A lot of people love to partake in aerobic exercises because it burns off fat easily and increases physical endurance, so they are the go-to exercise routine for people who want to lose some calories and stay healthy.
With so many types of aerobic exercises, it’s sometimes difficult to pick a particular shoe that suits them all, because they are all unique and involve different kinds of movements and environments.
Do I Need Special Shoes for Aerobics?
It is not required to have shoes designed specifically for aerobics, but wearing the proper shoes during aerobics is also important to prevent injury and support the body. Your shoes have a large part to play in your aerobics exercises because they take care of your legs.
The best type of shoes for aerobic are cross training shoes. Cross training shoes support multi direction movement, which works great for aerobics.
Here is a breakdown of the different types of shoes that are available for aerobics and things you should consider before walking up to a store and getting a pair for yourself. Properly armed with the right knowledge of aerobics footwear, there is little or no obstacle to your goals.
Cross Training Shoes (The Best)
Cross training shoes are ideal for studio classes such as aeribics and Zumba. Their high traction outsole helps keep your grip in place. The hard soles stabilize you by transferring force and preventing you from sinking. It also helps you achieve really low squats by preventing ankle movement and providing lift.
When it comes to training, you should look for shoes that provide adequate support and arch support for different activities. These shoes should also have a structure that’ll propel you forward and make your aerobic exercises more efficient.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are some of the most popular and easy to find shoes around because running is a popular exercise and everyone wants to get into it. So what makes a running shoe different from other shoes?
Firstly running shoes are made to feel comfortable and absorb the continuous impact of landing on your feet.
The heels are soft and well-cushioned to absorb the impact of your heels hitting the ground and protect your legs from the pain that comes from continuously landing on your feet.
The midsoles are also soft and designed to help push you forward for the next stride.
When getting running shoes make sure to get your exact fit to one that is slightly off because if it’s too tight it can uncomfortable and cause pains around your ankles and if it’s slightly bigger than your foot, it can slip off while running.
Running shoes are also durable and are meant to last between 350 miles and 450miles, depending on the ground you’re running on and the weight of the runner. They can last for up to six months or more.
While running shoes are great for running they are bad for lifting exercises as they give a sinking feeling when carrying heavyweights and they do not transfer force, they rather absorb the force of the weights.
General Athletic Shoes
These are the general athletics shoes you find on the top shelves of local stores, they are not designed for any specific sports or exercises but are made generally to feel comfortable and durable when exercising. They do not have any special adjustments or soles and can be used for any sport or exercise.
Basketball Shoes
Basketball shoes are specifically designed for traction and swift body movement. They have high heels to give extra support for jumps and flat soles for stability. They are not built for races or running exercises because they are usually heavy.
Related: What is Non Marking Shoes?
Minimalist Shoes
These are lightweight shoes. They are highly flexible shoes that allow your legs to do the work. They do not offer arch support or help to absorb energy. Minimalist shoes are next to barefoot. An example is a slipper.
The good thing about minimal shoes is that they take away the bulk of support offered by athletic shoes and let your foot do as much work as possible, thereby making them stronger.
Most people prefer to use minimalist shoes for running exercises as it helps you master natural running techniques like a mid-foot strike. They also offer little protection to the feet against stones and sharp objects, definitely better than exercising barefoot.
They can also be durable and last up to 3 months if used properly for the right aerobics.
Below is a table summarizing the pros and cons of each type of shoe, hopefully, this will help make up your mind better.
Below is a table comparing the price ranges of the different shoes, the durability, and stability.
| Shoe | Price Range | Durability | Stability |
| General Athletic Shoes | 55$ – 65$ | 4 – 6 months | Stable |
| Running Shoes | 65$ – 110$ | 6 months | Poor Stability |
| Training Shoes | 80$ – 150$ | 12 months | Very Stable |
| Basketball Shoes | 100$ – 250$ | 12 months | Very Stable |
| Minimalist Shoes | 30$ – 90$ | 3 – 6 months | Stable |
As seen above, general athletic shoes, running shoes, and minimalist shoes have the lowest prices, unlike major sports shoes like soccer and basketball shoes.
Nike, Addidas, and Reebok are some of the biggest makers of basketball and soccer shoes and spend a lot of money on athletes’ endorsements thereby increasing the cost of their products. They are also known to make quality shoes.
Before you go on an aerobic exercise routine, this article has armed you with the right knowledge needed to make the right decisions on what shoes to wear, it based on your choice, and some shoes may be substituted for the other. Like soccer shoes can be used for running and basketball shoes can be used for lifting.
Austin is the author of loveatfirstfit.com and a personal trainer with extensive knowledge in nutrition. Austin is passionate about helping others to find a suitable healthy lifestyle and feel good about themselves. Austin’s goal is to help people push their limits and achieve their physical performance.
