[starrsgirl]

Quite a few people have asked me at my gym recently what kinds of shoes I recommend/work out in myself. I'm a big "shoe activist" and wanted to give a friendly reminder to get good shoes to work out in. Also, make sure your shoes are sport specific...as in designed for what you are doing (don't run in basketball shoes and don't weigh lift in running shoes, that type of thing.)

I just got a pair of the Vibram 5 finger shoes today (women's Bikila). They are wild if you haven't seen them! Vibram FiveFingers - BIKILA LS

I'm still unsure about switching to running full time in them, but I hope to start lifting in them and walking in them. Even if I end up only running a few days a week in them, I hope to strengthen my foot muscles and calves. I will keep you all posted.

Currently, my lifting shoes are Asics Enthrall and my running shoes are Asics Nimbus. I highly recommend the brand....but the most important thing about shoes is that they are a good fit for your foot.

[Jule'sMomInOR]

Wow, I hadn't seen them! Wild is right. So I wear cross trainers for lifting, running, and cardio classes. I only run about once per week though. I do really need a separate pair for running and for lifting?

[starrsgirl]

Ooh, that's kinda tough. If you are only running once per week, I think you can totally get away with your cross trainers. Especially if you run inside/treadmill. The cross trainers tend to break down a little faster on the concrete because (most pairs) they are designed for indoors/gym floors.

I will sometimes warm up in my cross trainers if I don't feel like brining another pair of shoes. But, I notice a much smoother ride on long runs in my running shoes.