Ask any personal trainer what sort of shoes you should buy for your fitness pursuits and there's going to be a big debate. It may sound like hyperbole, but there may be as many opinions on this topic as there are shoes at your local athletic apparel store. Let's cut through the fads, trends, and head-scratching confusion with some real-world, functional advice from trainers who are more concerned with your health than an apparel endorsement. Before you go out and buy a new pair of shoes, it's important to define what you'll be using them for. "People who do a lot of running need to focus on a totally different set of needs than those that plan on doing a lot of heavy lifting," says Kendall Wood, NASM CPT, and author of Core Fitness Solution. What do you need in a pair of athletic shoes for heavy lifting? It may surprise you but the trend for folks spending more time in the weight lifting part of the gym is truly a case of less is more. According to Nathane Jackson, CSCS: "My favorite shoe is the New Balance Minimus, while the Nike Free, Reebok Nano and the Merrell Flux Glove offer a similar design."

Why are these great for strength training? Jackson told us that they "all have very little heel lift, making for a near barefoot experience while allowing the user a greater proprioceptive feedback," which is especially useful when weight training. If you're doing a lot of running, less used to be more but new designs are focusing more on stability and heel support. Of course, the industry's hallmark of lighter, durable materials is still at the forefront but the notion of running without support (we're looking at you, barefoot running hipsters) is as passé as leg warmers. You'll want to look for well-padded options that hug your heels but also provide an ample amount of toe room. This all combines to make for an almost bouncy feel that creates a more responsive stride that still gives you all the balance you need. Great options include: the Nike Free Run, the Adidas PureBoost, and the Wave Paradox by Mizuno. What if you want a shoe that works for both running and weight training?

Look for a little more than a minimal heel, but not as chunky as a cross trainer where you have enough room for your feet and toes along with some flexibility and arch support that lets you run, stand, press, and lift without any awkward sensation or feelings of overcompensating. nike shoes with price for manA few great options include: the Brooks Neuro (which is especially great if you're also planning some sports in your fitness), the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080, and the Nike Free Train Versatility.nike shoes free run 3 priceAthletes spend large amounts of money for the latest advances in training knowledge and equipment. best nike basketball shoes all timeThey spend a lot of money on high-tech shirts and shorts and running shoes. runner's world top womens running shoes

Too often, though, they overlook the value of specific shoes for weight training. nike shoes on sale indiaIn the weight room, you need shoes that have a non-compressible wedge sole, a heel that fits snug and provides support.running shoes golden For as little as $40, you can purchase a pair of Converse's Chuck Taylors that meet the needs of good weightlifting shoes. While they were originally developed as basketball shoes, "Chucks" possess the characteristics that make a shoe ideal for strength training. They have a flat, almost solid sole, unlike the raised-heel, "marshmallow" soles of modern running shoes. They provide adequate support for the ankles and heels and they lace nearly to the toe. This allows you to adjust the tightness of the shoe to fit your individual foot. Look at the Chuck Taylor All-Stars for weight-training shoes if you are a young athlete in high school or are otherwise on a limited budget for training equipment.

Adidas shoes offer a variety of suitable models for weight training. Consider investing in Adidas AdiStar weightlifting shoes if you are a more serious strength athlete and are considering competition weightlifting or strongman events -- these shoes cost around $200. According to Nick Horton, a certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach, the AdiStar is one of the best styles of Olympic weightlifting shoes. This style has a non-compressible sole, provides strong heel support and is designed with a secure strap in the instep -- features that are important for maintaining secure footing as you start and finish a power lift. While these shoes are a big investment, they last up to a decade. Since the rise in popularity of "functional" fitness, major athletic shoemakers like Nike have increased the availability of shoes for weight training. The Nike products provide a great middle-of-the-road selection for you if you are serious about your strength training, but don't see competition in your future.

Nike offers a range of shoes to fit various price points, from the less-expensive T-Lite V RX training shoes to the Romaleos 2 shoes that are twice as expensive. The Romaleos 2 shoes have a contoured heel wedge that supports your foot and allows you to bear as much weight as you can lift without the heel of the shoe compressing or giving in. In addition, these shoes come with two different soles that are interchangeable. For training, there is a flat foam sole that allows your feet to breathe. For competition, there is a stiffer sole that provides more support. Should You Try Barefoot Training? The Best Cross Trainers for Flat Feet The Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet How Much Room Should Running Shoes Have? The Best Shoes for Walking on Ice The Best Running Shoes With the Most Cushion in the Forefoot The Best Shoes for Walking or Standing The Best Running Shoe for Arch Support The Best Walking Shoes for Women With a Wide Toe Box The Best Arch Support Walking Shoes