Using the elliptical machine during our workout routines is a fun activity that also allows us to be healthy. Of course, you’ll need the right equipment to perform properly and keep up with the rhythm of the device. Otherwise, you may end up hurting yourself.
We’re here to help you stick to the routines and make it out of them in perfect shape and free of injuries. In this article, we’ll discuss the best shoes for elliptical machine exercise routines.
After checking out many options, we’ve chosen five picks that delivered everything, or almost everything we expected of them. Are you ready to find out how these shoes can improve your lifestyle? Then continue reading to learn more about them!
Top 5 Best Shoes for Elliptical
There are many shoes for the elliptical machine out there, but we’ve narrowed down the list to the most reliable options. Any of the following shoes will set you on the right way to success over the elliptical machine.
New Balance Men’s MX608V4
We’re starting with the best shoes for the elliptical workout. There’s no denying that. Every feature provided by these shoes makes them high-quality footwear equipment to use at the gym during high-intensity routines.
The leather material used to produce them helps to maintain the integrity of the shoes through regular use. Also, once it is time to clean the shoes, you’ll find that leather construction is far easier to clean than most other materials. You’ll end up saving a lot of money you’d waste on cleaners.
There’s the dual-density collar too. It is right where the ankle rests after putting the shoes on. Thanks to the material used with dual density quality, your feet will receive comfort and support to continue with your workout routines for an extended period.
Unlike other elliptical shoes, these actually have a high-quality padded tongue. It adds that extra support in essential areas that usually make contact with the elliptical machine.
Overall, there are many benefits to using these shoes. They come equipped with an outstanding heel cushioning that provides not only support, but also flexibility to move freely. If you want to go for a whole day workout routine, the midsole will help you by absorbing the impacts.
Pros
- Super comfortable shoes to use throughout the day
- Suitable for people that often suffer fatigue quickly
- These shoes are an incredible pick for running workout and 30 minutes’ walk
Cons
- The seams found near the instep are not the best quality
- These shoes may be a little expensive for some budgets
ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Shoes
If you’re ever looking for running shoes, this option is easily one of the best. These shoes have a sharp tongue capable of enhancing your performance on the running tracks. The midsole helps a lot, allowing you to have a quick stride turnover while you’re on the field.
The midsole also has the FlyteFoam section, which is lightweight. It is a convenient design choice that contributes to your running speed without anything slowing you down. Elliptical doesn’t require much fast-paced running, but it sure is satisfactory to have that level of support on our feet.
These supportive measures don’t just stop there. By including the GEL technology in both the rearfoot and forefoot sections, the shoes have proper cushioning to absorb shocks that may come from sudden impacts. Additionally, it makes it easier to transition to midstance.
Also, Transition between surfaces is quite simple too. The reversed lugs secure a stable footing either uphill or downhill, and over different terrains. AHAR, ASICS abrasion rubber, is also included in the shoes, increasing their durability.
Nonetheless, the shoes don’t perform well over flat, wet surfaces. They will skid over this specific surface.
For more convenience, the sock liner is a removable element. You can either take it out or put it in to accommodate the shoe, giving you complete comfort throughout the elliptical routine.
Pros
- Rugged shoes that offer good performance over different surfaces
- Removable sock liner to accommodate your foot
- Durable rubber sole
- Proper cushioning
- GEL tech to absorb impacts
Cons
- The shoes don’t do well over flat, wet surfaces
Mizuno Men’s Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Shoe
The Mizuno Wave is an incredible pair of shoes comfortable for everybody. Their unique construction guarantees support, stability, and incredible response during walks or while running. For the elliptical machine, the shoes are far more than reliable.
If you’ve had trouble with shoes in the past, you’ll like the WAVEKNIT upper included in these shoes. It gives our foot a natural fit, feeling highly dynamic through plenty of stretch and capacity to maintain your stability. In due time, the shoes will break in, properly adjusting to your feet.
For the midsole, the shoe uses an XPOP quality compound that offers a high amount of cushioning.
Not only that, but it also has a high energy return level, as well as more durability to withstand the pressure. The shoes do meet your expectations while doing elliptical workout routines.
Color variety is also an interesting element of these shoes. The very few color combinations are good-looking, which is why we would’ve liked it if the manufacturer offered more options. There are only four versions available, and they all have a dark style, except for the blue one.
In general, these shoes will perform well on gym workout. However, if you use it to walk outside after a rain, or over a wet surface, you’ll notice that they can be very squeaky.
