If you had to make a list of your training gear, what would that list include?
Naturally, not everyone’s list looks the same. Some women like to go all out with matching workout sets, while others throw on the first thing they can grab in their closet. Some like to pack shower essentials to freshen up at the gym, while others are good to go with a bit of deodorant.
But one thing remains consistent throughout everyone’s list: a good pair of training shoes.
Without the right pair of training shoes, effective training becomes next to impossible. But what makes for a good pair of waterproof shoes for women who like to indulge in training? Let’s find out.
Training Shoes For Women Buying Guide
What is so special about training shoes? Why can’t you just throw on whatever pair of run-of-the-mill shoes you wear in your day-to-day lives?
Well, anyone who’s experienced ankle pains, numb toes, lowered performance, and calluses during training can easily answer this question. Indeed, the wrong pair of shoes can severely affect your performance both in the short and long term.
Unlike regular shoes, training shoes enable the highly specific functions required for effective training sessions. Training shoes support a wide range of movement, with special attention towards lateral movements.
They are notably sleeker than their counterparts to accommodate technical maneuvers such as cutting, jumping, breaking, shuffling, and abrupt direction changes.
In other words, a good training shoe is one that allows you to perform all kinds of exercises. Here are some essential features to look out for:
- Stability
- Support
- Lightweightedness
- Water resistance and breathability
Stability
If there’s one thing that makes a training shoe effective, it’s how much stability it provides you.
When you’re training, you’re performing certain unnatural movements that your body isn’t quite used to. As such, you need to equip yourself with some counteractive gear, which, in this case, are proper training shoes.
The stability of training shoes is mostly dependent on their cushioning, or lack thereof. That’s not to say that a training shoe can’t have any cushioning. Rather, it should only have as much as is necessary so that your feet can remain as low to the ground as possible.
A highly cushioned shoe, such as running shoes, will increase the chances of your ankles rolling as you lift weights or swing a battle rope.
Support
Second only to stability, support is another essential aspect of an effective training shoe. But what exactly do we mean by a supportive shoe?
In this context, any and all features that ultimately correct your pronation or how your feet tend to “roll” naturally make for a supportive shoe. This differs from person to person, foot shape to foot shape. As such, shoes that might be supportive for someone else may not be supportive for you.
Features such as orthotics, corrective insoles, high or low arches, wide toe boxes, and high-top shoes all contribute towards supporting your feet as you train.
If you have a naturally high foot arch, for example, you’ll want to prioritize additional arch support to prevent foot cramps.
Lightweight
The last thing you want while training is for your footwear to weigh you down. Weighty and hefty shoes may feel more secure, but they can lead to perpetual pain and discomfort.
So, you want to opt for something that feels as weightless as possible. Not only will this minimize discomfort while training, but it will also enable a full range of movement and make certain exercises easier.
Waterproof and Breathable
Water resistance and breathability are usually afterthoughts for many people. However, these features are actually more important than you give them credit for.
Not only do waterproof and breathable shoes maximize your comfort, but they also amplify your performance. Think about it: the more comfortable you are in your gear, the better you will be able to train.
Moreover, you won’t have to be at the mercy of the weather to keep up with your training schedule. If you like to work out under an open sky, waterproof shoes for women will help you keep going even in the strongest downpours.
5 Best Training Shoes For Women
If you’re looking to optimize the results of your training, look no further than these seven waterproof shoes for women.
1. Nike Metcon 5
Highlights:
- Ideal for cross-training
- Removable Hyperlift insert along the heels
- Diverse cushioning
- Direction grip along the sides of the shoe
Nike’s Metcon line features some of the best and most versatile training shoes. The Nike Metcon 5 is your secret weapon to conquer even the most intense high-impact training exercises.
The Metcon 5 offers strategic stability thanks to its low profile and a removable insole. The low-lying, flat, and wide heel combines with a removable Hyperlift insert that helps offset pronation. Rest assured, you’ll remain well-grounded for those intense and heavy lifting sessions.
Moreover, the Metcon’s enhanced grip emerges from directional traction on the outsoles. The outsole extends over the side of the shoes as well, providing additional grip for rope climbing.
