Hey all,

I am really starting to realize that I need to keep up with my workouts while on the road if I ever want to lose weight. The problem is that I prefer to travel light, and I cannot wear sneakers for work. Shoes take up a lot of space in a carry-on. Does anyone have a recommendation for what kind of sneakers they carry with them to deal with this?

I also have flat feet, so if possible shoes with good support are helpful, and if I am running or walking are a necessity. In a hotel gym, I would probably just hop on the bike and hit the weights.

If anyone has suggestions for something I can do in room (in socks) as far as light workout equipment that is easy to travel with, I would take suggestions there, too.

Thanks!

AJ

If you pack light, you should be able to get a 4 night trip with a pair of workout shoes in a standard 22" carry-on. Typically, the lighter weight shoes have less support, but you could try a pair of running shoes with arch and midsole support. New Balance tends to do well in this category, as do Mizuno and a few others.

A running shoe intended for road racing might meet your needs. As an added bonus, many of them have soles thin enough to qualify as "non-profile" for purposes of shoe removal at U.S. security checkpoints.

I bought the Reebok Travel Trainers. There's very little to the shoe (it folds up and takes no more room in your suitcase than a pair of hotel slippers), but it works well for hotel gym equipment. They're not something you'd run in though.

I have arch problems and wear inserts which I transfer from shoe to shoe - so it is not neccessary to have trainers with a lot of support.

Also all my workout clothes are packed into the shoes - shorts, shirts & socks

I have the Nike Frees. They're almost like an elasticated sock welded to a sturdy, but very flexible sole. Extremely light and comfortable, and they pack almost flat and take up very little space. No metal either, so they won't set off a WTMD.

Check them out.

If weight is your primary concern, it's hard to beat New Balance. Personally I wear these, Puma Klim. They're like Rock Climbing shoes but with a decent insole. They're lightweight and I've used them on a running machine but can't say they'd be comfortable on the open road. They're also stylish enough to use the rest of the time.

NB: They come in a myriad of colour combinations, not just the two available at the Puma Online Store.

Another alternative is the And 1 Tochillin Campus Grade School (don't laugh)
The mesh upper folds flat into the rubber sole. Packs really well; one in each side pocket on my roller. I just leave them in the bag so I always have them with me.
Choose a snug fit as they tend to slide around on the foot a little.

I have the Nike Free as well. They are great! Very light weight and comfortable. I would go with these, and you can even design your own shoe!

I exercise barefoot so I never need to remember sneakers. Check out my barefoot running threads on OMNI if you can.