A 300 Pounders Workout Sneakers
I have been thinking about how important the type of shoes I wear are for my exercising. I generally wear sneakers that have comfortable cushioning and some type of bubble or shock absorber. It all depends on the type of exercise I will be doing. This is a break down of what I wear.
New Balance: One of the Best Running Shoes Ever Made
My favorite pair are my New Balance 8505’s. I came across them while at Dick’s sporting goods store one day. That day I was looking for a pair of everyday walking sneakers to buy. As soon as I put these on I was in love. They have excellent shock absorption and aren’t too heavy. The mesh lets my feet breathe and the soft material conforms with my feet. I wear them for most of my walking. I actually wear these even when I don’t workout. I would say these are my everyday shoe.
I also own a pair of black New Balance 574’s. I wear these for light activities such as playing tennis or going to the park to run around with the family. This version is the old school, classic New Balance. They aren’t too heavy and have a perfect fit. I like the fact that they aren’t too flexible. Why? Because I have been known to twist an ankle or two and having sturdy shoes are great when you are making quick shifts and changes of direction.
I didn’t start wearing New Balances for exercising purposes until I got back home from the military. I was first put on to New Balance when I was in boot camp. I was extremely shocked to find out that the running shoe of choice at Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot was New Balance. I wore those to the ground, but damn did they take the punishment.
Nike Shox: A Comfortable Cross Training Shoe
The other pair of workout sneakers I have are Nike Shox, version TL 4. I have always been a fan of the Shox line of cross trainers. I purchased a pair of the $140 variety when they first came out. I used to love Nike’s Boing-Boing commercials. I affectionately refer to my Shox as Boing-Boings. One thing I dislike about them is that they were made sorta flimsy. After much wear and tear, they would tear. I did notice that Nike is making them a bit more sturdy. My latest pair have been with me for 2 years. They have those Shox absorber thingies all throughout the sole. It’s mostly mental, but I feel like they help with my weight. I wear these for my running and weight lifting. When I wear them I feel as though I have a pep in my step. So they serve as morale boosters too.
I believe that having the right pair of shoes is essential. For me, it directly correlates with my progress. I remember one time when I was at Marshall’s. I had seen a pair of the basketball version of the Nike Shox. I bought them right away, no questions asked. That same day I wore them for a session on my treadmill. What was that for…I experienced what I think are shin splints. It was a terrible decision. I had an excruciating pain in my shins as I ran. I have never felt anything so painful in my shins before. I tried running for a few more minutes but I couldn’t. I returned them the following week.
Now that I think about it, I have always been picky with my footwear selection. In high school I would choose to wear a raggedy pair of worn out sneakers over a pair of brand new sneakers that our coaches would give us. I guess it’s because I had broken them in. I have been told stories of players getting turf toe and other foot pains when wearing new sneakers during rigorous exercises.
Anyway, those are my sneakers and I am sticking to them. What do you wear?
Being 320lb weight lifter myself your article caught my attention.
I myself wear tennis shoes with only a thin layer of rubber between my feet and the ground, very little padding and no shock absorbtion.
Why? Because I got sick of ruining expensive shoes when doing Squats, Leg Press, even arm curls (I can arm curl 200 lbs).
LOL. Wow, you are a giant. I use the shock absorption to help with my weight. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi,
I found that after a year of running on the Nike Shox and the Adidas equivalent (very cushy for a 220 pound runner) that I bought on the Roadrunner Sports website, that I got knee pains.
I asked at a running store (first time I had been inside in years) and the fellow promptly sold me a pair of Asics 2110s, with a rigid sole. I felt great! Less cushion, less torquing in the sole, and my body’s natural geometry was restored.
Beefgut,
thanks for the info. I will definitely look into that once i drop some more weight. I haven’t worn Asics in years. I hear Brooks makes some good running shows too.
I love New Balance too, they are the best thing since sliced bread, but i found the 8505 to be a little stiff. Next time you need a shoe try the 1223 it the best shoe they ever made. you won’t want to wear anything else. I cant seem to post a photo here but check them out at the link
http://www.newbalancetampa.com/shop/product_detail.asp?model=MR1223ST
Alyssa, thanks for making me aware of the 1223 model. Next time I need a pair I will stop by your store. I live right about 15 minutes from the store. Any hook ups?
Thank you for your blog. I weigh 350lbs. I am trying to find the right shoe for my weight and more of a walking purpose to start. im getting a puppy to walk with. im a truck driver. i have a really bad hip so im always in a lot of pain. i was in the marine corps also back in the desert storm. my wife just bought a pair of asics nimbus gell 11. the man at the store turned her tothem said they would be best for her they have memory foam and gell. she loves them.
I would definitely say give Asics’s GEL-Kayano a try it has lots of support especially for those who needed it, just don’t get their Asics GEL-Trabuco. I purchased a pair had issues with it started to tear up within weeks (lousy poor quality shoe) not to mention giving me blisters whenever I wear it.
This is my first time on this blog, and it’s wonderful.
Ever since I gained lots of weight, my saving grace is the new balance 1123 it used to be the 1122. I have severe RA and supinate. I cannot remember if these shoes are for supinators, but all I know is they work.
For years I had problems, until a young high school kid at Sports Chalet showed me these shoes. After all the money I had spent, I could not believe it!!
The doctors only told me about other NB shoes. This one is no longer carried at S.C. I think. I cannot talk enough about them, they are hard to find at times.
I gained weight after my mother passed. I’m up to 247 pounds now and have to loose some weight! I’m looking for a good walking shoe with great arch support. I have a high arch and my feet hurt all the time. I’ve developed some knee pain over this last year and the doctor told name to loose 100 pounds. LoL