RFI: Workout Shoes

[rd62]

Need some new sneakers for the gym.

Weightlifting, eliptical, bike, etc.

I'm not a runner. Not 10ks or half marathons for me.

My wife kindly bought me a pair of Brooks for my last pair and they've been Meh... I'm sure they are great for running but for the gym they're just OK to me.

I have a fond spot but I'm open to other suggestions as long as they aren't Nike.

Any input from the hive? Any that you'd recommend I look at? Any to avoid?

P.S. I do have dedicated weight lifting shoes for squats and deadlifts.

[Bratch]

The wife and I have both been happy with Inov8 F-lite 235 (https://www.amazon.com/Inov-8-Mens-F-Lite-235-Functional/dp/B07KXRMGMH/). You can usually find deals on previous years colors.

I’ve also had good luck with New Balance Mimimus but not sure what they are currently offering.

[blues]

I use Adidas Sambas for general workouts, rowing, etc. I have dedicated shoes for deadlifts, etc but the Sambas work well for me as a general use shoe.

[peterb]

I've been using a pair of Merrell minimalist shoes I picked up on sale. I like the "barefoot" feel for most gym stuff. The only thing they're not good for is the Jacob's Ladder machine -- stepping on a rung with your arch is not comfortable.

[littlejerry]

I've been using a pair of Merrell minimalist shoes I picked up on sale. I like the "barefoot" feel for most gym stuff. The only thing they're not good for is the Jacob's Ladder machine -- stepping on a rung with your arch is not comfortable.

I've been using Merrell Vapor Gloves (https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Vapor-Glove-Sneaker-Monument/dp/B07DYGYTKL/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Merrell+Vapor+Glove&qid=1594170324&s=apparel&sr=1-1) ever since I started CrossFit. I used to try and wear lifting shoes for deadlifts or squats, but I gave that up a while ago.

Pros:
-strengthen your ankles and feet
-no socks= one less thing to pack in the gym bag and wash in the laundry
-fast sprints
-low weight for box jumps

Cons:
-No socks means they get real funky. I keep 2 pair. When one gets bad I scrub it out with soapy water then let it dry in the sun for a few days
-Dont kick anything

[Joe in PNG]

I've got a pair of Pumas I picked up, and they work pretty well.

[mtnbkr]

For ground-based weight lifting (squats, deadlift, overhead presses, etc), I either wear Converse-AllStar-type shoes (actually generic Wal-Mart copies) or go barefoot. I want as l little "squish" under my foot while doing those lifts. However, you have this covered.

The canvas shoes (converse, etc) work fine for elliptical and exercise bikes, but I wear proper running shoes for treadmill and dedicated cycling shoes for real biking (not gym-based machine).

Chris

[Norville]

All of the above!

Running shoes are good for running, but too soft for gym work for me. I have Merrell barefoot trail gloves, Inov-8s and one pair of Nike Metcons.

As mentioned, shop prior season colors and save a lot. Active Gearup, Eastbay and Running Wearhouse have good sales.

[TCB]

Converse Chuck Taylors for everything but running.

[blues]

Converse Chuck Taylors for everything but running.

The Adidas Samba is a lot like the Chucks but with the leather upper. Good flat, stable bottom for deadlifts and overhead lifts, virtually no heel elevation and very good arch support imho. And, at least when I bought my most recent pair, the price was right.

I haven't owned a pair of Chucks in recent years but have a long earlier history with them.


https://www.soccercenter.com/resize/Shared/Images/Product/Samba-Classic/samba_classic_whiteblack_772109_3.jpg?bw=1000&w=1000&bh=1000&h=1000

https://assets.adidas.com/images/w_600,f_auto,q_auto/c60cd4a11b6945599e15a81a017fb25f_9366/Samba_Classic_Black_034563_01_standard.jpg

[rd62]

I have a pair of these Adidas Suciu (https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Original-Suciu-ADV-Sneaker/dp/B07KK68BVX/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=adidas+suciu&qid=1594170035&s=apparel&sr=1-2) which I like very much aesthetically but they pinch me across the midfoot so much that I can only wear them a couple hours or so.
Not sure if the Sambas (https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Originals-Samba-Shoes-b75807/dp/B07FS3LSFQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2EM6QQ8JINYKI&dchild=1&keywords=adidas+samba+shoes+men&qid=1594170086&s=apparel&sprefix=sambas+sh%2Cfashion%2C155&sr=1-2) are similarly cut.

52510

[blues]

I have a pair of these Addidas Suciu which I like very much aesthetically but they pinch me across the midfoot so much that I can only wear them a couple hours or so.
Not sure if the Sambas are similarly cut.



I don't know...I've never tried the Suciu. And I only wear the Sambas or my Adidas Powerlift version 3 (something or other) when I'm working out. I don't have a wide foot so they work well for me.

[luckyman]

The wife and I have both been happy with Inov8 F-lite 235. You can usually find deals on previous years colors.

I’ve also had good luck with New Balance Mimimus but not sure what they are currently offering.

This is my situation also (with Minimus trail version), with the addition of using proper weightlifting shoes for squats since my flexibility isn’t great. I actually deadlift in the Minimus.

[Shoresy]

I'm a fan of UnderArmour shoes, usually with Locklaces (https://www.amazon.com/LACES-Elastic-Shoelace-Fastening-System/dp/B007DLVLDY) on them for what you described.

