When it comes to building the perfect training ensemble, it pays to start from the ground up, i.e., your gym shoes. Training ill-equipped with the wrong footwear can leave you disinterested, uncomfortable and, worst case, injured. But not just any sneaker off the rack will do — you need a worthwhile kick to get your workouts right.
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Nike Metcon 8 Read More -
TYR CXT-1 Read More
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Puma Fuse 2.0 Read More
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Reebok Nano X3 Read More
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Nobull Trainer+ Read More
Like your running shoes or hiking boots, gym shoes should boast key features designed to help you get the most out of every session, and your workout discipline of choice can help dictate which profile is right for your needs. Thankfully, there’s plenty of worthwhile brands making damn fine training shoes these days, and choosing the best pair for your next sweat session is a simple endeavor … provided you have the right spotter for the task.
How We Tested
As fitness enthusiasts ourselves, we’ve taken to training in our fair share of gym shoes. Across multiple regimens and specialties, we’ve tested a number of these kicks to their full potential, highlighting how well they felt under the bar, across the agility field, atop the treadmill and beyond. There’s practically a gym shoe for every exercise imaginable, but these footwear phenoms stood out the most when it came time to perform at our best.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
Best Overall Gym Shoe
Each Nike Metcon iteration is sure to bring attention, and we’re really happy with the latest rendition of this quality gym shoe. Boasting a reworked upper with textured overlays, these kicks proved to be plenty durable for all the trials we put them through. Also, these sneakers are surprisingly efficient at rope climbs, despite the brand’s decision to forgo a medial rope guard.
While the Metcon 8 falls short for running circuits — the heel clip is still rigid and uncomfortable at longer distances — this remains our go-to silhouette for most training purposes.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the Nike Metcon 8.
Best Upgrade Gym Shoe
TYR burst onto the scene at the 2022 CrossFit Games, and after training in these shoes for multiple sessions, it makes sense how the brand earned so many top 10 finishes with its first training sneaker. We love how stable the CXT-1s feel underfoot, creating a rigid base for heavy squats and deadlifts.
At the same time, however, the included Sure NRG Foam midsole provides just the right amount of energy return for well-to-do agility training and other dynamic exercises. Our tester noted some durability issues across the mesh upper after heavy extended use, so you may need to order a replacement pair sooner rather than later, though.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the TYR CXT-1.
Best Budget Gym Shoe
Puma’s original Fuse Training Shoes were a blessing to our workouts, offering up plenty of stability and support at less of a cost than other silhouettes. The new Fuse 2.0s carry on that tradition, bringing plenty of stability and traction to each training session at a reasonable cost.
We like how Puma upgraded the midfoot construction, allowing for more room and less constriction. Plus, the PUMAGRIP outsole gives you that desirable grip in every stance. We do recommend, however, that you swap the insoles if you don’t want to experience a lot of compression underfoot, especially if your workouts involve heavy presses or pulls.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the Puma Fuse 2.0.
Best Gym Shoe for CrossFit
We’ve been big fans of Reebok’s Nano lineup for quite some time, and the latest Nano X3 carries the torch well. The new Lift and Run Chassis System allows the heel to change rigidity depending on your activity, which was a welcome perk according to our tester. Whether sprinting through a session or loading up for a big clean and jerk, these sneakers were more than ready to perform.
The reworked FlexWeave upper also improves upon previous iterations, creating a fit that’s less prone to stretching and wear over time. Seriously, these might be the best Nanos to date, which is saying something considering the brand’s maintained dominance in the CrossFit realm.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the Reebok Nano X3.
Best Gym Shoe for Agility Workouts
Nobull sneakers have cut a worthwhile lane in the fitness community, offering up plenty of performance and style with each available silhouette. For our needs, though, we often lean toward the Trainer+ lineup, boasting a more traction-ready outsole and improved comfort over the brand’s flagship stable. If you want more ankle support and coverage, Nobull also offers the Trainer+ collection in high-top silhouettes, which we’ve found are exceptional for static lifts.
