The Foundation of Your Workout: Choosing the Right Gym Shoes

The Top 13 Workout Shoes for Crushing Your Gym Session

13 Top Gym Shoes for Crushing Your Workout

When it comes to working out, there’s one word that I’m sure you hear a lot: Foundation. Trying out a new spin bike? Make sure you have a solid foundation of resistance. Going for a P.R. on a snatch or clean? Keep your stance firm with a stable foundation. And when it comes down to what is best to wear to your workout? Well, it all starts with your foundation, aka, gym shoes.

A pair of good gym shoes is the literal base of your workout, and you need the right ones if you expect to hit your 2024 fitness goals. Before you pick your pair, it’s important to think about what kind of workout you intend to do in them. It may seem obvious, but there’s a big difference between a seven-mile run and a heavy lifting session, and thus, your shoes must reflect this difference. You may just want a more generalized pair, in which case a cross trainer is going to be your best bet. Once you decide on the type of sneaker you want, consider fit, material, and heft. You want a shoe that’s snug but not too snug. A shoe that’s breathable but well-made. A shoe that’s lightweight but supportive. And then, only once you’ve narrowed it down through all this criteria, can you choose your sneaker’s look.

We know it’s a lot to consider, so don’t worry about trying to remember it all. We’ve made it easy by rounding up the 13 best workout shoes, from basketball high-tops to running sneakers, and have covered all of the bases. Get your head (and your feet) in the game.

Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Challenger 7 Shoes

Maybe you aren’t planning on running straight to the gym. Maybe you’re going to take a quick detour through that forest in your backyard. Or embark on Central Park’s hilly routes before ending up at Equinox. Wherever your workout takes you, these Hokas are a great choice for any trail running you intend to do. The reinforced support makes for a durable all-terrain shoe.

• Weight: 8.90 oz
• Sizes: 7-15
• Colors: 4

Best Running Shoes: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

My family stands behind Saucony running shoes, especially my sister who just completed the Boston Marathon in them. They have extra cushion for support on long runs, and they are lightweight so that you can go the distance without feeling like you’re slogging through mud.

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• Weight: 8.1 oz
• Sizes: 7-15
• Colors: 6

Best Hybrid Workout Shoes: On Cloud 5 Running Shoes

A cult-like following, On’s running shoes have been frequenting streets and gyms alike, surging to popularity in the last few years. These shoes are the perfect hybrid between workout and lifestyle, a great transition shoe from the gym to the sidewalk. Once you have a pair, you won’t ever look back.

• Weight: 8.1 oz
• Sizes: 7-14
• Colors: 12

Best Walking Shoes: Reebok DailyFit DMX Shoes

Some people like to just walk at the gym, and I’m into that vibe. And then hit the steam room of course. In which case, you should make sure that you have a pair of shoes apt for doing just that, like these Reeboks.

• Weight: 10.5 oz
• Sizes: 7-13
• Colors: 4

Best Overall Gym Shoes: Nike Metcon 9 Workout Shoes

In terms of everyday training, these are the shoes to hit the gym in. Nike is obviously one of the favorites when it comes to athletic shoes, but the Metcon 9 are particularly special. With a large Hyperlift plate and rubber rope wrap, stability is at the core of this shoe.

• Sizes: 6–15
• Colors: 8

Best Weightlifting Shoes: Adidas Adipower Weightlifting 3 Shoes

So you’re the one who came here for some shoes for practicing your Olympic weightlifting? Look no further than these Adidas ones. The raised heel and dense sole will stabilize you, and the lace-and-strap combo keeps your feet firmly locked in.

• Weight: 16.4 oz
• Sizes: 5-14
• Colors: 3

Best Everyday Workout Shoes: APL TechLoom Pro

For a lifestyle shoe, we turn to APL. The sneakers are incredibly lightweight and nimble, almost feeling like more of a sock than a shoe. If you are hitting a yoga class, or if you plan on walking hours around town before making it to the gym, these are the pair for you.

• Weight: 7.9 oz
• Sizes: 7-15
• Colors: 41

Best Basketball Shoes: Nike Air Jordan XXXVIII

You can’t be a baller without baller shoes. Obviously, Jordans are going to make the list, and these ones are a staple. With a low-to-the-court Zoom Strobel Air unit and a secure upper, quick cuts and seamless transitions await.

• Sizes: 3.5–18
• Colors: 4

Best Tennis Shoes: asics Gel-Dedicate 8

If anyone knows tennis shoes, it’s Asics. One of the more understated footwear brands, Asics is not to be slept on. Its tennis shoes in particular are a brand favorite, as they are extra stable for switching direction. The flexible feel allows you to move freely around the court.

• Sizes: 6–14
• Colors: 4

Best Indoor Soccer Shoes: Nike Superfly 9 Academy Mercurial Dream Speed Shoes

When it comes to indoor soccer, I’m loyal to my Mercurials. They have gripping soles to keep you from slipping and sliding. The NikeSkin material is super soft and flexible, making them an excellent choice for comfort. They also come in a turf version, if that’s where your indoor soccer takes you.

• Sizes: 4–13
• Colors: 5

Best Long-Distance Running Shoes: Brooks Ghost Max Shoes

This shoe is all about support and comfort. For runners, it’s an ideal choice as it has ample cushioning for a smooth run. They make sure that you can go the distance, with advanced stability and heel-to-toe easy transitioning.

• Weight: 10 oz
• Sizes: 7–15
• Colors: 7

Best Ripstop Gym Shoes: No Bull Gum Ripstop Runner Shoes

No Bull delivers a pair of shoes that lives up to its name. A one-piece ripstop upper gives the support necessary for secure movement, while the outsole lug enhances traction, ensuring that you stay grounded as you exercise. See? No bull in this design.

• Weight: 10.3 oz
• Sizes: 8–16
• Colors: 8

Most Comfortable Gym Shoes: Allbirds Tree Dashers

Comfort is at the core of Allbirds. The responsive foam and extra grip are great, but what makes these shoes a standout is its seamless upper. Imagine if you could go to the gym barefoot. These bring that dream to life.

• Weight: 10.2 oz
• Sizes: 8–14
• Colors: 16

Now that you have some options for the best gym shoes, it’s time to hit the ground running. Remember, finding the right pair is just the first step on your fitness journey. You’ve got this!

Gaby Keiderling is a New York based writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for HotSamples’s ‘Get Ready with Me’ franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog Sneakers.

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