Best Shoes for Elliptical Training

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best shoes for elliptical training are, then we recommend the Skechers Afterburn Memory Foam Lace-up as the best pair for men and the Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up as the best pair for women

Having perfect health is everyone’s dream, regardless of age. We all strive to get the best workouts that will help us to lose weight and keep fit. In this endeavor, I’ve found elliptical trainers to be the most effective in terms of prowess and effective outcome.

Elliptical machines often get a bad reputation within the gym community. Now, whilst you would never class using the elliptical machines as a high impact workout, they do provide a decent workout particularly for the lower body and especially if you crank the setting up high. But, as with all types of exercise, start with something reasonable and work your way up, your legs and the rest of your upper and lower body will thank you for that later.

The best shoes for elliptical training make the exercise safe and secure. You also go about your session without any strain or risk of injuries. You can either wear running shoes or cross-trainers, depending on your personal preference. They both give you the protection you need for the feet, muscles, tendons, joints, and even ankles.

With this in mind, here’s my list of the best shoes for the elliptical machine in 2020:

• Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory Sneaker
• Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Sneaker
• ASICS Men’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoes
• Women’s Walking shoe Dock Sneakers
• STQ Slip ON breathe Mesh Walking Shoes Women Fashion Sneakers

How to Pick the Best Shoes for The Elliptical

The elliptical machine is amongst the most popular equipment for workout sessions. You can burn a lot of calories using them more comfortably than when climbing stairs or even running.

Even so, it’s essential to get the right footwear to avoid discomfort and fatigue like I once experienced. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a running shoe or something else, but you have to ensure that you’re picking the right piece of footwear

These are some of the focus areas that you need to focus on when looking for an appropriate shoe:

• Shoe type.
• Cushioning.
• Flexibility.
• Laces vs Velcro.
• Build.
• Comfort.

The Type of Shoe

Most of us gravitate toward either running shoes or cross-trainers when using an elliptical machine. Both offer high levels of arch and overall comfort and support, but cross-trainers have better ankle support.

Their design fits the motion of the elliptical since they’re made with a consideration that the foot mimics that of a runner—moving forward.

Cushioning & Comfort

The perfect pair of shoes won’t only be lightweight, supportive and breathable, but will also provide cushioning to absorb shock and prevent injuries.

Although there’s no impact shock when using an elliptical, your body still needs cushioned footwear to remain stable and comfortable. But you don’t need a massive amount of cushioning, as you would with a running shoe.

For this, avoid rounded or higher soles, as these may cause you some instability. Also, go for super comfortable insoles, which research has shown can help with shock absorption. If the shoe you’re looking at doesn’t have a comfy insole, grab a pair that can house a replacement one.

Flexibility

We all come with different versions of pronation, which is the natural angle and shape of the foot when coming into contact with the floor. When picking your shoe, it’s crucial to take into account your foot profile.

Whether you have a pronated, neutral or supinated profile, the striking angle determines the amount of shock going into the foot and up the body. Shoes with high levels of flexibility distribute the shock evenly, reducing the chance of injury and pain.

Your toes also get room to flex and relax when being used on the elliptical. You’ll remain supported and comfortable throughout your session without hurting yourself.

Laces Versus Velcro

Choosing between laced shoes or those that close with Velcro depends on your taste. Both are perfect for elliptical training, although most running shoes and cross-trainers have laces. If you go for those with laces, always remember not to tie them too tightly to avoid cutting off supply to the toes, which may cause discomfort.

The Build

Choosing low-top shoes will reduce the center of gravity and provide a more lightweight shoe, without sacrificing ankle and foot support. I also recommend you hunt for sturdy and more full outsoles on shoes, as well as cushioned midsoles for arch support. 

When it comes to materials, soles tend to be synthetic or rubber, whereas foam is more common in midsoles.

Having shoes for elliptical training has several benefits in comparison with just any standard shoes. Some of the common advantages include:

The Best Elliptical Shoes

Taking the above factors into account, here’s my shortlist from the top shoes on the market. We’ve scoured high and wide to finalize our and we have a combination of all sorts in here, running shoes, cross training shoes and walking shoes which all fit the bill.

1. Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory Sneaker

I love that this shoe is made from smooth leather, and the upper is a combination of mesh and synthetic.

The mesh perforations stand out for me, providing excellent breathability without the discomfort of sweat on your feet.

Other features include a padded tongue and collar, memory foam insole, a flexible, Articu-Lyte rubber sole for excellent traction. All these give the shoe the versatility that you need to workout without any discomfort.

