The part of your body that exercises the most in any activity (except swimming) is your feet. Treat them well and match them to the right pair of trainers and you’re off to a great start. These are the best shoes that combine the latest in tech, comfort and style to make sure you’re always putting your best foot forward.
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For Versatility at the Gym:
UA HOVR™ Rise 3
Working through your gym routine in the Rise 3s you’ll feel the collaboration between a flexible outsole and layered upper system. The result is a locking down of the heel while freeing up the forefoot to create stability across the full range of side-to-side, backward or forward movements. Forgot you signed up for a studio class? Ample UA HOVR cushioning has you covered.
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For CrossFit Flexibility and Response:
Reebok Nano X1
Made for climbing, jumping and throwing your body around at maxed-out intensity, the Nano X1s feature the ever popular Floatride Energy Foam cushioning lower down and works its way up to a Flexweave knit upper. The upper is breathable, durable and designed for multidirectional movement. The Floatride cushioning is prominent in the forefoot to provide the response you’re looking for from explosive movement.
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For Smashing Your 10K PB:
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
Illegal in competitions in 2020 due to a towering stack height (the heel) exceeding regulations, the IAAF stepped in, regulated shoe specs worldwide to make it legal, and now the fastest road shoes are sporting more foam than ever. Internally, carbon rods load up on downward force and then give you back energy when expanding—a big factor in so many records falling and the Pro 2s have claimed a lot of them in 2021.
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For Blazing Trails:
Salomon Ultra Glide
When the trails have taken their toll on your legs, a reverse cambered outsole will help you transition from heel to toe with its rocker shape. Not entirely sure what terrain you’ll be up against on your trail adventures? The Salomon Contagrip MA is created for traction on a wide array of surfaces—wet, dry, hard or loose.
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For Functional Training:
Vivobarefoot Geo Racer Knit
The better your proprioception (feedback from the ground through your feet) the more efficient your movement will be—and with less than 5mm between you and the surface your foot will have a great connection. Zero cushioning, no profile from heel to toe, and a shoe shaped like your foot, are all big plus factors in building your foot’s natural strength and structure. Now that your feet are working to the best of their ability they can adapt to the required movements of functional training.
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