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    What Shoes Should You Wear on Indoor Exercise Machines?

    June 27, 2022

    What Shoes Should You Wear on Indoor Exercise Machines?

    Exercise machines play an important role in modern-day fitness. Each exercise machine represents a range of workouts that can be done quickly and efficiently. Whether you do your workouts at the local gym or you have one or two favorite exercise machines for an efficient workout at home, it's important to prepare properly for your machine-assisted exercise.

    One question we hear often is about which shoes are best when using indoor exercise machines. You, too, maybe wondering how much your choice of shoe matters, if there are shoes that can damage your workout equipment, and which make the best shoes for an indoor workout routine. The Landice team is here to quickly and helpfully answer these questions. 

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    What You Need in Shoes for Workout Machines

    There are many different shoe designs, and people have their own preferences for the right type of shoe to wear when exercising.  So let's talk about what you need from a shoe when using an indoor exercise machine.

    Protective Sole

    First, you need a shoe sole that protects your foot from the exercise equipment. Treadmill belts have a rough surface and the foot stirrups or pedals in other workout machines are not designed to be comfortable for bare or thinly protected feet. This is why light shoes are typically considered necessary to use indoor workout machines.

    Good Support

    For treadmills, ellipticals, stair-steppers, and other machines where you are putting weight on your feet, you need good support. You want an even, springy support under your feet and the right shape of insole so that your feet land balanced and strong with each footfall.

    Flat Heel

    If you are tempted to work out in heels, even low heals, avoid this. A flat heel or a natural sneaker wedge are the only heel heights you should consider to achieve better balance and support.

    Secure Attachment

    Finally, your shoes need to hold on. This is typically why even good sandals or slip-on sneaker designs are discouraged. Lace-on shoes are ideal but modern elastic trainer that don't require laces can also serve you well.

    The Best Shoes to Wear on Workout Machines

    What are the best shoes to wear with indoor workout machines? To be clear, almost any type of sneaker or tennis shoe will fulfill your need for a good sole, secure attachment, and strong support.

    Cross-Trainer Shoes

    Cross-trainers are a type of sneaker designed for multiple sports. They are typically rated for about 4-5 miles of comfortable running and are flexible to accommodate both agility and support.

    Running Shoes

    Running shoes are configured for support and spring in your step to assist runners in short and long-term runs. Running shoes may be your ideal choice if you like a serious treadmill workout, and have the thickest soles that will likely be comfortable with other indoor workout machines.

    Canvas Tennis Shoes

    If you like a thin sole and flexible shoe, you can exercise in canvas tennis shoes like the classic Converse, boat shoes, and other similar designs. While these shoes do not have the best traction for treadmill running, they do provide the essential elements of a functional gyms shoe.

    Court Shoes

    Court shoes are a type of sneaker that are typically made of leather, slightly sturdier than a cross-trainer, but not as structured as a running shoe. 

    Toe Shoes

    If you prefer to exercise barefoot, consider wearing toe shoes with your indoor exercise machines. This will protect your feet from abrasion on the belt and foot pedals, but allow you the barefoot flexibility.

    What Shoes Not to Wear on Workout Machines

    Finally, let's talk about the shoes not to wear to the gym. 

    • Hard-soled shoes
    • High-heeled shoes
    • Sandals and open-toed shoes
    • Slippers and slip-on shoes

    Don't wear hard-soled shoes that click when you walk or any type of high or medium heel that could provide less than ideal foot support. Keep your toes safe with closed-toed shoes and make sure your shoes don't fall off.

    What shoes should you wear with your indoor exercise machines? Any kind of closed-toed sports shoe with an ample sole and support should do. But if you're buying shoes for the occasion, we suggest running shoes or cross-trainers.