The Shoes I Wear for Every Type of Workout
There is actually a method to the madness to the shoes I wear
I don't wear the same shoes for every workout - and really, I don't think you should either.
Trail running requires something completely different from lifting weights. A long run calls for different support than a strength workout. And after a hard workout? My feet want nothing more than to be shoved into the most comfortable recovery sandals or fuzzy slippers I can find.
So instead of giving you a giant list of "my favorite shoes," I thought I'd share the shoes I actually reach for and what I wear each pair for.
These are the shoes currently in my rotation:
Trail Running + Hiking
Altra Women's Lone Peak 8
What I wear them for: Trail running, hiking, and adventures on uneven terrain.
These are my go-to when I'm getting off the pavement.
The Lone Peak 8 has a roomy toe box, zero heel-to-toe drop, and a grippy outsole designed for trail terrain. They also have a protective layer underneath the foot to help shield against rocks and debris!
What I particularly like about them is having plenty of room for my toes while still feeling secure through the middle of my foot. And when I'm on a trail, I want traction - I don't want to be thinking about whether my shoes are going to cooperate with rocks, roots, dirt and uneven surfaces.
My take: If I'm heading out for a hike or trail run, these are the shoes I'm grabbing. These were the shoes I wore for the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike!
Everyday Running + Walking
Saucony Women's Triumph 22
What I wear them for: Road running, walking, easy runs, and everyday wear.
This is my comfort shoe.
The Triumph 22 is a highly cushioned daily trainer with Saucony's PWRRUN PB foam, a wider midfoot for a balanced platform, and a soft, breathable upper. It's designed for daily running and casual movement, which is exactly how I use mine.
I love these for days when I want cushioning under my feet without feeling like I'm wearing a super aggressive running shoe.
They're also one of those pairs that can easily transition from a workout to running errands. I've definitely worn mine for much more than running.
My take: If I'm going for an easy run, walking a lot, or just want a really comfortable sneaker, these are usually my pick.
Lifting + METCON Workouts
Nike Women's Free Metcon 5 Premium
What I wear them for: Strength training, HIIT, circuits, bootcamp-style workouts, and basically anything I'm doing in the gym that involves a little bit of everything.
These are my gym workhorse.
The reason I like a training shoe for lifting and METCON-style workouts is that I want a combination of stability and flexibility. The Free Metcon 5 has a wider heel to create a stable base for lifting, while the forefoot is designed to be flexible for movements like burpees, planks, sprints and other agility work.
That's exactly what I want when a workout might have me going from squats to a row to burpees to a short sprint.
They're supportive enough for strength work but don't feel overly stiff when I need to move.
My take: If you told me I could only keep one pair of shoes for my typical gym workouts, this would probably be the pair.
Recovery + Post-Workout
OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide
What I wear them for: After workouts, around the house, running quick errands, travel, and anytime my feet are ready for a break.
These are the shoes that come off immediately after a hard workout.
The OOahh slides are designed specifically as recovery footwear, with OOFOS' OOfoam material and a contoured footbed. They're lightweight, flexible and machine washable, too - which is a major bonus when you're wearing them with sweaty post-workout feet.
The brand says the foam absorbs more impact than traditional footwear foam and that the footbed is designed to reduce stress on joints.
But honestly, the reason I keep reaching for them is simple:
They feel really, really good after I've been on my feet or just finished a workout and for everyday wear.
My take: These live by my back door because they're basically the official shoe of "I just finished working out and don't want to put real shoes back on."
Cozy Around-the-House Slippers
Women's Fuzzy Memory Foam Slippers
What I wear them for: Around the house. That's it. 😂
Okay, these aren't workout shoes, but they absolutely belong in my shoe rotation.
These are my feet are officially off-duty shoes.
They're fuzzy, warm and have a memory foam footbed, so they're perfect for padding around the house when I don't want to walk around barefoot.
And apparently I'm not the only one who thinks they're ridiculously comfortable. They've gotten plenty of attention for their cushioning, softness and cozy feel.
They're especially nice during the colder months when I want something warm on my feet but don't necessarily want to wear socks.
My take: Not a workout shoe. Very much an essential shoe.
Shop the adult Slippers → LINKED HERE
Shop the kids slippers → LINKED HERE
The biggest thing I want people to take away is that your shoes should match the activity you're doing.
Running shoes are designed for running. Training shoes are designed for lateral movement, lifting and mixed workouts. Trail shoes are designed to help you navigate uneven terrain.
You don't necessarily need a closet full of shoes, but having the right shoe for the workout you're doing can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident you feel while you're moving!
Xo,
Katy