Getting the right shoes for your workouts is one of the most important things you can do. While many people have one pair of trainers that they use for everything - from running 5 miles to mowing the lawn - proper shoes will not only make your workouts more comfortable, they can also reduce your risk of injury.

A classic example of the different shoes needed for different activities is running versus a workout class.

For running you want a shoe that can take non-stop pounding - it has to have an outsole built to provide traction even in the rain, and enough cushioning to keep you comfortable even on long runs. Most running shoes also cup your heel to provide adequate support.

Workout classes place different demands upon you. Footwear for workout classes is a little different - outsoles have to be non-marking, for indoor use, while the cushioning is less, making the shoes lower, more suitable for lateral movements.

Of course, other sports have even more radical differences - think of a racing cyclists cleated shoes, or a rock climber's sticky soled spider man slippers! Ultimately, getting the right footwear will make all the difference to your workouts.