Top 3 Best Shoes for Workouts

Strike Mvmnt is a relatively new brand offering shoes for enhanced movement, unlike the Nike Metcon which was designed for cross training specific. Strike MVMNT manufactures three models, one of which is a slip-on style lifestyle shoes, not applicable to this conversation. The remaining two models offer training specific focuses, one for running (Vimana) and one for cross training (Haze).

Pros

• Wide toe box

• Comfortable/durable all-day wear

• Improved lateral stability

• BONUS: Lace storage

Cons

• Expensive

• Heel-toe drop reduces function

• May cause hot-spots on longer runs

Takeaway 

If you're searching for a wider, more durable shoe for long training sessions, 3-5 mile runs, and a greater variance for activity as compared to some other typical trainers (read the Nike Metcon review here), the Strike MVMNT Haze trainer gets the Yudae Healthy Design Award for best training shoe for new runners and lifters. 

Stability & Storage

This is one of those rare times where design meets function seamlessly. The Strike Mvmnt Haze trainers are the only training shoes I know of which offer a small pouch atop the tongue to neatly tuck away laces.

If you're a regular lifter you know the annoyance of loose, flappy laces, and you know not having to think about them can make a big difference for the rest of the workout.

Additionally, Strike offers a slightly modified lacing pattern which allows for a solid ankle lockdown making them really great fo lateral agility movements.

10% Extra Width

This is one of their major selling points, but it's worth mentioning as it actually works. Again, they're going to look a little strange if you're used to seeing narrow pointed shoes, but the Strike Mvmnt Haze Trainer felt great and was true-to-size (which cannot be said for all the shoes I have reviewed).

The longest run I have completed in my Strike Mvmnt Haze trainers is 7-8 miles. Due to the extra heel volume I had to tighten them as I was starting to get some hot spots from a little bit of rub. Comparing this to the arch cramps I would get in my Nike's, I would take hot-spots all day.

Minimal Drop

As mentioned before, heel-toe drop is not inherently a bad thing and can actually be beneficial for a lot of people trying to increase squat range of motion or lower body strength.

However, constant use of a high drop shoe can cause other issues such as hip and balance problems in the future. For this reason it wouldn't be our #1 recommendation for minimalistic wider width shoes, but it definitely stacks up against the rest with durable and comfortable performance.

The Best Shoe for Heavy Lifting (kind of):

$130

Born out of the '60s, Nike is one of the most influential and iconic brands of the era. With a near $13B revenue to round out Q2 of 2023, it is absolutely no argument Nike still reigns king of shoes.

Yet, with such an iconic name and massive brand loyalty, Nike manufactures some of the least versatile shoes when it comes to physical movement.

Originally introduced in 2014 at the CrossFit Regional Competition, the Nike Metcon was specifically developed to withstand the needs of high performing cross-training athletes. The Nike Metcon 8 holds nothing back. However, the ability to throw money at a problem doesn't always yield the greatest results.

 TLDR 

Pros

• Wide visual appeal

• Foot protection

• Highly sport specific

• Most cost effective 

Cons 

• Too much padding, limited mobility

• Objectively narrow toe box

• Highly sport specific

Takeaway 

If you're looking for a highly sport specific shoe with little care about long term foot strength and stability, the Nike Metcon 8 is a great option. Plus, at only $130, they're actually one of the the cheapest available. But keep in mind, you may want to bring a change of shoes with you for anything else you need to do.

Fashion vs Function: Finding the Right Balance

Nike originally focused on creating appealing shoes that consumers would purchase, and they succeeded in doing so. However, it's important to note that shoes should prioritize function over style, as mentioned earlier.

The latest Metcon 8 (2023 as of the time this article was written) features Nike's patented React foam, offering improved support for training and short-distance running.

Ironically, despite the addition of various color choices, increased padding, and built-in wedge support, these enhancements may restrict the foot's natural movement, leading to potential issues such as poor form and injuries.

Having personally experienced setbacks from wearing Nike shoes during my fitness journey, I am well aware of the importance of addressing these foot-related issues.

Narrow Toe Box 

As a culture we have grown accustomed to seeing shoes come to a point. When they don't it can look weird and unattractive.

Companies like Nike know this, which is why they boast performance benefits even though they continue to manufacture objectively narrow shoes. 

For example, if you were to take a look at your foot right now and compare it to the foot of a baby who has never worn shoes, you may notice a significant difference in the foot shape.

You can fact check that by simply Googling indigenous people who have never worn shoes and noticing how their feet develop wider, stronger, and with much straighter toes than those who grow up wearing closed toed shoes. 

