Yes, It Matters Which Shoes You Wear on The Treadmill!

If you usually walk or run outdoors and have recently switched to working out on a treadmill indoors, we’re sure you will already have noticed quite a few differences.

We know you won’t miss breathing in traffic fumes or getting caught in an unexpected downpour. You’ll definitely enjoy running on a consistently smooth surface and you won’t miss having to dodge tree roots and other obstacles waiting to trip you up. And being able to walk or run at any time of the day or night without worrying about your safety? Absolute bliss!

There are other key differences between walking and running indoors vs outdoors. Treadmills are a much softer surface than most outdoor running areas, and they don’t present the same twists and turns that you would encounter out in the open. This means that your feet and ankles will be dealing with more repetitive stress as a result of less variation in movement.

You may also find that your stride on a treadmill is quite different to your stride when running outdoors. This could mean that you will place more pressure on your heels instead of the balls of your feet.

These differences mean that your choice of footwear becomes critical to avoiding injury and making your home workout as comfortable as possible.

Here’s five tips for what to look for when choosing shoes for a treadmill workout at home:

• Comfort – the more comfortable your workout is, the more likely you are to stick to a consistent exercise routine. Uncomfortable shoes give you the easiest excuse in the world to skip a treadmill session
• Flexibility – the unique nature of walking or running on the surface of a treadmill is best suited to shoes specifically designed for walking or running, rather than cross-trainers which tend to be more rigid
• Cushioning – well-cushioned shoes will help reduce the impact of any extra pressure on your heels as a result of the softer surface of a treadmill compared to an outdoor track
• Breathability – you may find that your feet sweat more when working out indoors, so shoes with good breathability and mesh materials may be a good option
• Weight – lightweight shoes are best on a treadmill, as heavier shoes will slow you down and make it harder to maintain your balance