It is recommended to wear running shoes on the treadmill. Aside from providing support, running shoes also help improve the stability and comfort of your joints and muscles. These shoes are also designed to work with different sports and are ideal for all types of runners.

Wearing flat shoes for treadmill running will prevent you from getting injured. However, it’s also important to note that running in old shoes can lead to injuries.

A good running shoe will support and enhance the runner’s forward running motion and offer enough support for the body’s movements.

Wearing Running Shoes on Treadmill

There are several benefits to wearing shoes while on the treadmill, which is why they are so necessary. Since we have decided that wearing shoes on the treadmill is necessary, here are 3 basic benefits of wearing them while exercising on the treadmill.

Injuries Protection: The midsole can protect your feet from unnecessary agony such as knee pain, back pain, or joint pain. It is unsafe to not wear shoes while on the treadmill because there are risks of injuries like cuts, scrapes, fractures, and tendonitis may occur.

Improved Performance: When you play any sports, you need the appropriate gear. You need the right outfit, shoes, etc. Running on the treadmill is the same, and shoes will give you better run capacity and improve performance in the exercise.

Comfort from Cushioning: Cushioning from shoes can reduce the stress you’re putting on your heels, toes, and ankles while you’re running. It gives you a better bounce toward the direction you’re moving to, and it can also relieve discomfort from overuse. 

Types of Running Shoes for Different Feet

The running shoes should not be different from the shoes you’d wear outside. They should also be designed to fit your feet and the way you run.

When people have certain problems with their feet, it is quite common that they will run less. If a person has flat feet, they tend to finish their run with 2 miles instead of 5. With the right shoes being worn, people can run 3 miles instead of 2.

Figuring out what type of shoe suits your feet type should be your top priority in running on a treadmill.

Foot Type	Description	Type of Shoes Needed	Reason
Flat Feet (Lower Arch)	Tend to overpronate, this causes legs to turn inward and can lead to pain into lower back, hips, knees, and ankles.	Motion Control Shoes	Provides even more stability
Normal Arched Feet	Running shoes are generally built to fit this type of foot which pronate properly.	Stability Shoes	Sustain normal pronated feet
High Arched Feet	Lacks shock absorption flexibility. Your foot tends to supinate and roll outward. This is a high risk of ankle sprain and fracture.	Cushioned Shoes	Support high arches & alleviate strain

Wearing Trail Running Shoes for Treadmill

You can use trail running shoes on a treadmill, but it’s a bit overkill. Trail running shoes are designed to protect you from uneven surfaces and prevent sharp objects from hurting your feet.

That’s why it’s designed heavier and bulkier but these attribute does not contribute to any benefit when you’re running on the treadmill. 

When you’re running on a treadmill, you’re simply propelling forward to lift your body just high enough over the belt to glide in the air for a moment. It is an easy and safe run-in-place exercise, and trail running shoes can be worn on a treadmill but it is overkill. Go with regular running shoes for better experiences on your treadmill.

Wearing Training Shoes for Treadmill

The short answer is yes you can use training shoes for the treadmill, but it is not the best choice. Think about what your purpose is when you get on that treadmill.

If you’re warming up for the upcoming dance session, indoor basketball, or spin class, it’s perfectly fine for a 5-10 minute warm-up run. If you’re using a treadmill for slow and relaxed walking, it is ok to use your trainers as well.

However, running shoes are suitable for you if your purpose of getting on that treadmill is to run. Let’s take a look at the difference:

• Training Shoes: Designed for the movement that’s multi-directional, especially for lateral movement (side to side). Trainers are flatter and allow a wider range of movement. Best for workouts at the gym.
  
• Running Shoes: Designed with extra cushioning for higher heel drop. This supports the heel to toe movement and is best for running on the treadmill or on the road.

Wearing Socks for Treadmill

Socks are not a recommended method to run on the treadmill. Running with socks can cause blisters over time, and after a while, you’re not going to like the heat that comes from the belt of the treadmill.

If you’re trying to do a slow and short walk on the treadmill, it is ok to do so with socks. However, this applies to home only. Don’t even think about walking or running on the treadmill shoeless at the gym. It is poor hygiene and inadvisable.

Think of it as if you’re walking in a public restroom barefooted or even worse, bringing all the germs under your socks home. Yikes.

Can I Run Barefoot on a Treadmill?

Running on a treadmill is a very popular indoor workout. Most treadmills feature different levels of speed and inclines, and it can be a great cardio workout that’s beneficial to your health and well-being.

You can run barefoot on a treadmill, but wearing shoes on the treadmill is highly recommended. Shoes offer support for your feet and protect you from potential injuries, and the padding in your shoes offers shock absorption which will save you from discomfort and strain on your knees.

Performing exercise on a treadmill without the proper equipment may cause injuries. This can include ankle sprains or breaks, falling off the treadmill, injuries to the bottom of your foot, and more. It is not worth taking these risks just to get on the treadmill quicker or run with a purpose of lighter weight.

As we have your safety in mind, let’s dive in a little deeper to see what the benefits of wearing shoes on the treadmill are and how to find the best fit for your feet to run more comfortably and better avoid injuries.