I write this with the caveat that everyone says the best thing you can do is go to a running store and get fitted. We all have different feet, needs, arches, etc! But I also think many of us are just looking to get out there and get moving, or may be more casual or sporadic, and so — sharing my personal favorite exercise footwear recs as a frequent runner and multi-day-a-week Peloton/strength-training chickadee. These are the shoes I’m passionate about!
BROOKS GLYCERIN MAX // BROOKS GLYCERIN 22 // NIKE TRAIL SHOES // NIKE VOMEROS // HOKAS GAVIOTA 6 // NIKE METCON GYM SHOES // ON CLOUDS WALKING SHOES // BOMBAS SOCKS
My Top Picks for Running Shoes.
01. Brooks Glycerin Max (the cushion on these is dreamy).
02. Another pair of Brooks worth mentioning! More sizes here.
03. For trails, I prefer these Nikes.
04. I haven’t worn any of the new generation Nike running shoes for over a year (ever since discovering the Brooks Glycerins via Magpie readers!) but I was a devotee of Nike running shoes for decades, and specifically their “flyknit” series — it was the only brand and style I’d buy year after year! (A welcome inconvenience: having to replace your running shoes because the treads have worn low. Proof of effort!) I find the Brooks hold up a little better than the Nikes but in general found Nikes to be a bit lower profile and lighter weight, and they just tend to fit my feet really well. I’m intrigued by their new Vomeros, which have a Brooks Glycerin vibe to them with the extra cushioning.
A brand and style I’ve heard a lot about from fellow runners but never tried, and if you’re a Hokas fan (they don’t fit my feet that well — I prefer other brands, but I know there are a lot of Hoka lovers!), I noticed they just dropped a new style.
My favorite walking / all purpose shoes — these were originally gifted to me but now I’m on my second pair. I think they are SO comfortable and attractive for casual walks around the neighborhood, outdoor adventures, etc.
My Top Picks for Gym Shoes.
My favorite gym shoes (seen above!). Another color way here (limited sizing). I worked with a personal trainer a year ago, and she urged me to invest in proper gym shoes (I was just using my running shoes!), and boy was she correct. Running shoes are designed for forward motion — not lateral — and I am much more stable while doing squats, lunges, etc in the Metcons. I love them so much I got them for my husband!
My Favorite Running Socks.
On the socks front, I’m now in a committed relationship with my Bombas socks but my sister, who always knows these cool under-the-radar brands, has been raving about Balega and I’d still give Feetures a strong review, even though I personally prefer the Bombas at this point.
A few other fitness gear favorites:
BRIGHTON BASE LAYER FOR COLD RUNNING
BEST INEXPENSIVE RUNNING GLOVES
CLEAN KANTEEN FOR PELOTON RIDES
A FRESH STACK OF GYM TOWELS (BRAND DOESN’T MATTER, JUST MUST BE 16 X 27 AND NEATLY LAUNDERED NEXT TO A WIRE BIN FOR USED ONES)
TOWER28 RESCUE SPRAY (POST-WORKOUT, I SPRAY THIS ON MY BACK TO PREVENT BREAKOUTS!)
IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PAIR OF LEGGINGS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE: THESE
What about you?
P.S. Gear for winter sports / skiing.
P.P.S. Quiet luxury for the new year.
P.P.P.S. Gear for a new year’s reset.
Magpie promo codes here + my recommended products here. You can preorder my book, Small Wonders, here!
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I got Metcons based on your recommendation and like them for gym work/strength training a lot.
I have a family trip to Disney this year and anticipate a ton of walking. I was thinking about getting a pair of Hokas or On sneakers. Maybe leaning a little towards On based on looks and Jen’s recommendation. I should just get fitted, but do people have feelings about those?
Another Mia here! I got fitted at a specialty running shoe store and highly recommend. They observe your gait as well. They got me started on my committed relationship with Brooks. My husband swears by Hokas. I’ve tried On out of curiosity (and I was specifically curious about their waterproof shoes) but something about the height of the upper part of the shoe on the ankle side came up too high and was rubbing against my ankle bone. But, everyone is different! They do look cool and unique though.
Also a huge Metcon & Balega stan! Intrigued by your endorsement of those two Brooks running shoes – I run in the same Nikes you used to love, so it seems we have similar needs and structure. Easing back into post- c-section running shortly and may have to try one of those Brooks models as an extra boost!
You got this!! Cheering you on! Those first runs post-c are a challenge and triumph. LMK what you think if you go the Brooks route!
xx
TY x 1000!
+1 for Brooks! I have been a loyal Brooks user for the past 20 years now. I’ve tried a few different models (Adrenaline, Ghost) but the best model for me is the Glycerin, which I’ve been using exclusively for the past maybe 8 years. Really supportive shoes! Somewhere within those 20 years I tried out Nikes (when lower-profile shoes became popular) and I completely regretted it — my joints were miserable! But maybe it’s just my bone structure? All that to say, Brooks all the way for me.
PS: So impressive that you’re getting back into running post c-section! Woot woot!
Thank you – will take any/all virtual salutes of encouragement! I spent years running in Ghosts too and now am thinking I should circle back to Brooks, based on all of this new intel…
I wear Brooks and New Balances for running, and for weight lifting, I wear No Bull shoes. Lots of lifters wear Converse or no shoes at all, because you really want as little cushioning under your feet as possible for maximum stability. No Bulls are a nice middle ground in that they’re quite flat but still offer some structure/support. I know everyone loves the Tracksmith Brighton, but I actually really like the Harrier top. I find its shorter, boxier cut more suited to me vs the super long and lean Brighton. I also like that it’s a bit more heavy weight, so I will often wear it + a tight tank layered beneath for runs in the low 30s.
Jumping onto this too – my husband and I work out at the same strength training gym (and he’s a trainer on the weekends for fun) and he exclusively wears No Bulls, as do most of the other trainers!
Oh interesting!!! Thanks for sharing! xx
Love these notes and hadn’t even heard of No Bull! Thanks for that rec. Immediately opened a tab to contemplate for my husband.
I also love the Harrier top — I find the Brighton just a little softer and comfier for more everyday wear (i.e., I will wear that while birding on a cold day, while going for a long walk, etc.)
Thanks for sharing!!!
xx