The Best Shoes for Every Type of Workout!
Any woman knows that you can ever have enough pairs of shoes – am I right? Of course, every woman also knows that this motto often refers to a certain type of shoe – cute ones. We’re not exactly running out the door to stock up on trainers to show off at the gym now are we (wait, are we?) Ok yes, we’ll admit it – trainers have become a whole lot sexier recently. Every self respecting fashionistas has at least one pair of trainers waiting in their cupboard for ‘sports luxe’ Fridays when they get hauled out and paired with a cute dress, a slouchy T-shirt and a blazer, or a luxurious-looking pair of tuxedo pants. But, this isn’t about looking stylish at the gym (well, not entirely) it’s about finding the right training shoe to fit your fitness mood and keep you performing at your best and injury free. So, whether you’re killing it in ‘the box’, showing off your backhand, heading up the mountain, or stepping onto the netball court, we’ve found the very best training shoe for you.
The Running Shoe: PUMA IGNITE Dual
This new release is all about giving you more energy, more flex, and more comfort and cushioning. Featuring the IGNITE FOAM midsole, that’s visible on the heel and hidden in the forefoot for full-length energy return, this running shoe is ideal for mid to long-distance runners. And, to give you more comfort and less impact during landing, the shoe even has high-tech sole – a guidance groove that runs from the heel allows a smoother transfer of the runner’s weight from heel-strike to toe-off while deep forefoot flex grooves add to the freedom of movement. And the colour? While the bright colours of this shoe might look amazing they also serve a function for road runners. That’s right, the colour shifting mesh and reflective panels allow for extra visibility in low light conditions and keep you safe on the road.
The shoe is available in IGNITE Dual Disc and IGNITE Dual evoKnit for men and women at R1 699. Find it at PUMA, Totalsports, Stuttafords, The Cross Trainer, Edgars and Edgars Active, as well as selected retailers nationwide from 12 July 2016.
The Crossfit Shoe: Nike Metcon 2
Designed for the unique demands of high-intensity training, the Nike Metcon 2 Women’s Training Shoe helps you lift, run, jump and climb ropes with its incredibly low and stable heel, flexible forefoot and high-density rubber. The shoe’s low heel provides exceptional stability for squats, box jumps and more so you’ll never step a foot wrong while you’re sweating it out in the box. A lot of this shoe’s technology went into the midsole with a thin layer of tough rubber covering the midsole to offer the wearer better durability and abrasion-resistance required for rope climbing. In addition to that the drop-in midsole is firmer in the heel to handle the rigours of lifting, and softer and more flexible in the forefoot to provide cushioned comfort as you run.
Available from Nike, Totalsports, Takealot as well as selected retailers nationwide at R 1 599.95.
The Tennis Shoe: Adidas Barricade 2016
If you think this shoe is almost too beautiful to sweat in you’re almost right! A collaboration between adidas and Stella McCartney, these women’s tennis shoes are ready to perform both on and off the court. They’re the ipitomy of ‘sports luxe’ and can easily go straight from the tennis court to the clubhouse. They have a new mesh upper with internal bootee construction for incredible support, comfort and flexibility while you practice your backhand and ADIPRENE®+ technology in the forefoot to help maintain propulsion and efficiency in your step. Of course, the bright colour will ensure that you turns heads on the court and feel super stylish while you do so.
Available from adidas and selected retailers nationwide at R1799.
The Netball Shoe: Asics Gel-Pivot 10
Bring your best moves into play with a shoe that’s all about the pivot. The outsole is designed to help you turn quickly and release the ball before your opponents can react while an extended toe wrap, that protects the shoe and gives you the confidence to push further,allows you to reach an extra few inches. Add to that the comfortable cushioning and a protective upper, and you’ve got plenty of support for the full game of action or outdoor netball. The pivot points on the specially designed sole allow you to rotate 360 to release the ball and play your shots from a stable footing with reinforcement through the midfoot area. And of course, what would a netball shoe be without a comfortable landing? Extra gel cushioning in the front and back of the shoe give you extra support when you need it most.
Available from Takealot.com, Sportsmans Warehouse and as well as selected retailers nationwide at R570 – Takealot price at time of publishing.
The Hiking Shoe: K-Way Women’s Hillock Shoe
The K-Way Hillock is perfect for those who often walk off road, it might not be the prettiest shoe in the shoebox but it’s got loads of personality to make up for it. This rough and tumble shoe features a water resistant suede leather and mesh uppers to keep your feet dry and protected while you’re out and about. A breathable inner lining transports the moisture away from the feet to keep blisters at bay and regulate temperature. Carbon rubber outsoles provide traction while the steel shank and fibreboard reinforcement offers rigidity and protection from the loose rocks underneath. If it’s reliable you wan’t then you can’t go wrong with this affordable companion!
Available from Cape Union Mart at R699.