Functional Shoes - Why You Should Be Wearing Them For Every WOD

Functional Shoes - Why You Should Be Wearing Them For Every WOD

As the movement towards functional fashion continues, footwear is no exception. Whether it's hiking boots designed for the mountains or running shoes that support your natural gait, people are looking to ditch their clunky training shoes for something more functional. Functional shoes aren't just trendy, they actually improve your fitness by helping you feel better in the gym and outside of it. Read on to learn more about the best functional shoes, how they differ from standard trainers and sneakers, and how you can wear them comfortably for every WOD.

Essentially, functional fitness shoes are designed to be used in workouts that involve various styles of training such as power snatches, rows, plyometric movements, etc. They're ideal for workouts that require a high degree of balance and coordination such as jumps or lateral movements, because they offer a better grip to the ground than standard trainers. Moreover, they typically have lower heel-to-toe drops compared to other running and cross-trainer shoes.

While running shoes usually have a higher heel drop of 12mm to provide more cushioning for the Achilles tendon, functional fitness training shoes should be zero-dropped so you can get a true feel for the ground beneath you. These shoes can help you avoid injuries caused by excessive pronation such as shin splints and can increase your foot strength, balance, and range of motion.

Barefoot shoes are usually made with a thin sole that provides a natural feeling to your feet. They also allow your toes to spread naturally, allowing you to connect with the floor. This allows you to use the muscles of your feet to their fullest potential, improving your balance and posture. Barefoot shoes are also great for improving your sense of ground awareness.

Another type of functional shoes is the squat shoe. These shoes are designed to withstand the high impact of squats and other weighted exercises. They also provide a good amount of cushioning for your ankles and knees.

A newcomer in the functional footwear scene is AKME, a brand out of Los Angeles. They recently launched their first line of shoes designed for Functional Fitness Games competitors and are gaining popularity amongst athletes who need the right shoes for demanding WODs. Their functional shoes are equipped with SuperFabric guard plates to protect your feet against impacts, a flat base layer for better grip and flexibility, and protected durable lace eyelets. Their new model, the FTW, was specifically created in collaboration with 10x Functional Fitness Games competitor Scott Panchik for better stability and comfort during intense workouts such as burpees or rope climbs.

Functional shoes are a trend that's not going away anytime soon. In fact, they're a smart and healthy choice for any athlete, especially those who spend more time in the gym than on the treadmill. They'll help you feel stronger, faster and more balanced in the gym and out of it. So, ditch your traditional trainers for these sleek, functional shoes and see how much better you can perform in the gym.

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