Are your shoes appropriate for Cross Training? Gotham Footcare

WHY DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL SHOE FOR "CROSS TRAINING"? WHAT MAKES THIS SNEAKER DIFFERENT THAN SAY ONE FOR RUNNING OR CROSSFIT?

CROSS TRAINERS: Cross-trainers are versatile and designed for multi-directional activities that involve lateral side-to-side movements on hard surfaces such as cross-fit, weight training, or kickboxing. When you participate in cross training activities, your weight is more concentrated on your heels and they need to be able to absorb two to three times your total body weight. These shoes need to have a comfortable upper and flexible midsole for multi-directional movement.

The sole of a cross-trainer is flatter, heavier, and wider often expanding beyond the width of the upper portion of the shoe. This width provides extra durability and control to support a wide range of movement. These shoes have a lower heel drop placing the foot closer to the ground which facilitates push off and pivoting motions.

Last but not least, the tread on cross-training shoes are also designed to increase gripping and traction necessary for sharp, sudden, lateral movements standard on the basketball court or Zumba class, for instance. The tread on running shoes is smooth because runners are essentially moving straight ahead and traction is rarely an issue.

RUNNING SHOES: Running shoes are engineered for heel-to-toe motion and are lighter than cross-trainers which making it more comfortable to run in for with repetitive pounding for prolonged periods of time and distances when shock absorption is important. Running shoes have a higher heel drop (the distance from the heel height to the toe height), than cross training shoes for added support and cushioning. While cross-training shoes provide cushioning, running shoes are specifically designed to withstand the higher impact for people who pound the pavement, the track, or inside on a treadmill.

Author

Dr. Miguel Cunha, Board Certified Surgical Podiatrist, founder of Gotham Footcare, and expert podiatrist in Manhattan is a highly trained and skilled foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions from minor problems to complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Cunha takes pride in having a genuine interest in each and every one of his patients while providing them the utmost compassion and exceptional care.