"No pain, no gain" may be your attitude in the gym, but it definitely should not apply to your feet. Keep your feet comfortable and safe with the right pair of training shoes. Similarly, don’t buy into the idea that you can break in training shoes; if they aren’t comfortable when you first put them on, find a pair that is. And don’t forget to change out your training shoes after 100 hours or when they become visibly worn, whichever comes first!

Training shoes do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to supporting your efforts in the gym. Obviously, they keep you comfortable. But they also serve as your foundation throughout your entire movement cycle, helping you to work out efficiently and with proper form. So how do you know if you’ve found the right training shoes for you? Try ’em on! Wear the socks you plan to wear when you work out, and be sure to try on both shoes. Your feet should feel secure in the shoes, but you shouldn’t feel inhibited by them. Your feet swell when you exercise, and neglecting to leave adequate room can result in painful blisters later on. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store a bit—or even do a few lunges or squats—to see if the shoes rub, slide, or generally don’t feel “right” on your feet. Do the shoes feel stable and supportive? Are your arches happy? Do the shoes provide good traction?

When selecting a pair of training shoes, keep a lookout for a few key features. Traction is very important for activities that involve heavy lifting, and a reinforced toe will allow the shoe to withstand push-ups, planks, and similar moves. A training shoe featuring a zero drop (or close to zero) is well suited for squats and lifting weights, and a breathable upper will keep feet cool.

How well do you know your feet? Understanding their size, shape, and unique movement pattern is crucial to outfitting them with proper footwear. Before buying your next pair of training shoes, figure out if you have a low, neutral, or high arch, which will help you determine how much arch support you need. The more you know about your feet, the better equipped you’ll be to keep them happy and healthy with the perfect pair of training shoes!

Don’t settle for an ill-fitting training shoe or try to force the next size up or down to work for your foot’s unique shape or width. Our catalog features a huge selection of the best training shoes for your individual feet. We carry wide training shoes and narrow training shoes—all in a variety of hard-to-find sizes that will keep you going strong.