While the subdued, minimalist profile might not be for everyone, these kicks make grabbing fitness by the horns much easier — and better looking, in our opinion.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the Nobull High Top Trainer+.
Best Gym Shoe for Weightlifting
Looking for a kick that can supplement your Olympic weightlifting dreams? The Romaleos 4s offer impeccable underfoot stability thanks to a flared heel design that seemingly increases your footprint over a wider swatch of ground. Additionally, we appreciate the overall weight of the lifting clog, as it keeps everything down and secure without much effort. The Nike Romaleos 4s also boast a dual-strap overlay for better tautness over the top of the foot. We do recommend, though, that athletes with wider feet pay close attention to the size chart. These kicks showcase a very slim and narrow toe box, which can become uncomfortable quickly over extended wear.
Find out how the Romaleos 4 compare to other top weightlifting shoes in this head-to-head breakdown.
Best Gym Shoe for Indoor Running
If your training center has an indoor track, it’s difficult to ignore this area in your training. So, if you want to dominate a few laps, we recommend this all-new silhouette from Hoka. The Mach X employs a Pebax plate that mirrors the responsiveness of some marathon sneakers, yet the rigid, springy sensation doesn’t tax your shins and lower body as much as its carbon brethren. The result? A running shoe that can be great for daily training with an added zest of speed and comfort. Our tester did note, though, that despite the mesh upper, this shoe can run hot. It may be best to ensure the A/C is running indoors before darting off for a new lap record.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the Hoka Mach X.
Best Gym Shoe for Outdoor Workouts
One of our favorite trail running profiles for road-to-trail adventures is also a damn fine workout shoe for outdoor sweat sessions, too. We enjoy the tread pattern across this updated silhouette that provides the perfect amount of grip and traction for field workouts, sprints across loose gravel and cooldown laps on packed trailways.
Additionally, the partial Gore-Tex upper is perfect for keeping our socks dry and protected from errant puddles or morning dew. While the high-top profile isn’t for every athlete, if you’re looking to expand your workout landscape, these are the kicks for the task.
Best Gym Shoe for Post-Workout Activities
As much fun as training can be, we all need a night off every once in a while. For these scenarios where on-foot comfort and performance is still top of mind, we often turn to these stylish silhouettes from Reebok. The Nano Classic is the ideal blend of aesthetics and performance with a responsive Floatride Energy Foam midsole and lifestyle-inspired upper. Essentially, this is the luxury model of the aforementioned Nano X3.
If you are looking for a do-it-all sneaker, though, expect to have some sweat stains around those socks. The combination of suede and leather across the upper is fine for looks but can seriously crank up the heat in the throws of training.
Learn more about the entire Reebok Nano family with this helpful guide.
Best Gym Shoe for Recovery
Yes, you should have gym shoes for after the gym. For these recovery-focused sessions, turn to these simple yet effective slip-ons from Kane. We appreciate the intuitive and comfortable fit of these rubber shoes, and the raised nodes along the footbed are present enough to give your aching feet a relaxing sensation post-workout. Granted, these kicks shouldn’t be your sole (get it?) recovery protocol, but the underfoot experience can help shift focuses toward the must-have modality.
Plus, it’s hard to think of a colorway that Kane doesn’t offer across the Revive, which is perfect for those with vibrant personalities or athletes wanting a little flair to go along with their post-exercise aesthetic.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes.
Most Durable Gym Shoe
Need a pair of gym shoes that are as tough as an RPE 10 deadlift? Consider these impressive kicks from Goruck. We love the Cordura upper as it can withstand plenty of abuse, albeit after a slight break-in period. Plus, these shoes are easy to clean so your aesthetic stays stylish throughout your fitness journey.
