Training Shoes with Variable Arch Support from Hylete: Hands-on Review

When searching for the best training shoes, one needs to first decide what sort of training will it be for? Different shoes will give the best support for weightlifting, aerobics training, or running, the arch support and cushioning needs also differ.

Sure you can own 3 pairs of shoes, one for each situation, but when you're travelling and luggage space economy matters, or when you're looking to declutter your shoe rack, it's not the ideal solution.

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In comes Hylete who takes the choice out of the equation with its interchangeable in-sole system, providing different kinds of support and cushioning for different training. We go hands-on to see how effective the system is.

Training shoes vs running shoes? A third choice

Modular systems are not usually found in the world of athletic shoes, but Hylete's Circuit II Cross-Trainers features the closest thing to one. Though the official terms used by Hylete is 'interchangeable in-soles' but the ingenuity is actually in having a removable in-sole that's combined with the midsole of the shoes.

The midsole for athletic shoes is the part responsible for both shock absorption, as well as providing support for the toes, arch and heel. That's why by making it interchangeable, it allows the shoes to be a chameleon and vary its functionality depending on the use.

Three midsoles for weight lifting, cross training and running

The Hylete's Circuit II Cross-Trainers comes with three interchangeable soles, from a flat sole for weight training, to a slightly 4 mm elevated sole for cross-training, to the maximum 6 mm elevation for high impact exercise like running which needs the most cushioning. The sole near the toe area is identical at 10 mm, while the arch support increases incrementally with the heel cushioning.

Heel support and good for wide feet

So how does the concept of an interchangeable midsole play out in real life? After trying the shoes out for a couple of weeks, I found the ergonomics of the shoes to be excellent.

First of all, the shoe design itself I found provided noticeable additional support in the heel. Those who suffer from cracked heels will appreciate how much the soles take pressure off the balls of the heel during a run, and hug it so that the friction is also minimized.

The fit of the shoes reminds me of New Balance shoes which generally accommodates for wide feet. Together with the unibody fabric top design, it allows good wriggle room for the toes.

Final Verdict

By bringing two extra pairs of soles that's no larger than flip-flops, with the Circuit II Cross-Trainers you'll effectively have 3 pairs of shoes with you. These shoes were made to provide the best support in different circumstances - without needing to break the shoe rack - or the luggage case.

Hylete prides itself on being a community-based brand that listens to the needs of the customers, and an unconventional yet useful design in the Circuit II Cross-Trainers is a model of what can be achieved when the corporation collaborates with the community it serves.

David is a tech enthusiast/writer who is often on the move and is on a mission to explore ways to make his overhaul flights more enjoyable. This is a contribution to an ongoing IBTimes review series on gadgets for Business Travellers.