Funky Fitness Footwear

Funky Fitness Footwear intro

Clothes may make the man, but when it comes to getting the most from your workout, what's on your feet might take your further. Athletic companies have released a variety of smart shoes that claim to help you stand taller, reduce the risk of injury, and even tighten your buns. Pretty neat. From sandals that improve your posture to slippers that help fend off yoga-mat grime, here are seven shoes that'll help you step up your game.

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Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear

blakebrody.com, $98-135

If you have doubts about how clean the mats at your gym really are, try these cute shoes by Blake Brody. Designed specifically to be worn during class, these antimicrobial flats have grips on the soles to keep you from slipping around and are also eco-friendly (all hand-sewn, no glue). They're also perfect if you don't want your bare feet to touch a Pilates reformer.


 

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Orthaheel

orthaheelusa.com, $44.99-69.95

Slip on these sandals after yoga class to improve your body's alignment after you say "Namaste." While most flip-flops get a bad rap for lack of arch support, which can cause your feet to pronate and lead to foot, ankle, and knee pain, these shoes tout shock-absorbing orthotics that prevent your feet from rolling inward and provide extra cushioning by your big toe. This will help improve your gait and encourage proper body alignment. The American Podiatric Medical Association gave them a stamp of approval.

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NGR (No Gym Required) Shoes

ngrfit.com, $99.99

Unlike most toning shoes, which have rounded bottoms or balance pods, these sneakers are built with weighted soles. Since you're schlepping up to 2 pounds more per shoe, you'll burn more calories when walking in them. These shoes are about as safe as strapping on a pair of ankle weights, says Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. Which is to say, they're safe for walking in occasionally, but shouldn't be used for dancing or moving side-to-side. The extra weight can increase risk of a twisted ankle if you're moving laterally.

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Vibram FiveFingers Bikila

vibramfivefingers.com, $90-100

These lightweight toe shoes lack the thick cushioned soles of traditional running shoes, so they promote a safer stride. In Vibrams, the front of your foot hits the ground before your heel. But since less cushioning means less shock absorption, these shoes are best worn on trails and soft surfaces—running on pavement in "barefoot" shoes can strain your knees. These shoes are also popular with weightlifters: "For people whose natural foot and toe shape fits these shoes well, they may experience a better grip, thus creating a feeling that you are more connected to the ground surface and that your weight is better distributed," explains Sutera.

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Somnio Nada

somniorunning.com, $80

These minimalist shoes weigh 3.5 oz each, and, like Vibrams, promote a neutral strike (versus a heel strike) and a shorter stride. While these shoes may improve your stride, they don't absorb shock as well as regular running shoes if you're on hard surfaces like sidewalks, and overuse can lead to tendonitis, sprains, strains, and injury from rocks and other sharp objects.

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Asics GEL-Rhythmic

asicsamerica.com, $60

Lightweight, flexible, and made with a breathable mesh upper, Asics's new dance-fitness shoe is perfect for Zumba. The rubber sole prevents you from slipping as you turn and swivel your way through class, and the gel cushioning absorbs shock while you jump around.

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Skechers Tone Ups Fitness Flex skechers.com, $72

The latest from Skechers's Tone Up line, the Fitness Flex sneakers incorporate "dynamic flex pods"—mini balance balls that are grooved so you have greater mobility forward and laterally, while still causing more muscles to activate because you have to exert greater effort to stay balanced. "Toning shoes basically de-stabilize the foot while walking, causing your leg muscles to compensate and work a little harder," says Sutera. Problem is, muscles are also forced to work in ways that they are not intended to work and can lead to injury, so be careful.