The best gym shoes strike the perfect balance of technology, support, strength, and (let’s be honest), style. Wear the wrong shoes and your entire sweat session could suffer. Here’s exactly how to be picky with your kicks so you can reach your full potential at the gym. Kornfeld adds, “The best gym shoe would address all of the issues that are specific to each [person]. Some require stability, while some require flexibility.” So, look for “a logical combination of cushioning and support.” If you experience foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, he adds that it’s always a good idea to see a podiatrist to help identify the underlying cause and make the best recommendations. This model is also Nike’s lightest metcon yet and boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. One gym-goer says, “these are the best all around CrossFit shoes I have ever had.” Another reviewer is obsessed with the structure: “These shoes are very supportive with a hard, flat sole that’s great for legs or any other weight lifting activity!” Previous Nike owners will recognize that this shoe runs a bit narrow, so if you need a wider toe box, you might want to consider ordering a half-size up. Nike members can design their own colorway, with showstopping options like chrome, marble, and metallic gold or silver. Along with a super-sleek and stylish design, the shoe offers extra cushioning in the heel and an extended crash pad, reducing the impact of every step. Best for people with a neutral gait, it’s also a more eco-friendly pick with a vegan rubber sole and recycled mesh upper. (In fact, Hoka has a strong sustainability mission to use recycled, renewable, regenerative, or natural material in 90% of its footwear.) While definitely on the pricier side, reviewers say the Kawanas are worth the investment. One enthused fan writes, “This hybrid shoe [is] super cushioned and stable in the gym, and it is smooth and bouncy in the road. I think Hoka is onto something BIG with this new foam.” With almost 200 positive reviews on the Hoka website, these have earned a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Other components of the low-profile kicks include a sculpted heel that allows for a full range of lateral movement, layers of rubber padding in high traction areas for more durability, and a new lacing system that limits loosening during workouts. Despite keeping your foot locked down, slipping these sneakers on and off is a breeze thanks to the stretchy lycra collage and tongue. There’s also just enough cushioning from the Propelium™ midsole to make these comfortable (and it holds up longer than the conventional EVA plastic that is typically used). Popular among women with narrow feet, the shoe earns rave remarks from gym-goers. One reviewer says, “These shoes have been my go-to for weightlifting for years. I have a very narrow foot, and the knit material feels as if it morphs to my anatomy—and the sole is sturdy and flat.” Another adds, “This is such a stylish shoe that’s perfect for multi sport workouts like CrossFit, lifting, and short runs.” However, some shoppers find these shoes undesirable for squatting exercises due to the larger heel-to-toe drop (8 mm). If you try them and they don’t work out, APL has a free returns policy. With over 4,000 reviews on the Converse website, these have a 4.8 out of a 5-star rating overall. Most reviews are from cult followers who have been wearing this exact shoe for decades and even getting their grandkids on the bandwagon. Many adore the lightweight canvas material and lightly padded footbed and say that you can’t beat this quality for the price. Keep in mind, these shoes do run large—so you’ll want to buy at least a half-size down. Altra’s lightweight, breathable design combines support and stability to turn it into the ultimate cross-training shoe—meaning it can be worn for a number of activities, including trail runs, weight lifting, or walking. The extra-firm caged upper helps protect your toes while you move, and the low cushioned sole puts your heel and toe at an equal distance from the ground, so you’ll be set up for form and alignment. While reviewers love the minimalist design, wider toe box, and stability of this shoe, there’s a big desire for more colors. A few people also mention that the shoe does not hold up over time. We love that KURU has a strong sustainability mission that spans four pillars of sustainability and social responsibility. In fact, when you register your purchase, the brand’s KURU CARES™ initiative gives you the ability to choose which cause to support. Reviewers with foot pain and plantar fasciitis are obsessed with this gym shoe—and there are over 3,000 5-star reviews to prove it. One shopper writes, “After experiencing crippling plantar fasciitis 6 or so years ago, and finding relief only in this shoe, it’s been the only sneaker I’ve bought since. For healing and prevention, this shoe is the ticket, and I like that the wider toe box allows feet to spread out more naturally rather than being constrained. Worth every penny.” Hoka also has a mission for sustainability, with 90% of the brand’s 2021 footwear utilizing at least one recycled, renewable, regenerative, or natural material. One shopper says, “They are perfectly balanced between soft, lightweight, springy, and cushion-y under my feet. I’m also so obsessed with the colorway I ordered. It looks even better in person. Huge fan of these and will definitely be ordering another pair if they release more colorways.” While more than 80% of Zappos customers say this shoe is true to size, some do note that it runs large. While there’s not much feedback yet for these shoes, what reviewers do say is all positive. One person writes, “Excellent cushion and keeps my feet and ankles happy while I stand and walk all day. The support is wonderful.” It’s important to note that these shoes are not unisex like others on our list. As a part of the zero waste movement, Adidas is taking a leap toward ending plastic waste with a series of products made with recycled materials. You can feel good that this weightlifting shoe is made with 50% recycled content. Because these gym shoes are designed for weightlifting, they are not as versatile as others on this list, but people love them for weightlifting and they have a 4.6 out of 5-star rating overall. One reviewer who swore by the shoe’s previous model writes, “[This shoe’s] an improvement over Adidas’s Powerlift 4 in terms of quality and material. The only complaint I have is that the heel is a bit higher than the previous Powerlift 4 shoes. I recommend sizing up a whole size from your regular shoe size.”
