I hate running. To paraphrase Bett Midler, If God had meant me to run, he’d have put diamonds at the end of the alley.
Nevertheless, if I’m going to get on with this Crossfit thing, running and jumping and humping heavy weights and hurling myself into gymnastic moves is all par for the course. That’s a lot of different stuff to be doing in one workout. And I’m sure, like you, wondered what the best thing might be to wear on my feet.
Last year I went to Runners Needs and, after being filmed jogging to analyse my gait, faffing about colours, a lot of chin-stroking by the assistant, I was prescribed some big squashy trainers. Fine for running (though all the barefoot and Vibram afficionados will vehemently disagree)
But seeing as running is only a part of Crossfit (the smallest part, If I ruled the world!) I just didn’t feel right or particularly safe doing the other things: squat cleans felt unsteady, my foot was awkward and big getting in and out of bands, and I’d just kick them off altogether for gymnastics.
Recently we went to the Crossfit Endurance certification, and the coach was wearing some very cool shoes. I tracked them down and now own a lovely pair of Inov-8 F-lite 230‘s, size 4.5. They’re brilliant: small, light, comfortable, low-profile sole and heel but with good grip. Bright blue. They’re described as mountain-racing shoes, and amongst all the blurb, “perfect for Crossfit”
I love them, they seem to do all the jobs really well, and absolutely everyone’s noticed them!
If you want to read more, look here
http://www.pro4sport.co.uk/outdoor/shopexd.asp?id=17708
But they now seem to have run out of stock until November! Wish they’d told me that before taking my money. Buy from Wiggle – they’re super quick AND give you free sweets!
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/run/8/Inov-8_F-Lite_230_Shoes/5360045959/
What are your favourite shoes? How do they measure up to Crossfit workouts? Share your wisdom and experience below
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Kate, just read your article on the Inov-8 F-lite shoes. These look amazing, and seem to solve all the problems of which shoe to wear for which workout (remember how I used to wear one pair of shoes but carry another to be prepared for any workout?). Thanks for this tip–I might well just do it! xxR
Hey Rita! Hope you’re enjoying Aus. These shoes really are the business, and as they come in sizes UK 4 – 12, that covers most womens and mens feet. Even the tiniest, – like ours lol!
Oooo Really liking the look of these. I know what I want from Santa-Crossfit this year.
kate bought me a pair and they rock
Just one potential issue to look out for: There is no separate heel and sole on these shoes, so a band has nowhere to hook into. When I was doing pullups, the band slipped off and went between my legs! A nightmare for blokes – but just made me laugh. Make sure the band is in the middle of your foot and keep it there.
they came with sweets!!!! clap clap.
I have been one of Andrews PT clients since March. A few months ago he introduced me to the POSE method and I have been struggling trying to find minimalist footwear ever since.
Vibrams- poor fit, gave me a strange midfoot tendon strain, which POSE is clearing up nicely.
Terra Planna Vivo Barefoot- good for formal/work shoes, the Evo running shoes just didn’t work for me too loose around the toe box, caused me to push off rather than pull my foot.
True barefoot- only real way for me, tried it and the POSE just seemed to click, however still working to get consistency.
Recently purchased some Innov8 F-Lite195′s will be trying them out next chance I get.
I purchsed them whilst in Shropshire over the bank holiday weekend with an outdoor adventure company called Beyond Extreme. They have an online shop with excellent staff and really seem to care about the barefoot movement. I recommend speaking to Rachael or Louise (resident barefoot guru). Louise really spent time with me, and helped me get the perfect fit for me and my wide feet. Also, I think their prices are a little better than Wiggle, but alas no free sweets.
http://shop.beyondextreme.co.uk/index.php?cPath=170_232
Interesting. I wear Vivo Barefoot Terra Plana shoes. They work pretty well and I wear them all the time, as my physio recommended it. Completely fixed my posture and helped with my walking, etc.
I get my trainers and kit from start fitness (link below). They have some bargins if you have either huge or tiny feet and if you don’t mind last seasons colour.
You also get a free t-shirt and a pair of socks!!!
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/prodtype.asp?strParents=4070,4071&CAT_ID=4077&numRecordPosition=1
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