Here at T&C, we pride ourselves on our discerning eye for quality. With Tried & True, our editors will give you an inside look at the pieces they simply cannot live without.
Can I let you in on a little secret? While I consider myself health conscious, I only started going to the gym at nearly 32 years old. Let me explain: I’ve long been a Pilates girly and I don’t much care for running because it causes me a lot of body pain. I’m a New Yorker—I walk everywhere. And for a long time I figured that was enough. Go to the gym and lift weights? Sorry, never heard of it. But in the last year, I’ve undertaken the task (no small one at that) at better managing some chronic conditions that I have and part of that management has been … adding strength training to my routine. Needless to say, when I first undertook this premise a few months ago, I was wandering around in the dark. Everything from what exercises to do to fixing my form had to be considered.
So I signed up for Future (love) and got myself a trainer to help me tailor my thrice-weekly strength sessions to my needs. It took me about two full weeks to realize that while my sneakers were indeed sleek and stylish, they were doing me no favors in any other department. So I took to the internet and did some research. This will come as a surprise to absolutely no one, but people really love Hokas. So I got a pair of the women’s Solimar Everyday Training Sneaker, and when I tell you I never looked back, I am not exaggerating.
The difference a good sneaker makes in a fitness routine is immeasurable. I have flat, flexible feet so I really need to be wearing shoes with supportive soles as well as enough structure to support my ankles, which I have a tendency to roll and sprain. Upon the very first wear of my Solimar sneaks, I noticed a difference. I found that because I had adequate support from my feet up, I brace my body in ways that are counterproductive way less often and my form has drastically improved. I literally don’t feel as wobbly while I workout.
I have also found that the amount of cushion is super helpful as well. As someone who has struggled with chronic body pain, oftentimes exertion would cause my legs and feet in particular to feel quite heavy and achy. But that hasn’t happened when I wear my Hoka’s for a bit of 12-3-30 (walking at an incline for a half an hour) treadmill time. These sneaks aren’t overly bouncy in the way that you feel propelled, but they do absorb impact incredibly well.
All of which to say, I’m still a far cry from a gym rat, but my Hoka Solimar sneakers have made my new exercise routine significantly better. You won’t catch me in the gym without them.