Pros
- Durable rubber sole for a regular elliptical workout
- XPOP PU foam provides softness and cushioning
- WAVEKNIT upper accommodates your foot easily
- The midsole allows proper transition between surfaces
Cons
- Only four color combinations available
- The shoes squeak over wet surfaces
Nike Women’s Free 5.0+ Running Shoe
With these shoes, Nike aims to assist women while working out. The materials used to produce the shoes are comfortable, flexible, and supportive. And what’s even better, each color design looks fantastic! They’re a stylish addition to your gym equipment.
The mesh featured in the shoes is lightweight, with the dynamic and flexible Flywire technology. Also, the inner sleeve adapts quickly to your foot, creating a snug upper that will keep up with the movement of your body as you follow through the elliptical workout.
For more durability, the shoes have Phylon midsole. In its structure, there are several rubber lugs added strategically, which add high resistance against tearing.
In the phylon midsole, the shoe also has flex grooves. When you’re transitioning between running to walking or moving between different surfaces, the shoe supports your foot by providing that extra level of support.
Another pleasant surprise was the extra padding located on the toe section. You won’t hurt your feet even if you wear the shoes for a long time in a single day.
Pros
- Flex grooves in the midsole for more flexibility
- Lightweight materials
- Flywire technology to transition between movements easily
- Inner sleeve adapts to your foot quickly
Cons
- The shoe dimensions are quite small; if you want size 6.5, you’ll need to order size 7
PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 Trainer Shoe
If you’re looking for innovation, then this shoe may not be for you. It uses traditional materials such as the rubber compound for the outsole, which may not be anything new, but it does fulfill its purpose. That is, the outsole gives your foot a good grip over the ground.
Additionally, the outsole has thermoplastic urethane in the middle. It is a plastic material that will enhance the quality of the support and protection given below the foot. Lastly, the heel part of the outsole features EVA foam, providing the cushion and flexibility required for most tasks.
The EVA filling is present on the midsole too. For this part, the EVA, also known as ethylene-vinyl acetate, makes the shoe feel comfortable. Another one of its benefits is the material’s lightweight, improving your experience while wearing these shoes due to their quality.
While all of those materials are great, the most interesting part of the shoes is their upper part.
The shoes feature synthetic leather for the upper. It is slightly different from other versions that have mesh uppers instead.
Synthetic leather for the upper gives the shoes an interesting sleek design. Since the material has perforations, there won’t be any breathability issues either.
Pros
- Upper made of synthetic leather
- Stylish look
- EVA materials for outsole enforcement
Cons
- You’ll need an extra insert. The shoes have one, but it doesn’t provide all the support you may require
Things to Consider before Buying
Now, let’s talk about the necessary features these shoes must provide for you to have a successful and productive elliptical workout sessions. We’ll be mentioning the technology used in some of the shoes we reviewed to elaborate on our points.
- Durable Materials
We know that for an elliptical workout, you’ll need durable shoes. But what makes them last longer than the most?
Several elements increase the shoe’s durability. However, the most essential is often a rubber sole to endure the routine intensity. The shoe’s main construction material may vary between brands, but you’ll encounter most of them feature breathable mesh with synthetic leather.
Many of the shoes on our list feature these materials. That’s why they are among the most reliable when you’re looking for the best shoes for an elliptical machine.
- Stability
Since you’ll be on the elliptical machine most of the time, your shoes must provide that extra stability to keep you from slipping or suffering any inconveniences as you follow your routines.
The PUMA Tazon 6 for women, placed number five on the list, does an incredible job of providing a stable performance throughout the workout sessions.
By adding a TPU shank, you’ll be able to walk or run comfortably, receiving a proper grip over the surface of the machines at the gym.
- Breathable Fabric
If you want to avoid suffocating your feet without any air coming through, it’d be better to get elliptical shoes with proper breathable materials.
Here, we’d like to refer once again the PUMA Tazon 6, which features a perfectly designed Eco OrthoLite sock liner to keep air flowing regularly while also supporting your ankles.
- Cushioning
Like very much any other workout equipment, elliptical shoes must provide the support your foot needs. Otherwise, you risk having faulty footwear that may slip out of your foot at the slightest movement.
How to Use Shoes for Elliptical?
