Discussions

Hi, does it make a difference wearing workout shoes if one were to workout at home during some cardio/HIIT training you see on Youtube?

no. I workout barefoot at home

on what you are doing and what you find comfortable. I used to only wear "jogging" shoes. Over the last few years I switched to more of the crossfit style shoe for all my workouts. I primarily do weights with a little cardio, so I like them cause there is a little less squish when lifting weights as they are almost like being barefoot. I only do low impact cardio (elliptical) due to a ankle injury, so they are good for that, but don't know if I would wear them if I was jogging. They are super light weight and comfortable for what I do. I found regular sneakers to give me too much bounce and didn't make me feel "grounded" after switching to these style of shoes. I have a pair of Reebok and New Balance, I find the Reeboks give me more heel support, but are less comfortable then the NB. Both were under $100.00, but when I'm working out at home, I go barefoot for my weights and put the shoes on for cardio.  
People don't realize that shoes have a shelf life and wear out just like tires on a car. If you are doing lots of jogging, you will need to change your shoes regularly (I know some that go 2-3 months on a pair when they jog 3-5 times per week). My wife used to believe I was just high maintenance when it came to shoes....until I forced her to buy higher end shoes just to prove me wrong. She would buy the cheapest pair and believed just cause they said "Nike" (or insert any name brand) they were highend, even if thy only cost $30.00 and weighed 20lbs per shoe. Needless to say, I heard for the second time in 22yrs of being with her that I was right. Shoes make a huge difference!

I think I should elaborate more. It is not the type of shoes I'm concerned with but rather, does wearing any workout/gym/running shoes make a difference. The reason I asked is because I have knee issues. When working out at home, I find even though I have carpet, I can still feel the impact on my knees, especially if I do jumping jacks. And seeing that most trainer on videos always wear shoes, I thought perhaps it helps.  
I won't be doing any running.

Fondue said "I think I should elaborate more. It is not the type of shoes I'm concerned with but rather, does wearing any workout/gym/running shoes make a difference. The reason I asked is because I have knee issues. When working out at home, I find even though I have carpet, I can still feel the impact on my knees, especially if I do jumping jacks. And seeing that most trainer on videos always wear shoes, I thought perhaps it helps.   I won't be doing any running. "

shoes will make a huge difference, but does NOT mean that you should be doing things like jumping jacks. My sister has bad knee issues and she was actually running marathons. But it took going to specialist and proper shoe places to find the right shoes for her.  
With my ankle there are lots of things I can't do no matter what I wear for shoes/boots. Jumping Jacks is one of them, so I avoid them. I should not jog either (but still do every now and then) but am super careful. I have no side to side support in one ankle so I can roll it just standing still. I would strongly suggest not doing jumping jacks if you can't run. But the biggest thing is to go to the Doctors first before any work out programs and get advice or referral to someone that knows what they're talking about (not ebrandon). Then I would even spend the money and find a PT that has actually taken a course or experience in dealing with people with injuries (and get references). There are lots of alternative exercises to use for every exercise, so there will be something for jumping jacks (ex. I can't/shouldn't jog so I use elliptical). For your shoe choice, I would suggest a place that specializes in what you are wanting to do (ex. bad knees you may want to go to a place like A&L that deals with jogging clubs and shoes for the added bounce). Same principal I use when picking shoes for doing weights (less sole/squish) so I go places with shoes like that and talk to people that do what I do.  
I hope this helps a little, but I'm not an expert, just know what works for me and what I've seen from others.

Should someone with knee issues be tackling 'high intensity' exercise?  
 
Has this been approved by a medical professional?  
 
To your original question: shoes should lessen the impact.