The Ballistic Trainers also boast a Gradient Density midsole delivering loads of stability and security underfoot. While the heavier 10.8-ounce profile isn’t ideal for agility training or long-distance runs, this is still a durable-as-hell sneaker that’s sure to deliver time in and time out.
For an in-depth look, read our review of the Goruck Ballistic Trainers.
Best Gym Shoe for Treadmill Running
Do your workouts often mix strength training with treadmill running? To get the most out of each modality, it helps to have a gym shoe that can do it all, and we think we’ve found the perfect solution in Under Armour’s UA HOVR Phantom 3. The updated profile gives each step a hearty dose of cushion and support, which can be plenty welcome when pounding atop a treadmill belt.
Plus, we like the breathability baked into the IntelliKnit upper. We do recommend, though, that you save these kicks for indoor workouts, as pacing across pavement leaves something to be desired in terms of comfort.
Best Barefoot Gym Shoe
Barefoot running has a faithful following, but for those versed in the zero-drop lifestyle, jumping from flat runners to elevated training shoes can be a bit of an uncomfortable chore. Thankfully, there are some barefoot sneakers out there that are just as comfortable on the deadlift platform as they are on the road, like the Merrell Vapor Glove 5s. Our top pick for barefoot running shoes features a stretch collar, making it feel like you're wearing a tread-heavy sock. Plus, the zero-drop nature of this barefoot runner means you can achieve maximum ground contact, whether striding toward the finish line or setting up for a max squat. While the barefoot movement isn’t for everyone, for cross-training athletes involved in the movement, these should be your go-tos.
Most Versatile Gym Shoe
Keeping things fresh in the gym with varied workouts and exercises can help eliminate the monotonous vibe you can experience in training. As such, you want a pair of shoes that can easily transition from heavy lifting sets to agile CrossFit movements without hesitation. We were pleasantly surprised with how seamless these TriBase Reign 5s made our workouts, as the Micro G Foam midsole provided excellent stability in strength-based modalities while the UA WARP upper did well in abrasion resistance and breathability. Just be sure to take the time before your workouts to fine-tune the lacing system. Our tester noted some unwanted pressure across the top of the foot, which they attributed to the staggered eyelet layout. A little finesse and attention can easily alleviate this pressure, though.
Most Stylish Gym Shoe
If you can’t afford a supercar, these stylish sneakers from APL are a fantastic compromise. With McLaren-inspired notes throughout the profile, these kicks can take any gym wardrobe from lacking to luxe in one fell swoop. While we like the midsole for its cushioning and energy return, the geometry doesn’t lend itself to every exercise. In the same sense that you save your supercar for nice driving weather, it’s best to save these kicks for running or accessory work — no squats or deadlifts in these bad boys.
Other Good Options
Under Armour Project Rock 5
Looking to lay the smackdown on a myriad of training disciplines? Tag in the UA Project Rock 5s and unleash your “hardest worker in the room” persona. We really like the updates made to the midsole design, as there’s a break at the back of the forefoot that allows for better flexibility and bend when toeing the line for sprints or working through an agility ladder gauntlet.
Plus, we felt plenty of room in the profile, which means those with wider feet can also enjoy their training in these versatile kicks. While there is some weight and clunkiness when using these gym shoes for longer-distance running scenarios, these sneakers can help you achieve that championship physique in no time.
Adidas Ultraboost Light
The Adidas Ultraboost lineup has been a foundational silhouette for athletes wanting a dash of style to go along with their training performance. Yet, one of the main issues that plagued the stable has been weight — until now. The Ultraboost Light employs a brand new foam technology, Light Boost, that comes in 30 percent lighter than its predecessor. In testing, we also found this foam technology to create a firmer ride than previous models, which lends itself to less squish and better stability when training across machines or free weights.
The revamped heel collar features exaggerated foam pods, too, creating a more locked-in sensation that’s secure and cozy. While 10.3 ounces is still quite bulky for a training sneaker, we’re happy Adidas took customer feedback seriously with this Ultraboost rendition and at least cut some of the weight.