Another attractive feature is the 1.5-inch built-in heel, which provides extra cushioning and support.

If you’re a trend-savvy individual looking for affordable lifestyle footwear, then this is an excellent choice for a lace-up sneaker.

Pros

• Flexible, high-traction rubber sole.
• Perforated detail.
• Smooth leather.
• Versatile—can be used for a workout and for casual wear.
• Affordable.

Cons

• Customers report that the soles wear down fast after six months.

2. Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Sneaker

This sneaker is made of leather and synthetic and also has a rubber sole, making it both durable and comfortable.

Users comment on how this model suited them for workouts, going for an extended period without slipping and their feet aching. This is largely due to the 1.25-inch platform in the heel. The air-cooled memory foam insole combines well with the platform, providing additional support and cushioning.

Skechers has done well to combine fashion with functionality with this particular model. Users mention how they’re more than happy to wear their shoes for day-to-day use, as well as for their workouts.

I like how the ankle support and a thick midsole provide you with complete shock absorption, aiding in that risk-free training that the elliptical attracts.

Pros

• Rubber sole.
• Thick midsole.
• Padded collar and tongue.

Cons

• No arch support, so not suitable for pronators with bad knees
• Not as durable as some users expected.

3. Asics Men’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoes

Although marketed as a running shoe, the asics gel-venture build is akin to something perfectly suited for use on an elliptical. Made from 100 percent synthetic and having a rubber sole, it gives you the comfort needed with elliptical training.

Yes, it’s a pair of mesh running shoes with brushstroke-patterned underlays, but that not only makes it look good but also breathable. Also, the rear gel cushioning makes it perfect for shock absorption, giving you a fantastic training experience.

One more feature I love is the removable sock liner that accommodates medical orthotics. You can exercise without the fear of injuries as it gives you the protection you need.

Pros

• Comfortable and perfect fit
• Rear gel cushioning for shock absorption
• Perfect for medical orthotics due to removable sock liner

Cons

• Wearers comment that they’re uncomfortable to start with but break in soon afterward.

4. Women’s Walking Shoe Sock Sneakers

These lightweight sneakers are made of mesh fabric that makes them ideal for any serious elliptical training enthusiast—light and breathable.

The breathable and smooth fabric offers you great liberty and comfort that might make you want to continue with your gym sessions on the elliptical. The arch is specially perforated, giving the shoes a classic air-cushion design that makes them perfect for extended elliptical training sessions.

If you’re like me—although I’m a guy, so these shoes don’t appeal to me—you’ll like the boxed toe. These are super lightweight and compare to wearing socks. What better way to workout in shoes that feel like socks?

When it comes to cushioning, the air-cushioned outsole really stands out. The superior quality rubber material is non-slip and wear-resistant with its platform measuring about 1.96-inches, providing excellent cushioning and support.

Pros

• Flexible and super light.
• Breathable and smooth fabric for a sweatless, comfortable feel.
• Versatile shoes for workouts and home use.
• High-quality rubber material.

5. Stq Women’s Slip-On Mesh Walking Shoes

These STQ shoes are comfort wedge platform loafers for women with a breathable mesh top and rubber sole, offering stress-free training. They have a slip-on design with an elastic cuff that makes it convenient for you to put on and start with your workouts.

For those who love luxury, these sneakers are a perfect choice since they’re both light and breathable. They also have a long-lasting knit upper with a good stretch that allows the foot to fit securely inside, giving you the desired freedom without the risk of slipping on the machine.

These loafers are made from a superior-quality rubber material that’s non-slip and wear-resistant. They also provide extra grip and traction that make them feel more secure on the feet—perfect for use without causing strain on the ankles and joints.

Pros

• Light and breathable.
• High-quality rubber material.
• Slip-in design.

Cons

• Some comment that the opening is too narrow for their feet.

Final Word

With the right shoes for elliptical training, you’re sure of a comfortable, injury-free experience that will keep you heading back for more workouts. People often pick running shoes automatically, regardless of the type of exercise they intend to do, but sometimes running shoes just aren’t the right choice and it’s worth spending a bit of time like you’ve done identifying the best pair of shoes for you. and without further ado……

If you’re looking for a comfortable, flexible and breathable pair of elliptical shoes, then the Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory Sneaker is my recommendation as the best shoes for elliptical training. It’s also affordable and can be worn all day comfortably, no matter whether you’re working out or not.

When it comes to stylish wear for ladies, I recommend the Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Sneaker. The leather and synthetic material combined with a rubber sole make the shoes comfortable for use on an elliptical machine.