If You’re Struggling With Balance, Personal Trainers Recommend These 7 Sneakers
Whether we realize it or not, balance is the essence of almost everything we do. From simple tasks, like going on an afternoon stroll or stepping in the shower, to more obvious instances, like carrying the laundry down the stairs or walking over a patch of ice, we're hardwired to be balanced. The alternative of falling down (ouch) can be a painful and traumatic experience.
So, how do we improve our balance? The proper footwear is a good place to start. In addition to mobility stretches and foot and ankle exercises, the right pair of sneakers can decrease our chances of tumbling down. These shoes add more support and stability by preventing slipping and sliding, says Stephanie Thomas, CPT, a certified personal trainer based in Maryland.
To find your "sole"mate, consider just that—a firmer sole, which will provide an additional layer of support. To determine if your sole is tough enough, grab the front and back of the shoe and attempt to bend it. A firm shoe shouldn't have a twistable middle, says Thomas.
Another feature to look out for are laces or velcro straps, "so you have the option to tighten the shoe as needed," Thomas says. "Avoid slip-on shoes as they may not feel very secure," she adds. And finally, "make sure the shoe is wider at the top than it is at the heel," recommends Griffin Coombs, CPT, CES, a fitness and breathing coach who resides in Tangier, Morocco. This ensures that your toes can spread to widen your base of stability.
Find your balance with the sneakers below, all expert-approved to bring a little more stability to your life.
The 7 best shoes for balance
Sizes available: 5-13, in half sizes and five different widths.
Beyond the comfort that the New Balance 847v4 provides, this shoe serves up serious stability. Recommended by Thomas, the 847v4 kicks boast a responsive sole and firm midsole to support your every stride while giving you more control of your rear-foot movement. Even more, the shoe is built for all types of terrain thanks to its rugged outsole (no more slipping and sliding.) Plus, it comes in five (!) different widths, allowing you to really find your perfect fit.
Colors: Gray and blue.
Sizes available: 5.5-12, in half sizes.
The best shoes for balance have a roomy toe box, high-traction outsole, and are lightweight, and Altra’s Paradigm 6 ticks all of the boxes. The cushioned midsole encourages better walking form while the breathable mesh offers a hug-your-feet fit for ultimate comfort. Who knew balance looked and felt this good?
Colors: 7 different colors.
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes.
If you’re training at the gym or hitting the squat rack, Nike’s Metcon 8 will help you power through lifts or workouts without the wobbles. The relatively-flat outsole keeps you grounded to the floor while the rugged outsole grips the ground, no matter if its rubber, wood, or turf flooring. And even though it’s sturdy, it’s incredibly breathable, so you won’t have to worry about feeling weighed down or disconnected.
Colors: 7 different colors.
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes.
While known for its light-up-with-every-step kid shoes, Skechers also produces foot-friendly footwear for adults, and the Go Walk shoes are a personal trainer favorite. “These supportive shoes include Skechers Arch Fit insoles for increased support and comfort,” says Thomas. Lightweight, breathable, and flat, the Go Walks will have you ready to conquer the miles ahead.
Colors: 4 different colors.
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes.
Even though these look like they’d throw off your balance with that elevated heel, Hokas will take your balance (and training) to new levels. The lace-up design keeps your feet strapped in for the ride, while the cushioned insole protects your footbed even when things get rocky. Bonus: It comes in seven fun and bold colors like Puffin Bill, Goblin Blue, and Sharkskin.
Colors: 7 different colors.
Sizes available: 5-13, in half sizes and four different widths.
Shoes that are too narrow can cut off the feeling of being balanced, so Thomas recommends shoes with wider bases. “This walking shoe is designed for stability with a wide base and a roomy toe box,” says Thomas. Even more, the shoes don’t leave any room to trip thanks to the velcro straps, which fasten you in for a more stable and secure fit.
Colors: Black and white.
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and three widths.
This shoe has both elements Coombs recommends: a wider toe-box and a strong outsole. The wide toe-box allows your toesies to spread out and “grip” the ground, while the rubber outsoles offer traction and stability. Plus, the arch support comes in clutch for long days on your feet.
Colors: 9 different colors.
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