I use Chucks for deads, squats, OHP, etc and UnderArmour running shoes for runs (used to use Brooks until they started screwing with the sole shape).

[rd62]

The wife and I have both been happy with Inov8 F-lite 235. You can usually find deals on previous years colors.

I’ve also had good luck with New Balance Mimimus but not sure what they are currently offering.

Those F-Lite 235's sound a lot like what I am looking for. I had never heard of Inov8 before. I'm also considering the 300's. Any experience or insight into the 300's?

[luckyman]

Those F-Lite 235's sound a lot like what I am looking for. I had never heard of Inov8 before. I'm also considering the 300's. Any experience or insight into the 300's?

If you are talking about the mud claw 300s....

I don’t have that exact model but I do have a pair of Innov8 trail running shoes. (https://www.amazon.com/Inov-8-Roclite-Hiking-Sneaker-Running/dp/B01IR9G9N2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=innovate+mens+shoes+trail&qid=1594170169&s=apparel&sr=1-1) They are fantastic for outside use on surfaces other than pavement, but not as good as the 235s or the New Balance Minimus trail shoes for gym use.

[Bratch]

Those F-Lite 235's sound a lot like what I am looking for. I had never heard of Inov8 before. I'm also considering the 300's. Any experience or insight into the 300's?

I’m not familiar with the 300s. I just looked them up and they appear more geared to lifting. They look like a bigger shoe with more sole and more drop.

If I came across a deal I’d probably try the 300s out. I have a pair of the FastLift 335s but I rarely use them any more I either lift barefoot or in the 235s (home gym). The Fastlifts are a dedicated lifting show so maybe the 300s could bridge the gap between a cross trainer and a lifting shoe but if they skew too far toward dedicated lifter I wouldn’t get much out of them.

[Edster]

I wore the same pair of Chucks for powerlifting for years. The side finally blew out of one of them. I tried to buy another pair but couldn't find any that fit right.

Those Adidas Sambas look really interesting. I'll check some out if they ever let me back in a store.

For powerlifting-style deadlifts, low, flat soles rule. For squats, the offset angle might matter a little depending on your body and technique. I would hate to add wear and tear on a good pair of running shoes in the gym.

Other than that, I've never found shoes to matter that much. I've trained with guys who liked to train barefoot and tried it myself. It was fine. I've seen Ronnie Coleman train in Hi Tec tactical boots when he was still with the PD.

[JHC]

I would run or even walk for distance in them but I really like basic wrestling shoes for general gym stuff. They stand out for me going agility stuff like Get Ups. Those are challenging to me and these shoes “hook” less floor when squirming about, awkwardly in my case.

[inkslinger]

I’ve been using NB minimus trail runners for about three years. Very minimal. Hug my feet great and the thin soles give me a good connection to the ground.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-MT10V1-Minimus-Running/dp/B01FSDDUK0/

[Bratch]

These are the NB I’m using, mine are version 3 and they are on 7 now so I can’t speak to the updates. One nice thing on the NB is they come in Wide.

Based on the versions I’m looking at 3-4 years of steady use in mine (4-5 days/week) and am only seeing a little wear on the sole. Mine are marked “Made in the USA” but I’m not sure if they still are.

[url]https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Minimus-Training-Black/dp/B06XSBTCB6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=new+balance+MX20BK7&qid=1594169689&sr=8-1/url]

[randyho]

I’ve been using NB minimus trail runners for about three years. Very minimal. Hug my feet great and the thin soles give me a good connection to the ground.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Minimus-Training-Black/dp/B06XSBTCB6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=new+balance+MX20BK7&qid=1594169689&sr=8-1

+1 for the minimus line.

[Le Français]

Here’s another vote for NB Minimus(Trails (https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-MT10V1-Minimus-Running/dp/B01FSDDRS0/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=new+balance+minimus+trail&qid=1594169759&sr=8-1), in my case). I’ve been using my pair as gym shoes regularly (they are in a sort of unplanned rotation) since 2012. Not a typo. Their durability has surprised me.

[randyho]

Their durability has surprised me.
Same. So long as you don't make the mistake of putting them in the washer. The pair I tried that with completely fell apart.

[rd62]

Just wanted to update that I ended up with a pair of the Inov8 F-Lite 235 and have had them a couple of months now. I've been very pleased with them. Fit a smidge small on the length but great on the width. Love the soles and the traction they give. They are very flat though with a minimal thickness and cushion. Great for my needs and I love the feel they give but I wouldn't want to run long distances in them, especially with my crappy running style. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[DMF13]

Reebok Nano 2 (https://www.amazon.com/Reebok-CROSSFIT-Cross-Trainer-Black/dp/B07DDH2ZDC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Reebok+Nano+2&qid=1594169951&sr=8-2) for everything except weightlifting.

Adidas Powerlift (https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Powerlift-Sneaker-Collegiate-Royal/dp/B07S1YR241) for the heavy lifting.

[SD]

have had good luck with Zoot sneakers for training switched to them because Brooks Cascadia became slippery on wet surfaces. was doing a lot more running then what you mentioned.

[JAD]

Merrell vapor trails for lifting and sub-5k runs. I like my innov8s but they’re so flat my feet flap when I walk, causing my subordinates to say, “fuck, here comes clownshoes.” They do that regardless, but it adds depth to their comment.