TYR L-1
Lifting clogs are intended to provide the perfect amount of heel lift and stability for pushing and pulling major weight, but the lockdown fit can sometimes limit natural toe splaying. Thankfully, however, TYR’s other silhouette gives your digits plenty of space within the toe box, allowing you to create that perfect stance for pushing toward higher PRs.
We also really like the traction provided by the impressive outsole, and the clean aesthetics are a nice touch to any serious lifter’s silhouette.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker
Yup, you read that right. Despite its persona as a go-to street shoe, the Converse Chuck Taylor is still one of the best weightlifting shoes you can lace up. Chucks are cheap, provide a flat sole and are durable enough to withstand plenty of static lifts.
While the lack of an elevated heel can be a negative on some movements, if you’re just getting into weightlifting and testing how your shoes play into the equation, Chuck Taylors are an easy entry point.
How to Choose Gym Shoes
Unlike buying your favorite pair of sneakers, you want your gym shoes to be snug and ready to perform. A common practice for other types of sneakers is to leave a little space in the toe box to allow your feet to splay out. While this may be helpful for running shoes, you want your training shoes to support your feet during unilateral movements. A snug, locked-in fit is the better choice for your workouts.
Fit
When it comes to proper gym shoes, you should opt for a fit that’s snug and taut yet not overly constrictive. You want your footwear to be locked in and secure as you pace through various lifts and exercises, so having a ton of room in the midfoot or toe box can potentially lead to errant stances and setups. If you’re looking for sneakers specifically for static lifts like squats and deadlifts, some room and flexibility in the toe box can be beneficial, but in most cases, a more snug fit is desirable.
Stability
A good lifting stance starts with a solid foundation, and if you’re not grounded in your footwork, you could be left off kilter when it comes time to move that heavy weight. As such, it’s important to look for a gym shoe with a flat outsole and reasonable heel-to-toe drop. While some may favor a more aggressive pitch in running shoes for the sake of flinging yourself forward, that’s not the case with dedicated gym shoes. You want to be as grounded to the floor or machine as possible, which means keeping the difference between your heel and toe box at a minimum.
Durability
You’re working hard in the gym, and all that determination can lead to some bumps and bruises across your gear. To keep you out of the footwear department longer in-between sessions, it helps to look for sneakers boasting durable upper materials as well as foams that can withstand some abuse. Tightly-woven mesh, ripstop fabrics and other tough-as-nails materials are ideal for these training demands, so thankfully, there are some options at play.
Breathability
All that work and training will undoubtedly lead to some sweat and stink. So, to help combat this funk and moisture, you want a footwear option that can dispel your perspiration quickly and efficiently. Try to look for silhouettes boasting some mesh pattern across the upper, as this textile can do a fine job of allowing air to flow through the profile for a foot that’s cool and collected. Just note, though, that shoes with ample breathability may be subject to some durability issues over time.
Grip and Traction
The easiest way to throw off your in-gym progress is with an errant slip or loss of footing. Try to find gym shoes that feature a rugged yet tacky outsole designed for ample traction across typical gym flooring. Naturally, you can cater your lug patterns to your environment — outdoor workouts will require a more aggressive tread — but ultimately, you want an underfoot grip that’s stable and secure.
Running Shoes Vs. Gym Shoes
If your main fitness activity is running, or if you frequent the treadmill more than the weights, there are some great running shoe options available to fit your needs. Yet kind of like how different sports have different cleats, running shoes and training shoes are designed for their specific activity.
Training shoes often offer a lower heel drop to keep your feet closer to the ground. This can help add stability to your frame, especially when lifting heavy weights. Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed to cushion your steps as you move in stride, returning your energy in an efficient manner to propel you forward.
To keep your feet comfortable and your progress on the right path, it’s best to have separate shoes for training and running. Plus, having separate kicks can help preserve your running shoes for more cardio-focused endeavors.
