If you have been following me on Facebook or Instagram, you may know that I absolutely love sneakers. I live in them daily. I match my outfits around them. Unless I’m travelling, I almost never wear the same pair two days in a row. So yes, I may have a small problem. But that’s ok. It’s one I can live with 🙂

But I truly believe that, if fitness is a big part of your life, it is important to invest in a good pair of sneakers. Most back, knee, ankle, toe injuries can be helped almost immediately by wearing a good pair of shoes (and orthotics if necessary). I run quite a bit and have had two knee surgeries as well as a herniated disc in my lower back, so I had my gait analyzed at a running shoe store to find out what type of shoe fit my food best. I would highly recommend that if you haven’t had it done.

Below are some of the major players in my current sneaker rotation. This could change tomorrow depending on how I’m feeling or what I see at the Nike store next time I’m there, of course 🙂

 

 

 

Nike Frees 3.0

photo
If you have these, you may notice that some of them say 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0. The number is the “degree of free” on an ideal scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is barefoot and 10 is a traditional cushioned shoe. I like the black ones the best because they match everything. These are very light weight and feel like you are wearing a sock.

 
 

New Balance Minimus

photo 1

These are New Balance’s version of the Nike Free. Super lightweight and very comfortable. I would wear these on  leg day – especially if I’m doing squats – because the sole is flat and better for balance.

 
 

Asics GEL-Noosa Tri 8

photo 4

This is my all-time favorite running shoe. They come in a bunch of other colors as well. I ONLY run in Asics, Brooks, or Mizuno shoes. They have great cushion, great support and have a ton of great colors.

 
 

Nike Lunarglide

photo 3

These are some of the most comfortable Nike shoes ever made. I wore these for the first time on a FitnessRx for Women photo-shoot and had to get them. These would be good for those who like to go walking a lot. You could run in them, but for me, I prefer Asics, Brooks or Mizunos.

 
 

Nike Shox

photo 2

These used to be a lot more popular. They are very fashionable and are a bit wider in the toe, but they are a little heavier than a traditional running shoe or the Nike Frees. I wear these casually or to the gym to train upper-body.

 
 

Converse All-Star

photo 5

Every sneaker lover should own a pair of Converse. Although I don’t train in these, I  love to wear them with a pair of jean shorts on a casual Sunday 🙂