lot of different physical activities. They are made to be a good athletic shoe for the person who does not consign themselves to one sport in particular, but enjoys dabbling in many different physical feats. Even if you only occasionally play other sports or activities, you may be tempted to buy cross trainers, but this may not be the best option for you. Learn all the pros and cons of cross trainers and decide if these shoes are the right ones for you.
The good part of cross trainers is that they meet all the basic comfort, strength, durability, and cushioning requirements needed for sports and other physical activities. Another pro of cross trainers is that if you participate in a lot of different sports, you can save money by only purchasing one pair of shoes to suit all your purposes. However, cross training shoes do have their drawbacks as well. One of the detriments of cross trainers is that they are not recommended for anyone on a regular running program. This is because this type of shoe does not offer enough cushioning and flexibility for runners and are made heavier than the normal running shoes. Also, if you really want to do well in one or more of the sports you are participating in, you’ll want to get shoes specific to that sport. Sport specific athletic shoes are designed to meet the needs of each sport and give you the type of strength or cushion that particular sport requires.
If you do decide that cross training shoes are right for you, here are a few tips on purchasing your shoes:
- Make sure you are buying your shoes from a knowledgeable sports or shoe store. When buying athletic shoes, it is a good idea not to get them from a regular shoe store that simply sells anything for your feet. Sports stores or athletic shoe stores have employees that know about the sports and the shoes that go along with them and can help you find the best kind to fit your needs.
- Have your feet measured by a salesperson and never assume that your shoe size is the same as it has always been, your feet could change shapes over time. Also your feet are different sizes, so shop for the shoe that fits the larger foot and just buy an insole if you need to fill the space in the other shoe.
- Another good idea is to buy your cross training shoes near the end of the day. Your feet expand some throughout the day and will be larger in the evening than they will in the morning. This means the evening will be the best time to go looking for your sports shoes.
- Go for a walk when trying on your shoe. Walking around the store for a while can help you see if the shoe is comfortable. Don’t think that a shoe will break-in either. If the shoe if not comfortable when you try it on and walk around a bit, don’t’ buy it.
By Janelle Walker