Finding the best gym shoes for you is a lot like finding true love. Yes, these shoes are hard to come by. However, when you do happen to stumble upon them, you never want to let them out of your sight. If you’re ready to find the perfect fit, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is designed to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of gym footwear, incorporating the latest offerings from top brands like Nike, Reebok, Under Armour, and Puma.
Choosing the best shoes for the gym largely depends on the activities you will do. If you’re a Jack of all trades — and love giving every exercise type a whirl — you need to get shoes that are created for lateral movement. That way, you can move from side to side while still having the high level of stability that you need. Keep your eyes out for shoes that include: A good fit is crucial. There should be about half an inch of space from your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Women's gym shoes often fit true to size, but always check fitting instructions and test them for comfort, looking out for any chafing or rubbing.Which shoes are best for the gym?
How should my gym shoes fit?
The short answer is no. The shoes that you wear for running will ultimately be different to the gym shoes that you wear for classes. Running Shoes: Specific running shoes are designed and built for heel-to-toe movement and have a higher heel at the back. That means that you have the cushioning you need and can move swiftly forward on a run. Can I use the same gym shoes for all my workouts?
Gym Shoes: also known as training shoes — are on the othe hand created for multi-directional movement. For that reason, you can wear them when engaging in cardio classes, CrossFit, HIIT, and even weightlifting. You should find that the sole of these shoes is flatter than running shoes and that there is a higher level of flexibility overall here.
Now that you know what to look for when it comes to gym shoes, let’s delve into the best brands. We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our top picks for you to take a look at.Which brands have the best gym shoes?
As the world's #1 sports brand, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that this one has an array of women’s gym shoes that fit the bill. If you’re looking to find the perfect fit, let’s take a look at some of the best gym shoes from this brand: The Metcon collection was Nike's big move into training focussed footwear, and it now on its ninth iteration. The Nike Metcon 9 delivers improvements in comfort and lifting-oriented design, featuring a wider toe box and Hyperlift heel adjustments. While it excels in lifting and various gym activities, it's not the top choice for running or high-impact workouts, compared to alternatives like the Reebok Nano or Nike Metcon Free 5. The Metcon 9 offers modern design and breathability, making it a great choice for CrossFit and functional training, with excellent stability and durability. For a more detailed look read our Nike Metcon 9 review. The Nike Free Metcon 5 is a dynamic training shoe, perfect for a range of activities from CrossFit to high-intensity interval training. It emphasizes a balance between lightweight flexibility and stability, making it suitable for diverse workouts. The shoe's design evolution showcases Nike's dedication to innovation, offering enhanced cushioning and superior traction. Its breathable mesh upper ensures comfort during intense workouts, making the Metcon Free 5 a top choice for athletes seeking a versatile and high-performing training shoe. Check out our Nike Free Metcon 5 review for a more detailed look. The stand-out feature of the SuperRep trainers has to be the Zoom Air cushioning. The premium training shoes have been completely redesigned to make sure that they offer the highest levels of stability and comfort as you work out. The stabilising style of the shoes means that they are ideal for any type of in-the-gym workout class.
Nike
Metcon 9
Free Metcon 5
SuperRep
Arguably Reebok is one of the big two in the training footwear market, with the Nano competing head-to-head with the Metcon for the best part of a decade now. In our view the Nano remains the most versatile training shoe available. The Reebok Nano X4 excels in versatility and performance. With its robust design and dynamic style, the Nano X4 stands out for its exceptional breathability and stability, making it ideal for a range of workouts including CrossFit and HIIT. Its 7mm heel-to-toe drop provides excellent support during heavy lifts, while the Flexweave upper ensures durability and air circulation. The Nano X4's adaptability extends beyond the gym, doubling as a comfortable shoe for casual wear. It's a top choice for those seeking a multi-purpose training shoe..Reebok
Nano X4
Puma has been gaining recognition for its innovative and dynamic range of training shoes. Known primarily for their stylish and performance-oriented sports apparel, Puma has also made significant strides in developing training shoes that cater to a variety of athletic needs. Their footwear line emphasizes both agility and support, making them suitable for a diverse array of workouts. With a focus on combining functionality with modern design, Puma's training shoes are becoming a popular choice for those seeking a balance of style, comfort, and performance in their fitness regime. The PWRFRAME TR 3.0 is all about helping you produce explosive movements with ease. Featuring a PROFOAM midsole for high rebound and energy return, these shoes are designed to keep you pushing your limits in the gym. But what really sets the PWRFRAME TR 3.0 apart is its innovative features. PWRFRAME technology enhances stability during multidirectional movements, ensuring you stay grounded and stable during explosive lifts. Plus, with a TPU heel clip providing added structure and support, your foot will stay locked in place no matter how heavy the weights.
Puma
PWRFrame TR3
Boasting a selection of stride-enhancing, responsive running trainers, there’s a reason that On Running has become so popular in recent years. While this company specialises in running attire, it’s worth taking a quick look at their multifaceted training shoes too. The On Running Cloud X trainers have low arches, strong heel cap, and a seamless tongue. The On Running Cloud X3 is particularly strong in running performance, excelling in its lightweight, cushioned design that suits short to mid-distance runs. While it's versatile enough for various training activities, including HIIT and gym sessions, its features like CloudTec cushioning and Speedboard technology are optimized for running, offering a soft landing and firm push-off. This focus on running capabilities makes it stand out more as a running shoe than a general training shoe.
On Running
Cloud X
Innovative and completely hard-wearing, there’s a whole load to be said about Under Armour products. If you’re on the lookout for a new pair of gym shoes, taking a peek at what this brand has to offer will never disappoint you. Here is our favourite. Packing mobility, total grip, and high durability, you have to take a look at the Under Armour TriBase Reign now on it 5th version. The Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 has been well-received, particularly for its stability and versatility in workouts. It features a solid base and improved upper, which contributes to its overall comfort and performance. While offering good stability for heavy lifts and plyometrics, it might not be the best choice for running due to its stiff construction. The shoe requires some break-in time, but once adjusted, it provides a responsive and comfortable fit, making it a viable option for various gym activities. However, those with wider feet or looking for immediate comfort straight out of the box may want to consider other options.Under Armour
TriBase Reign
Finding the best gym shoes for your needs doesn’t have to be stressful. In the above guide, we have taken a look at some of the features you want to search for as well as the best brands to choose. Investing in a high-quality pair of trainers could make all of the difference.Conclusion
