Best foot forward - The best type of footwear for group-exercise classes.

It’s getting to that time of year where your family might be asking you what you’d like for Christmas and some of you may request trainers.

Some you may head online to Amazon or Sports Direct and choose a pair of trainers in a nice colour.

Some of you may head down to your local sports shop and ask for specific advice.

Some of you might use the same pair of trainers for running, the gym and for classes.

If you attend classes like Zumba, Clubbercise, or Rockbox, you need multi-directional support, stability, and controlled grip for all that twisting, turning, and jumping.

Not all trainers are made the same way. Rather than going for a colour or brand you like consider first the function that you need the trainer to perform. If you buy the wrong shoe you potentially could cause injury. Fashion trainers & pumps are a very definite no no as the are style over substance with zero support.

Many people who go to fitness classes usually opt for a running or gym trainer but these also have their limitations

I’ve tried so many types of trainers over the years…..here’s my findings!

🏃‍♀️ Why running Shoes

Are Insufficient for Group Exercise

Running shoes are designed for forward motion only — heel to toe.

They’re made to absorb shock and propel you forward, not to support side-to-side, twisting, or pivoting movements.

In group fitness (Clubbercise, or Rockbox), that’s a problem because:

• The thick, cushioned sole can make your foot roll or wobble during lateral moves.

• The tread may grip too much, which can strain knees and ankles when you try to twist or turn.

• The high heel drop (difference between heel and toe height) can throw off balance and posture.

🏋️ Why Gym Shoes Aren’t Ideal Either

Many “gym” shoes are designed for lifting, static machines or treadmill work. These trainers are multipurpose but mainly focus on stability in static positions or simple front–back movement. Whilst suitable for classes like BodyPump they are unsuitable for multi-directional movement.

They might:

• Be too flat or stiff for quick transitions.

• Lack the cushion and flexibility needed for high-impact, fast-paced classes.

• Have limited lateral support, which makes it harder to move confidently side-to-side.

🎉 Why Tennis, Netball or Court Shoes Are Great for Group Exercise

This year, having experience recurring knee soreness and Achilles tendinitis I opted to try a different type of shoe in addition to working through physiotherapy exercises. In a nutshell I have found a big difference in support and stability with less issues in my lower legs.

Court shoes (like those made for tennis, netball, or volleyball) are designed for exactly the movements you do in group classes:

• Multi-directional movement — front, back, side, diagonal, twists.

• Supportive soles that grip without sticking — letting you pivot safely.

• Lateral stability — keeps ankles and knees happy when you move quickly or change direction.

Court shoes help protect your joints, improve your control, and reduce the risk of slipping or twisting injuries.

In short: they let you move freely and safely for classes like

• Zumba / Clubbercise: lots of twisting, turning, and lateral steps → need smooth pivots and lateral support.

• Rockbox / HIIT-style: fast direction changes and impact → need grip + cushioning.

My recent purchase has been K-Swiss. I’ve found these trainers inexpensive the best so far for the price.

To conclude : Running shoes are great for running in one straight line — not for dancing, turning, or jumping in multiple directions.

Training shoes are great for weights or machines — but not for cardio-based or dance-style workouts.

Tennis shoes or Netball shoes (indoor / clay) provide lateral support, flexible sole, and moderate grip and are the best choice for fitness classes.

You don’t need to spend a fortune. £50 will often get you a great pair of trainers.

HAPPY SHOPPING !!

X Laura

360 Fitness, Health & Wellbeing

Fun and friendly fitness classes in Melton Mowbray