Plyometric shoes have a raised sole in the forefoot and no heel for calf muscle training. When choosing the best plyometric shoe, consider the construction, design, and training materials provided. Look for shoes with cushioning and shock-absorbing materials, slip-resistant outsoles, and a lightweight design. Good closure systems and breathable mesh materials are also important. The best brands often offer an all-inclusive training program. Choose shoes tailored to your unique situation and consider price and fitness level. Platforms are also available to provide similar benefits.
Choosing the best plyometric shoe may require you to take some time to consider which features are most important to you. Plyometric shoes are sports shoes that have a raised sole in the forefoot and no heel for calf muscle training. Specific benefits attributed to training in these shoes include improving speed, advancing lower leg strength, and gaining a better range of motion. However, not all plyometric shoes provide exactly the same benefits. When looking for the best shoes with plyometric elements, consider the construction of the shoe, the design properties, and the training materials provided.
Training in plyometric shoes can be a very intense workout, as the calf is put under constant stress. Due to the tremendous force exerted by making movements, it can be easier to sustain a serious injury when wearing plyometric footwear. Doing a little research to make sure you choose a shoe with superior construction and high-quality materials can help reduce this possibility. Look for shoes that use cushioning and shock-absorbing materials to stabilize your balance and protect the balls of your feet. Having an outsole that includes ridges or another slip-resistant design can help improve traction on smooth or wet surfaces indoors and outdoors, thus reducing the chance of slipping or falling.
Another factor to consider is the overall design of the shoe. It is commonly believed that a high top is better able to stabilize the ankle and prevent tipping, a common cause of ankle sprains. Good closure systems are important to keep your foot firmly planted during movement sequences such as sudden stops and running. The straps provide some stability, but if they come undone or loosen during exercise, serious injury can occur. To get around this problem, some plyometric shoes feature loop lacing systems that are meant to stay locked in place.
Plyometric exercises are high intensity and involve jumps, bounds, and other dynamic steps that are likely to require a full range of motion. To achieve this range, look for sturdy shoes that have a lightweight design. Lightweight shoes generally have greater flexibility and motion control to limit overpronation, knee pain, and poor body alignment. To allow your feet to breathe, upper plyometric shoes often include breathable mesh materials as well.
The best brands of plyometric shoes often offer an all-inclusive training program with the sale of their shoes. This workout will usually be provided in DVD form, but to help you use the program when you’re away from the TV, a printed workout manual with pictures of each exercise may be included. Actual workouts should generally include pre and post stretching, warm ups and cool downs, and progression to give the body a complete but safe workout.
The best plyometric shoes for you are those that are tailored to your unique situation. Some currently available shoes offer the type of arch support and training intensity probably best suited for professional athletes. The price of the shoes and your current level of fitness should also factor into your decision. In addition to traditional plyometric footwear, there are platforms available that can be laced over regular cross-training shoes to provide many of the same benefits that plyometric shoes offer.
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