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Does it matter if I lift weights in running shoes?

Does it matter if you run a marathon in Timberlands? “If you’re doing standing exercises or anything with lateral movements (such as side lunges), running shoes can make you susceptible to injury,” says Stephen Pribut, D.P.M., president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. That’s because they have extra cushioning, which can affect your balance. It’s like standing on a foam cushion versus a hard floor, says Dr Pribut. And that foam is like an angled platform, designed for forward motion – not good for power cleans or squats. “Cross-trainers and tennis shoes have flatter soles,” says Dr Pribut, “and provide better support for lifting.” Conversely, never wear lifting shoes on a run. “You’re more likely to injure yourself when running in the wrong shoes than when lifting,” says Dr Pribut.