PURCHASE HERE
Training shoes, also known as trainers, are a type of athletic footwear that are designed for multi-directional movement and stability. They are suitable for variety of fitness activities, such as gym classes, weightlifting, strength training, and agility training. Training shoes can help you perform better and prevent injuries during your workouts. Different training shoes have different features and characteristics that suit different workouts. You should choose a training shoe that matches your primary activity or the one that you do most often.
What to Look For
A good training shoe should fit snugly but not too tightly, leaving some room for your toes to wiggle. It should also have a secure heel counter to prevent slippage and a breathable upper to keep your feet cool and dry. You should try on the shoes before buying them and test them out by walking, jumping, or doing some light exercises. You should also wear the socks that you normally wear for training to ensure a proper fit.
Adequate arch support is essential to prevent overpronation or supination, which are common causes of foot pain and injuries. Overpronation is when your foot rolls inward too much as you move, causing your arch to flatten excessively. Supination is when your foot rolls outward too much as you move, causing your arch to remain high and rigid. Both of these movements can affect your alignment and stability.
You can check your arch type by doing a wet foot test or consulting a podiatrist. Depending on your arch type, you may need a shoe with more or less arch support. You should also look for a shoe that has enough cushioning to protect your feet from impact and reduce fatigue, but not too much that it compromises your stability and feedback.
A good training shoe should be able to withstand the wear and tear of your workouts and last for a long time. You should look for a shoe that has a durable outsole, preferably made of rubber or carbon rubber, that can handle different surfaces and provide traction. You should also look for a shoe that has a reinforced toe cap, heel counter, and midsole to prevent damage from friction and impact.
These are some of the things to look for when buying training shoes or trainers. By following these basic recommendations, you will be able to find a pair of shoes that will meet your needs. A good pair of trainers will help you achieve your fitness goals and enjoy your workouts.
5.11 A/T Trainer 2.0
I have always had very good luck with 5.11® trainers. When the new improved 5.11 A/T® Trainer 2.0 was introduced by 5.11, I arranged to have a pair shipped to me. I was not disappointed. The A/T Trainer 2.0 is a very versatile, comfortable and durable low-top trainer that perfectly fit my needs.
The A/T Trainer 2.0 is specially designed with the 5.11 All Terrain Load Assistance System (A.T.L.A.S.) Technology, which is a revolutionary system that enhances your performance and comfort when carrying heavy loads or during high intensity training. It is not my first rodeo with A.T.L.A.S. Technology and it wont be my last. Simply put, it works.
The A.T.L.A.S. Technology consists of two main components: a removable support plate and a high rebound EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) midsole. The support plate is made of lightweight and rigid material that adds stability and rigidity to the shoe, preventing it from bending or twisting under heavy weight. The support plate can be easily inserted or removed from the shoe, depending on your preference and needs.
The high rebound EVA midsole is a soft and responsive material that provides cushioning and shock absorption, reducing the impact and fatigue on your feet and legs. The midsole also has a molded heel cup that cradles your heel and improves your alignment and posture. The shoe also has a high abrasion mesh upper for breath ability with welded TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) exoskeleton for structure.
The mesh upper is durable and resistant to wear and tear, while the TPU exoskeleton adds reinforcement and protection to the shoe. The collar and tongue of the A/T Trainer 2.0 are well padded and provide comfort and protection. The padding helps to cushion the ankle and prevent rubbing or chafing.
The shoe also has a multi-directional deep-lugged rubber outsole for positive traction and grip on most surfaces. The outsole has an aggressive tread pattern that help you easily navigate through different terrains. There are sipes (channels) molded into it which help channel mud and water away from the center of the sole to the edge to be shed and provide added grip. The outsole is rope climb friendly and the TPU exoskeleton provides protection of the side of the shoe from rope abrasion. It has an instep pocket for a rope to flow through for a rope climb workout or o-course. There are small pyramid shaped lugs in the pocket to provide traction. The rubber outsole is also quiet when walking, making the shoe suitable for situations where noise reduction is desired.
The shoe comes with an Ortholite® insole that offers moisture management and antimicrobial properties. The insole is soft and comfortable, and it helps keep your feet dry and fresh. The insole can also be replaced with your own custom orthotics, if needed.
The A/T Trainer 2.0 has a large bootstrap that helps you put on the shoe. It can also be used to hang the shoe to dry without deforming it. Quick tip: You can put a carabiner through the loop to hang the shoe to a line.
The shoe fits true to size for me and feels very comfortable. The A.T.L.A.S. Technology provides excellent support and stability for my feet. It needs to be recognized that since the exact shape of a last differs from brand to brand and shoe to shoe, sizes and fit will inevitably vary a bit also. Also, of course, everyone’s feet are different. Shoes are very subjective. What works for me may not work the same for you. That goes for all footwear.
The best way to find your fit is to try the shoe before you buy it. Even though all shoes need some break-in time, they should feel comfortable from the start. Don’t expect them to change with wear. If they don’t feel right at first, they won’t feel better later.
You should try shoes on at the end of the day, when your feet are at their biggest. Wear the same socks and any insoles/inserts that you will use with the shoes. Also, it is common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Go with the size that fits the larger foot.
Before you buy, walk around for at least 15 minutes and if possible, walk up and down a slope to check for any heel movement or toe pressure. Women should generally look for footwear designed for women’s feet instead of smaller versions of men’s models, although some women may find the latter suitable.
The A/T Trainer 2.0 has a heel-to-toe drop of 8mm, which is considered moderate for a training shoe and provides good all-around performance. Heel-to-toe drop is a measurement of the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of a shoe. It is expressed in millimeters. Heel-to-toe drop should not be confused with stack height, which is the amount of cushioning material between the foot and the ground.
Heel-to-toe drop can have an impact on preexisting injuries. A high heel-to-toe drop can cause more stress on the heel, ankle, and Achilles tendon since it encourages a heel-strike gait, while a low or zero drop can reduce the impact on these areas but increase the load on the knees and hips. That being said, there is a lack of evidence that a shoe’s drop affects overall injury rates. The best heel-to-toe drop depends on the individual’s foot strike, comfort, preexisting injuries, and the terrain.
It is not the lightest training shoe, but it is not too heavy either. The weight of the A/T Trainer 2.0 varies depending on the size and whether you use the support plate or not. According to 5.11, the weight of this shoe in size 10 is about 13.2 oz. (374g) per shoe without the support plate, and about 14.6 oz. (413g) per shoe with the support plate.
Overall, I am very impressed with the A/T Trainer 2.0. The design and quality are excellent. Whether you are training, hiking, or on the job, the A/T Trainer 2.0 can handle any challenge with ease. This shoe is an outstanding choice for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile cross-training shoe that can adapt to any situation.
The A/T Trainer 2.0 has a retail price of $110.00. The shoe is available in men’s sizes 6.5 to 13, with Regular-D or Wide-E width options. It is currently available only in an understated Triple Black (007) colorway. You can order it online or find it at your nearest 5.11 authorized dealer. 5.11 offers free shipping on orders over $75.00 and free returns.
5.11 offers a limited lifetime warranty for each product sold by 5.11 or its authorized dealers to be free of defects in materials or workmanship for as long as you own the product, or for the maximum period allowed by the laws of your jurisdiction, if less.
Source
5.11
511Tactical.com
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.