Because this question winds up in my DMs at least a handful of times each week, today’s blog post was born. Workout Wednesday – My Favorite Shoes is a roundup of what my picks are in three main categories. So that means I’m likely going to miss an exercise area that you do. And I’ll apologize in advance for that! But my main goal in this is to be a permanent resource to refer back to if you’re on the hunt for your next workout shoe purchase! Also, you’ll clearly see that I’m a huge fan of On. But this is NOT sponsored; just to put in a little disclaimer. 🙂

My Favorite Shoes – Running

Without a doubt, the On Cloudflow. I have been running in this style for 2 years now and am on my 5th pair. Prior to making the switch to the Cloudflow, I was a loyal New Balance Zante (all versions) consumer. When I made the switch, I knew I’d never go back. *Knock on wood* but I have stayed almost 100% injury-free in these. Remember that odd ‘foot issue’ I had early Fall? That’s the only problem I’ve had while in these. And I know it wasn’t the shoe that caused it. For reference, I am a neutral runner with narrow feet and a relatively high arch. I find these lightweight, supportive and comfortable. If you have a wider foot, I’ll be honest and say I don’t think these are going to be your best choice. Check out the Cloudswift instead! 

I have ran up to 14 miles in these and my feet never suffered. And I love that you can push 300+ miles in them before I feel like I need to start breaking in a new pair. Personally, the color of my running shoes is the least of my worries. But On does have some great, and super unique, combos! My recommendation for this style is to be a true RUNNING shoe. Used for your easy runs, recovery runs, long runs and any kind of interval + threshold work. For me, they run true to size. I’m an 8 in nearly everything and that’s what I wear in these. When I’m doing specific ‘Speed’ Days I do switch to the Cloudflash style. I find them the most responsive and they perform awesome on the track surface.

My Favorite Shoes – Walking

To be honest, this answer has changed over the last 3ish months. But currently my response is the On Cloudflyer. They have a slightly wider fit and a significantly wider toe base than the Flows. Also, they are SUPER cushioned. Because I run a lot, a well-cushioned walking shoe is super important to me. These hit the mark 100%. Prior to moving to this style, I would wear either my Adidas Swift Runs or Adidas Ultraboosts. I truly think the Cloudflyer easily rivals the Ultraboots, and have a similar wide-ish fit. But don’t expect the padding to feel quite the same. Because clearly there’s a reason Adidas trademarked that sole!

Keep in mind, my ‘walking’ mostly consists of 1-2 miles 4-5 days per week with the dogs. I’m on paved surfaces the entire time with them! Obviously during stim shots + post-retrieval, all I would do was walk too. And those were mostly treadmill miles. So I can definitely say I recommend the Cloudflyer for both indoor and outdoor use. For me, these run true to size. I have my usual 8 in these, but I would say error on the side of going up a 1/2 size. If my foot was any wider, I think I’d need an 8.5.

My Favorite Shoes – Lifting

For 3 years now, I have sworn by the Nike Metcons. Well, to be exact: the Nike Metcon Flyknit style is what I have right now. Unfortunately I snagged mine at a Nike Outlet in Dallas and it seems like they’re ALL gone except for on eBay. But that being said, I would 10/10 recommend any of the Metcon family for weightlifting. They’re flat, allowing you to really FEEL out the floor beneath you and they’re not heavy or bulky. Like I mentioned above, my arch is fairly high so there was a bit of an adjustment period to get use to the flatness of the shoes. I’ve done everything from heavy back squats to box jumps in my Metcons and have never experienced any issues. It’s getting to be about time for a new pair, and I think THIS GOLD COMBO PAIR will be my next purchase.

Personally, I find Nike runs a half size small. That stayed true for me in this style and I wear an 8.5 in them. Also–I don’t love HIIT workouts, you all are probably quite aware. But I do them anyway. And I wear this shoe with no issues. I don’t like any extra cushion when I’m jumping because I feel like it weakens my knees and ankles. Strictly just MY opinion for myself. Which is why I stopped lifting/doing HIIT style workouts in my Ultraboosts.

Workout Wednesday Workout of the Week

HIIT / FULL BODY

What you’ll *ideally* need – 1 set of heavy, 1 set of medium & 1 set of light weights. (If you have a barbell, even better!) No box for box jumps? Use your stairs 🙂 To make this a bit easier, ditch the finisher. Harder? Up the AMRAPs to 15 minutes each. The beauty in AMRAP-style workouts is that you go at your OWN pace. Own whatever that is. Your best is more than good enough!

· xox, Kristin ·