You may have seen runners wearing a strange type of shoe that is said to mimic barefoot running, but you’re probably best sticking to your usual trainers for working out at the gyms in London.

There is a belief that traditional running shoes might lead to injury more than these barefoot styles. But many people are switching their own trainers for these new styles because of fad popularity rather than any scientific research.
There are many factors to achieving a pain-free workout but before you trade in a good pair of trainers, make sure you know what you are looking for.

If you’re are using trainers purely for running then you should consider what time of running you’ll be doing. Is it on or off road? And how do you run? All these things will be taken into consideration if you go to a specialised sports shop, and they’ll can talk you through whether you need cushioned shoes for minimum arch support and midsole cushioning; motion control shoes for runners who tend be flat-footed or strike hard on their heels (overpronators), trail shoes for off roading; performance shoes for racing or stability shoes for mild overpronators who have normal to low arches. You might even be looking for a track shoe for some speedwork.

Whichever sport you’re taking on, remember to use your footwear for that specific sport only. If you use a certain pair of trainers for your running training, then you shouldn’t really use them to play tennis or do your aerobics class, because you wear different parts of the shoe and if you buy a special pair of trainers for one reason, you don’t want to lose the stability of that shoe and make yourself prone to injury.

While some studies show that running with a barefoot style is different – promoting a forefoot or midfoot strike instead of a rearfoot or heel strike, which is what is commonly promoted by traditional running shoes, they don’t actually prove such a style guarantees fewer or less-severe injuries.

Discerning runners and gym-goers would be wise to focus on their own particular biomechanics and what they want out of a training shoe. There is no single “best” way to run, and what works for one runner might not work for you.

It’s important to get footwear that you feel comfortable and supported in whether it’s for a sprint round the track, a jog round the park or a session at one of the gyms in London. Preventing injury by wearing good trainers is a better idea than having to spend weeks, if not months, resting up because you’ve injured yourself through impractical footwear.

So ask yourself, do I need a structured trainer, or can I get away with the barefoot shoe?

If you want to visit the gyms in London on a pay as you go basis, why not visit www.payasugym.com.