About two weeks into INSANITY, I began to feel my shin splints coming back.  It’s been years since I have had them but I won’t ever forget the pain.  I knew it was from my old sneakers and that I needed to purchase a pair of cross trainers ASAP.  I did some quick research and I basically had two choices:  the PUMAgility and the Reebok RealFlex Transition.  I don’t like buying shoes online (without trying them on first) so I went to Sports Authority.  They only carried the Reebok RealFlex Transition.  I LOVED them.  As soon as I was home, I placed my order through Zappos and received my package three days later.  Zappos, you’re awesome!

I was excited to give my new kicks a try.  I walked around the house in them for a day and knew I would feel a big difference when I put them to the test.  The Reebok RealFlex Transition cross trainers are lightweight and flexible.  I get the same amount of support, if not more, than with my previous sneakers.  INSANITY is a high impact, high intensity workout, full of jumps and lunges and twists and turns–sometimes I don’t even know how my feet can move so fast.  These shoes provide enough cushion and support for my feet without making them feel trapped.  When I am doing power and diamond jumps, I have a softer, pain-free landing. The notorious 1-2-3 Heisman isn’t as bad as before (just kidding–it’s still pretty tough, come round three!).

After a couple of days, my shin and ankle pain subsided.  That made me happy.  No one needs another excuse to skip a workout.

I got the silver, purple, and blue pair.  I almost ordered the white, pink, and gray ones but decided that purple trumps pink.  I read online that the tongue on the RealFlex bothered some people, so much that they returned them.  When I first tried them on, I understood the complaint but I have had this issue before.  For me, it is a matter of breaking in the shoe or cleat.  Sure enough, after one round of working out, it felt perfect.  I use an insert but that’s because I have flat feet.  Adding the insert didn’t change the feel or the integrity of the shoe.  I guess the only tiny complaint I have is that the shoelaces seem really long but not so long that they come undone and I trip over them.

If you are into programs and workouts like INSANITY, then I highly recommend the Reebok RealFlex Transition cross trainer.  Your feet will thank you!