Bunions, arch pain, "flat feet", and poor ankle stability are all issues which can occur from shoes with too narrow of a toe box.

Again, as a person who has never, and will never, have wide feet, I can speak from experience Nike shoes are universally too narrow for the human anatomy. 

(Too) Highly Specialized

Specializing in something can be very good as it allows for a deeper focus into a niche area. But when it comes to shoes people wear all the time, a highly specialized shoe may not be the way.

The Nike Metcon 8 include a built-in "hyperlift" wedge, designed to increase the angle of the foot and control lower back "dumping", or overarching, at the low-point of a weighted movement such as a back squat. 

The men's shoes come stock with a built-in 8mm drop, and the women's come stock with a built-in 6mm drop.

They advertise these shoes as mid-distance running capable (which is around 3-5 miles in distance) which is already more than most people.

Combine that with the fact most people are going to wear their training shoes out-and-about, you increase the likelihood of developing hip mobility problems, increasing knee stress, lowing ground-to-stand mobility, ultimately increasing all-cause mortality.

If you feel that's a far jump, I highly recommend you do some research into the relationship between ground-to-stand and and all-cause mortality on your own.

Benefits of Shoes with a Wedge for Powerlifting

Shoes with a wedge design offer several advantages for powerlifting, including: 

• Greater Stability

• Improved Ankle Support

• Enhanced Balance

• Optimal Lifting Position

When it comes to powerlifting, the choice of footwear can significantly impact performance and safety during training sessions. Wedge-designed shoes have gained popularity among powerlifters due to their unique benefits that cater to the specific demands of this strength-focused sport.

One of the key advantages of wedge-designed shoes is the increased stability they offer. The wedge shape of these shoes creates a solid foundation that enhances stability, particularly crucial when lifting heavy weights. This stability not only provides a sense of confidence to the lifter but also minimizes the risk of injuries that can result from unstable footing.

Furthermore, these shoes provide enhanced ankle support, thanks to the raised heel characteristic of the wedge design. By maintaining correct ankle alignment, these shoes help powerlifters achieve optimal squat depth and form, which are essential for maximizing performance and reducing the likelihood of strain or injury.

Another notable benefit of wedge-designed shoes is the improved balance they promote. The wedge shape encourages better weight distribution, leading to enhanced balance and control throughout various powerlifting movements. This improved balance can translate to more efficient lifts and better overall performance in training or competitions.

Moreover, the elevated heel of wedge-designed shoes can assist powerlifters in achieving an optimal lifting position. This is particularly advantageous in exercises like squats and deadlifts, where proper posture is crucial for generating maximum power and minimizing the risk of injury. The elevated heel helps in maintaining a more upright torso position, which can lead to better force transmission and overall lifting mechanics. 

The Best Shoe for Experienced Athletes:

$145-160

 TLDR 

Pros:

• Wide shoe / wide toe-box

• Functional all-day wear

• Lightweight durable materials

• True minimalist build

Cons:

• Expensive

• Hard to clean

• Lacking lateral stability for knit version

Takeaway:

This is a lightweight and highly durable shoe fantastic for cross training and all-day wear and has been shown to increase foot strength by up to 70%.

However, be cautious wearing them as lifestyle sneakers, as they can be hard to clean and maintain. 

Versatile Performance and Long-lasting Durability

Due to its minimal design, this shoe enables the foot to flex and breathe naturally. When you first wear it, it might feel as though you're simply wearing a sock rather than a shoe. We advice spending time getting acclimated to them before attempting a run or complete an intense workout.

Perfect for Travel

Although you may never want to remove them, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III shoes are undoubtedly the most adaptable footwear I've ever experienced. The simple design showcases remarkable attention to material quality, resulting in a lightweight and sturdy shoe that can be effortlessly folded and stowed in almost any space. 

Yudae and crew recently journeyed to New York to put the travel-friendly (and foot-friendly) nature of these shoes to the test. They not only met but exceeded our expectations, proving to be highly practical and comfortable both on the plane and while exploring the city.

Mobility > Stability

Airing on the side of caution, it's best to say if you don't have a priority on form, these are not the best shoes for you. On the other hand, if you're all about form and increasing your foot health, there is truly little better than a pair of Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III shoes.

Keep in mind the knit version of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III offers the lowest lateral stability. For those attempting heavy lifts, lateral agility movement, and fast tempo runs, this may not be the best option for you. That said, I personally do all of the above and they have worked just fine.