By Activity

Today’s shoes are quite specialized to provide a higher level of performance for specific activities, from running to aerobics. The various designs, materials and technologies used affect the function and fit of a given shoe and, as a result, your individual comfort and foot health.

Running
When running for exercise, pleasure or a more competitive event, running shoes are your most important item of gear. Your running shoes support your foot through the entire gait cycle from heel strike to toe off, while also creating a strong foundation for ankles, knees, hips and back, affecting the alignment of your entire body.

Each person’s feet are different. It is important to find the shoe that is the correct shape for you, providing you with the proper support, flexibility, and cushioning, and compensating for any foot problems you may have, such as overpronation. Learn more.

Walking
When walking for exercise, pleasure or a more competitive event, walking shoes are your most important item of gear. Your walking shoes should support your foot through the entire gait cycle from heel strike to toe off, while also creating a strong foundation for ankles, knees, hips and back, affecting the alignment of your entire body.

Trail Running
Trail shoes are meant to hit the dirt and mud. Their colors often hide the dirt, they are made of materials that are more easily cleaned, and they come in a variety of degrees of water resistance. The sole of a trail shoe will be rugged-looking, to give better traction. The sole will also be thick enough and cushioned so you don't feel the gravel, rocks, and roots. Often the sole will extend up the side of the shoe and over the toes to prevent stubbing. Like hiking boots, trail shoes generally provide more stability and support than regular running and walking shoes. However, some are designed more for looks than function and do not provide the additional support you are looking for or need, risking injury and foot pain. Learn more.

Hiking
There probably isn’t a shoe category that has been more affected by progress than the hiking boot. Today’s manufacturers still concern themselves with durability and performance, but comfort is also a primary concern. New technologies and lighter-weight, more durable materials have allowed manufacturers to combine supportive and protective insoles and outsoles with instantly comfortable and weatherproof uppers so it's easy to forget you even have them on. Learn more.

Standing
Even an activity as simple as standing can lead to foot pain when done for long periods of time. But when your job requires you to stand, you simply can't get off your feet. You need to know how to protect your feet when you're stuck standing for hours on end, especially on a hard surface. Learn more.

Cross Training & Aerobics:
Cross training and aerobics shoes are the most versatile of athletic shoes, as they can be used for the wide variety of activities one would except to find at a fitness club: weightlifting, conditioning, step aerobics and cardio machines. Unlike running shoes, which focus on adding support as the runner move forward, these shoes provide lateral stability and minimize overpronation with features like wide and stable outsoles, good ankle support and laces. The firm heel and moderate cushioning at the heel and forefoot absorbs the increased impact from jumping, while the smoother texture of the outsoles forgo the grip of running shoes to permit multidirectional movement without injury. Cross training shoes are lightweight to allow lots of movement for many high energy exercises.

CrossFit:
As CrossFit is a fitness program that encompasses a wide range of strength and conditioning exercises (sprinting, lifting, trail running, gymnastics, among others), it’s important to have the right lightweight, yet durable, shoes. While support is necessary for the running activities, a minimalist shoe-like heel will provide more stability during weightlifting or standing exercises. Cushioning is at a minimum, as the shoes are made of the right performance materials to absorb impact without additional padding. CrossFit shoes should a wide toe box and a flexible outsole that can be used on different surfaces.

Dance Aerobics:
Dance aerobics shoes, including ones for Zumba, are designed to provide multi-directional support with a lot of flexibility. Because the movements often require that the wearer move on the balls of his feet, these shoes should have added support in this area. There should also be enough space in the front of the foot to keep your toes from becoming irritated as they move with the dance steps. Smoother soles with less tread will allow for pivots and glides and take pressure off your ankles and knees. Good dance aerobic shoes are lightweight and include enough cushioning to absorb the impact of exercise; they also must have the correct arch design to balance forces of the repeated side-to-side motions. Dance aerobics shoes should provide sufficient support in the upper to keep your foot stable and prevent slippage as you follow through the often fast-paced routine.