Despite its flat profile, the Metcon still offers plenty of cushioning. The strategically-placed foam is especially firmer under the heel and softer along the forefoot, so you can effectively perform a diverse range of exercises.
2. Reebok HIIT 2
Highlights:
- Ideal for HIIT exercises and cross-training
- Booted construction
- Responsive and flexible forefoot
- Forefoot flex grooves for strategic traction
Carrying forward Reebok’s deep-rooted fitness heritage, the Reebok HIIT 2 training shoes are the ultimate high-intensity waterproof shoes for women.
The Reebok HIIT 2 is everything a cross-training shoe should be: flexible, structured, and responsive. These waterproof shoes for women feature a textile upper, offering maximum flexibility for a myriad of high-intensity movements.
Moreover, a lightweight Floatride Energy Foam cushions your every movement, whether you’re doing jumping jacks, high-knees, or burpees.
At the same time, the flex grooves in the forefoot offer flexibility, whereas a durable rubber outsole keeps you well-grounded for dynamic weight-lifting exercises.
Not only that, but the bootie construction and lace closure secure your feet from toes to ankle, providing you the stability you need for an effective training session.
3. Altrarunning Women’s Solstice XT
Highlights:
- Balanced cushioning with zero heel-toe drop
- Caged upper for a more secure fit
- Innerflex midsole for maximum flexibility
- Lightweight and breathable
True to its name, the Solstice XT by Altrarunning ensures that your performance is always at its peak. These lightweight training shoes will let you take on any workout, be it inside the gym or off-track trails.
The low and, therefore, stable profile of these shoes is a result of Altrarunning’s proprietary Balanced Cushioning system. With a zero heel-toe drop, you can maintain your alignment, improve your form, and secure a low-impact landing.
Furthermore, the Innerflex grid-like grooves along the midsole maximize flexibility and optimize movement. Hence, these all-in-one training shoes are ideal for sprints, short runs, and other high-impact exercises outside the gym.
Lastly, the close-fitting construction, wide toe box, and caged upper will keep your feet well-secured as you power through your training sessions.
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4. New Balance Minimus Prevail V1
Highlights:
- TPU-fiber infused upper
- External heel counter for additional support
- Vibram outsole for superior grip
- Revlite midsole for premium responsiveness
The New Balance Minimus Prevail V1 foregrounds a superior grip over anything else. Indeed, a good grip is integral for resistance training, cross-training, weightlifting, and everything in between.
As such, a Vibram outsole offers the perfect cross-directional grip to keep you on your feet and prevent any injuries. Moreover, the TPU-infused knit upper offers you support as you lift weights and perform other resistance exercises.
Not only that, but the low profile and strategic cushioning maximize ground feel and provide invaluable feedback so you can correct your form.
At the same time, the external TPU heel counter increases your stability during cardio and other high-impact exercises.
5. Loom Waterproof Shoes For Women
Highlights:
- Fully waterproof and breathable
- High-grade Excelcast midsoles
- Vibram rubber outsoles
- Merino-wool-lined interior
If you like to diversify your training sessions with running, HIIT sessions, weightlifting, and resistance training, the Loom waterproof shoes will help you do just that. Not only are they ideal for demanding training sessions, but they are also perfect for daily casual wear.
The star of the show is the Merino-wool-lined interior and midsole, which offers an incredibly soft and comfortable fit. The midsole cushioning system minimizes foot pressure and prevents any resultant injuries, regardless of the exercise.
Additionally, the industry-standard Vibram outsoles and high-quality Excelcast help protect your ankles, maximize energy return, and absorb the impact of various high-intensity movements.
To top it all off, the fully-waterproof H2-Go outer layer will help keep your feet dry, fresh, and comfortable in all weather conditions.
Conclusion
Your training sessions are only as good as the shoes you choose to wear. You need to look out for features that maximize stability, support, traction, and overall comfort.
Without these features to protect your feet from impact and keep you well-grounded, you’ll compromise both your performance and health. Luckily, our list of waterproof shoes for women will help you combat these issues.
So, before you throw in the towel because your performance in the gym isn’t up to par, ask yourself this: am I wearing the right shoes?
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