Elliptical shoes require a high level of durability because even if it may not seem like it, using them on the machine regularly may cause them to wear down quickly. That’s why every bit of cushioning, padding, and long-lasting materials used to produce the shoes is essential to their success.
Fortunately, using them requires a process not that different from regular shoes.
- First, you want to have socks that are comfortable to wear, and they must fit perfectly inside the shoes to avoid any discomfort when you’re on the elliptical workout.
- Then, you must place your foot securely inside and proceed to tie them with the laces. Make sure they are tight, as it will give you more comfort to move between the routines, whether you’re walking at a slow pace, or running.
- And lastly, always wash them whenever it is necessary. Maintaining our shoes is essential if you want to use them for a long time, which is why you must take the time of the day to perform a thorough cleaning.
How to Clean Shoes after Using/Step by Step Guide
Follow the next steps to maintain your best running shoes for elliptical in good condition.
- Preparing the Cleaning Solution
Combine warm water with a low amount of detergent. Laundry detergent will do the trick, and it is something every household usually has.
- Remove the Dirt
Start from the outside; grab a dry brush, and use it to remove dirt and dust from the outsole. Continue by cleaning the midsole, as well as the uppers. If you don’t have a brush, use a toothbrush instead. It’ll work!
- Washing the Shoes
Go back to your cleaning solution and use it to wash the laces. You want to apply a small amount, as using a large quantity will be wasteful.
Repeat this process for both the outsole and midsole. Then, use a soft cloth to soak the moisture away.
You may encounter some marks or stains that won’t come off. In those cases, continue applying pressure over them using a soft-bristled brush with the cleaning solution until every part is clean.
- Air Dry
Finally, let the shoes air dry at ambient temperature.
- Observations
Avoid using bleach and putting the shoes in the washing machine. It may seem like a quicker cleaning method, but you’ll only mess up the shoes.
What’s the Difference between Elliptical Shoes and Dress Shoes?
When you’re looking for the best gym shoes for an elliptical workout, you’ll encounter different models suitable for different purposes: running shoes, walking shoes, dress shoes, among many others.
While you can use the elliptical shoes for running or walking, they are not the most appropriate for formal dressing.
And just like that, there are many noticeable differences between the elliptical and the dress shoes. We’ll talk about it next.
When to Use Each One?
Dress shoes are often more durable than elliptical shoes, but that’s mainly because of how you use them. For instance, the first ones are great for important events and formal dressing.
Of course, under any of those circumstances, you will most likely not be running around wearing the shoes down.
However, since the elliptical shoes are more gym-oriented, they go through a lot of more pressure, which naturally wears down the materials as the months’ pass.
How to Use Each One?
On the other hand, elliptical shoes are far more flexible than dress shoes. Try making quick movements using the latter, and you’ll soon realize why they’re not good for workout routines.
Using elliptical shoes gives you the freedom to move, jump, and act as freely as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best shoes for working out?
While looking for shoes to work out, you need to focus on some features. We discussed them earlier, but they must provide a balance between durability, softness, and flexibility to move just the way you want through every workout routine.
In that regard, the New Balance Men’s MX608V4 successfully meets those expectations.
- What are the best women’s gym shoes?
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes are incredible footwear for women looking to follow up with their workout routines at the gym. These shoes are flexible, soft, and they won’t wear down any time soon.
These shoes are a good start to a healthy commitment to exercise the body.
- Why is fitness shoes so expensive?
We could say that they’re expensive because of the high-quality materials used to produce them, their durability, and softness, among other incredible benefits. But the reality is, more often than not, fitness shoes are expensive just because they are fitness shoes.
It wouldn’t be odd to find better shoes that aren’t for fitness purposes at a lower price.
- What are the best shoes for weight training?
Lifting weight is, by its nature, a sport that puts a lot of pressure on your body. Of course, all of that weight passes through the shoes, which is why you need to have highly supportive shoes with proper padding to withstand the intensity of the routine.
- Is the elliptical bad for plantar fasciitis?
While elliptical will not leave you lying in bed afterward, you may experience some pain while doing it. If this is the case for you, perhaps changing to a different cardio routine would be the wisest choice. Taking a break for a day should also relieve stress to continue for another day.
Final Words
Practicing our workout routines over the elliptical machine is a great way to increase our stamina and improve our health. Naturally, if you don’t have the proper shoes, you will not enjoy it quite as much.
With the best shoes for elliptical, however, you can rest assured you’ll have a lot of fun without being concern about any accident taking place.