The Extinction of Cross Trainers
As a child if I wasn’t dancing, running or playing some kind of sport you’d find me curled up with a book. One of my favorite series was the “Shoes“ series by Noel Streatfeild. The series taught me that in order to excel at an activity you need the proper footwear.;)
Introducing my first pair of cross trainers, the Nike Shox ZipSister Training Shoe.
The woman at Niketown that assisted me literally gasped when I told her that I’m a Group X instructor that doesn’t wear cross trainers. For as long as I can remember I’ve always used an old pair of running shoes in the gym. With my new foot problems and a history of spraining my ankle (yes while teaching class) its time for a change.
Proper footwear is essential to injury prevention (as I learned a few weeks ago) no matter what the activity. Running shoes are designed to propel you forward and provide cushion. Cross training shoes are designed for movement in all directions. They provide lateral support that can help prevent injuries when moving in a direction other than forward..
It also turns out the cross trainer is becoming extinct because everyone wears the wrong shoes to the gym. I went to three stores before finding a single pair.
I’m excited to wear these in tonight’s BOSU class! I can already tell that they my ankles are going to be happy!
CUTE SHOES!
Ok, this post could not come at a better time for me. I need new shoes. I lift, spin, and do interval work for my training and always wear cross trainers. Because I am surrounded by runners (you included!) I am motivated/tempted to incorporate some running into my program.
If you have running shoe recommendations, please let me know!
Yay for cute new shoes…love the hot pink! I have a couple different pairs of shoes in my rotation, some I only wear for running, some for lifting, some for walking the dogs. That way each pair lasts longer as well because I’m wearing it less.
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Love those shoes! I teach and take a lot of fitness classes and never really thought about the importance of Cross Training vs. Running shoes! i’m actually not even sure what my current pair are, but after reading this, I definitely plan on investing in some cross training shoes next time! thanks!
It’s true, when I was a teenager, I was all about the cross trainers, but now I haven’t worn them in years.
hmm..never thought about the fact that it’s been a while since i’ve seen crosstrainers. interesting.
I am in serious need of some new sneakers asap…I actually called Asics and they recommended some for me to try…they will be on the top of my Christmas list =)
oh my gosh! Those are so cute- I love them! I can’t believe you didn’t wear cross trainers either!!! With all the side to side motions we rock through in a typical class…I think you will feel a world of difference with these babies. Ryka also has some incredible cross trainers. Let us know how you like them
Joanna – I have lots of recommendations for running shoes, but it depends on what kind of running shoe you need (neutral, stablization, etc).
Erica – I’m embarrassed, for not having had cross trainers before. I’ve been teaching classes since 2002! I taught in them tonight and man could I tell a difference. Love them!
I’m totally guilty of using old running sneakers for cross training too. Granted I don’t do much cross training other than the bike or elliptical, but still. This is something to consider – good stuff.
Yea! for new cross trainers. I like the colors and hope you enjoy the shoes.
Your new shoes are super cute!! I love buying new running shoes (and cross-trainers!)!
I just wanted to throw my input in on the shoe debate. Lately I’ve been researching the actual purpose of shoes and most studies (even the creative mind behind the first pair of Nikes) attests to the fact that shoes don’t prevent injury, and that isn’t their purpose. Shoes actually are the cause of most ankle sprains because your feet are constantly seeking out more solid (not squishy) ground to balance on, but they can’t find it the weaker structures of the ankle give and get injured. While shoes can be helpful for people without very big arches, building up the natural structures of the feet is the best way to prevent injury; doing barefoot training or even wearing the Nike Free is a good option. All shoes really do is prevent your brain from sensing pain on impact (which is what the cushioning is for) do to improper running form and such, and to absorb shock at heel impact (because we aren’t supposed to land heel toe while running there is the most padding the heel). I am definitely no expert, just thought I’d share what I’ve learned from all the peer-reviewed research I’ve been reading.
~Nicole~
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for stopping by the blog! I knew it was a matter of time before someone brought up the barefoot running.;) I would love to read some of the peer-reviewed articles. Could you send them my way? I actually am planning on writing about the topic in the near future and they would be extremely helpful.
I can attest to the fact that my shoes have not been the cause of my ankle sprains (I’ve have had so many I can’t count). My sprains have been caused, by stepping in holes, running on uneven surfaces (like rocks), tripping, and general klutziness. The sprain I mention in the post was caused by getting carried away on the BOSU and landing on the rim while doing plyometrics. Shoes or no shoes I would have been injured. I can also say that right now shoes with lateral support are what’s right for my feet for activities other than running. I can’t even tell you how much better my ankles felt last night in the proper shoes!
Yep, I think it’s about time I get some new shoes!! Darn it, everything costs money..why can’t they be free?! I go online and order my runnin shoes at Holabird Sports.com. They have everything at a cheaper price.
I know, its ridiculous how much money all these shoes cost! I try to tell myself that if I had a desk job I’d buy various different shoes for different seasons/outfits. I’ll have to check out holabird sports. Luckily, the running stores in NYC offer discounts to members of the NYRR.
I don’t even know the last time I had really good quality running shoes. Even worse, I have unbelievably sensitive feet that need to be protected a lot.
I used to exclusively wear cross trainers for everything…and was shocked to learn how amazing running shoes could be for..well running!
Oh my gosh! That’s a lot of running hazards and ankle sprains! I’m glad to hear your ankles are feeling better in the new shoes.
Lateral stability is a definite factor for some so I’m happy that you’ve found a good shoe to help support you during cross-training! I still run shod but in more minimal shoes since all the heel padding tends to change my foot-strike, but I’ve also been doing barefoot training a couple times a week. I definitely see an improvement in shin splints and achilles pain since beginning barefoot running/training. For me is seems to all be balance, I think shoes and barefoot both have their place! Plus, I love buying new shoes, no matter what kind!! 
I would love to get you those articles! Since I’m a UCF student I get free access to all of the peer-reviewed journals. I’ll copy and paste the articles into a file and email them to ya (so you don’t have to pay for access!). What’s your email address?
~Nicole~
Nicole – I’m totally stoked about reading the articles! Thank you so much for the offer. I’ve sent you an email.