If you are one who participates in more disciplines but never specializes in any, then you should consider getting a cross-training shoe.
These are not regular sports shoes; their design makes them able to cope with an extensive range of harsh physical conditions from different sports disciplines.
Though most cross trainer shoes have running shoe characteristics, they will offer you more than you expect. They will give you comfort, flexibility, and stability that you need.
The versatile shoes give exceptional performances in basketball, tennis court, running, and aerobics or yoga, among other sports.
What are the benefits of cross-training shoes? They include
1. Comfort and Muscle development
Cross-training involves a variety of exercises. You need to be comfortable when you train for more than one sports discipline.
Changing into each shoe for each sport is impractical and expensive. When training with a cross-training shoe, you can get a full-body workout at the same time.
2. Flexibility
Cross-training shoes are hybrid shoes that have just about every material that makes them superior while training.
What this implies is that they may have the lateral stability of a basketball shoe or the flexibility around the toes and sides of a running shoe.
Because of this, you can mix up your training and avoid injuries related to overworking one group of muscles.
3. Traction and Recovery
Part of successful training is the recovery period. Cross-training involves combining two or more exercises to keep your body active. A quicker recovery needs an aggressive schedule along with rest periods.
For example, After running your regular target miles, your body needs an active recovery rest period. Yoga is right for your body and also an active rest and recovery exercise.
4. Arch
Cross-training bears many advantages, both for flatfooted and high arch athletes. Running in the wrong shoes leads to injuries.
Features of a cross-training shoe
# Multipurpose outsoles. Outsoles must be durable because cross-training activities need athletes to change levels fast. The bottom sole should be thick for better traction and wide for lateral support.
# Low profile midsoles. Midsoles offer ankle support and cushion athletes against shock from rough activities in training.
# The upper part of the cross-training shoe. The upper part can have single or assorted materials. Some have leather and mesh. Leather is flexible but not as breathable as mesh.
The Verdict:
The best crosstraining shoe should give you the freedom to achieve many cross-training routines. However, cross-training shoes are not for everyone.
They have excellent traction and lateral support but are not as good as running shoes. Serious runners need shoes with less weight, more paddings, flexible, and breathable.