In order to make sure we maximize our performance and our rewards, SOME equipment is necessary. However, unlike many athletes it’s our opinion that the best equipment is the equipment that gets OUT of the way and allows US to perform.
Particularly we’re here to talk about something we ALL love shopping for… new shoes!
So we’re about to venture into the great unknown, trusting that our coaches will inflict only enough torment to cause the body results we are looking for, so we’re gonna need to make sure we’re “properly heeled.”[/text_block]
“Less shoe, more foot (and leg).”
Here’s the big NO-NO. We DON’T want you working out in traditional running shoes. The problem with running shoes is the angular wedge style sole that’s high on the heel and low in the front. This not only can cause long term problems in our achilles, but it also creates ankle and knee instability. Wearing these to workout can be like standing on mini swiss balls. Sound good? Heck NO!
The same is true for elaborate court shoes. Air bubbles, gel inserts, springs and the like all may help cushion the floor impact of Lebron James, not to mention sell expensive shoes, but it exactly the opposite of what we want.
So here’s what we want:
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Next up, for those who prefer a little more support, try indoor soccer style shoes or Crossfit shoes. The Nike Gato is a great example of these leather, flat, and good looking shoes. Another great shoe is the Reebok Crossfit Nano 2.0 and the Inov-8 f-lite 230s and Inov-8 Bare-XH 210.
I personally like light weight, barefoot style shoes. They allow more foot engagement and flexibility. There are many varieties of barefoot style shoes from various manufacturers. The kind I like the most typically are as close to socks with tread and laces. Popular shoes in this category include vibram five-fingers, Inov-8 bare-x, and New Balance Minimus MT/WT 10, MT/WT 20, and MR/WR-Zero.[/text_block]
Model selection in the end will come down to personal preference. Head to your local shoe store and try on a few models. You can’t go wrong with anything on this list that feels good to you.
-Coach Be[/text_block]
All the while you’re making this series of single changes in your day, you’ll have questions. We encourage you to ask us directly! Our coaches and mentors can help untangle and knots. Also you’ll be innovating! Your solutions to issues will be hugely helpful to other people in the class, so again we want you to share. You can post questions to us on the “Coach.Me” app or website as well. We win together.[/text_block]