Whether you’re a frequent gym-goer or are looking to incorporate more exercise in your weekly routine, one workout essential you need is a pair of quality shoes to get you through each session — and not all sneakers are supportive enough to do the job.
Who better to get recommendations from than people who are in the gym every day? To help you get your feet on the right track the next time you hit the gym, we asked fitness experts, including trainers and instructors who really know their stuff, to give us their top picks for the best gym shoes.
The best gym shoe is durable enough to hold up on your most intense fitness days, has the right support for your foot shape, and is designed to enhance the type of workout you’re doing. Activities such as HIIT, strength-training and cardio will yield better results — and reduce the possibility of getting hurt — with the right shoe.
Lauren Kleban, celebrity trainer and founder of LEKFIT, told HuffPost that it can be “moderately important” to use different kinds of shoes for different workouts. “Shoes can wear out quickly, especially if you’re doing a mix of strength, cardio, and studio work, so it’s smart to keep a few on rotation.” She added, “Different workouts also place different demands on your feet, so having options helps you figure out what best serves you in different settings.”
Other professionals further echoed her sentiments. “I use different shoes for different training. I see shoes not only as a way to keep my feet protected and healthy, but also as a way to amplify my power and stability,” said Justice Roe Williams, a Boston, Massachusetts-based lead trainer at Fitness4AllBodies.
Based on our experts’ recommendations, we rounded up a selection of workout shoes, along with a couple of editors’ picks, and indicated which fitness activities are suitable for each shoe. Keep reading to learn more and pick up a pair; consider it fabulous motivation for all your future workouts.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Zappos
A pair of HuffPost reader-beloved Hoka Solimar sneakers
Lauren Kleban, celebrity trainer and founder of LEKFIT, loves Hoka Solimar sneakers for strength training. “I look for a shoe that feels secure without being overly cushioned to support proper alignment and control during heavier movements.”
The Hoka Solimar is also a favorite of HuffPost readers, who scoop it up in droves anytime we cover this popular, wildly comfortable shoe. It’s a wonderful option to have in your arsenal, and is available in a range of colors in women’s sizes 5-11 and men’s sizes 7-14.
Zappos
Celebrity trainer recommended Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 sneakers that are just as stylish as they are comfy
Adidas Ultraboost shoes are Kleban’s all-time favorite workout sneakers. She said they are “comfortable, supportive and adaptable across different kinds of movement.” They’re especially well-suited for her famous rebounder workouts. Kleban explained that “For rebounding, it’s important to find a sneaker that provides proper support without being too heavy. You’re working through acceleration and deceleration, so you want something that allows you to stabilize and move dynamically without feeling weighed down.”
You can get Adidas Ultraboosts in a few different color combos, in women’s sizes 4.5-12 and men’s sizes 6.5-15. HuffPost shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe has also been wearing these shoes for years, saying, “They’re the only not-annoying workout shoes I’ve ever come across. I like that they’re comfy for a range of different workouts and look really good and stylish without feeling ‘fashiony’ or trendy.”
DSW
A pair of versatile Reeboks
For everyday gym sessions, Kleban recommends the versatile Reebok Nano sneakers. They’re great for everything from class workouts to cardio and more. These sneakers are supportive and breathable, with just the right amount of comfy cushioning. They’d make an excellent addition to your fitness shoe rotation. You can get them in women’s sizes 5-12 and men’s sizes 6.5-14.
Amazon
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 sneakers for everyday workouts
In previous HuffPost reporting, Phil Nicolaou, a Philadelphia-based personal trainer, recommended these sneakers for your everyday workouts. “I like Under Armour workout shoes, which are usually called ‘Charged,'” he said. “I’ve never worn different shoes for cardio versus weight days, just make sure they offer support and are comfortable.”
Available in a multitude of colors for both men (sizes 7-15) and women (sizes 2.5-17.5), the Charged Assert 10 is lightweight with an EVA sockliner for comfort and a compression-molded foam midsole. The rubber outsole provides traction for rough terrains.
Amazon
APL’s Techloom Phantom sneaker for training or running
“These shoes feel so good on my feet in both a plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. That’s important because I can dance in them, train in them and of course run in them. They’re perfect,” said Selena Watkins, a Los Angeles-based fitness instructor, dancer and founder of Socanomics.
These shoes are available in women’s sizes 5-14 and in a few different neutral colorways. With four-way stretch for maximum flexibility in the upper part and cushioning in the mid and outsole, your feet will be comfortable and supported while you move.
Finish Line
The flexible-but-stable Nike Free Metcon 6 training shoe
“These shoes have the flexibility of the Nike Free on the ball of the foot and a wide heel to keep you fast, but are stable for everything from lifting weights to agility and speed drills. The Nike Free Metcon 4 is a very versatile shoe for the gym as it combines flexibility and stability to get the most out of your gym session,” said Tatiana Lampa, a New York City-based certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist.
While the Free Metcon 4 appears to have been discontinued, you can shop the newer model, the Free Metcon 6, which has many of the same qualities Lampa enjoyed in the older version. Available in multiple colors, this training shoe’s wide heel design gives you a stable base for weight lifting. It’s available in women’s sizes 5-12 and men’s sizes 6-15.
Amazon
The reader-favorite Brooks Ghost 17 for logging more miles on the treadmill
Adidas
The Adidas Powerlift 5 for safe and strategic weightlifting
“When I train my heavy squat, I use a shoe with a raised heel of an inch. This shoe helps with my squat depth, as I have limited mobility in my ankles. My go-to is the Adidas Powerlift 5 because it’s affordable and feels good on my foot,” Massachusetts-based fitness trainer Justice Roe Willams said.
Designed specifically for weightlifting, this lightweight shoe provides the security and stability you need for strengthening. It’s constructed with straps, laces and a rubber outsole to keep your feet in place. This unisex shoe is available in four colors — teal, white, pink and black — and comes in women’s 5-17 and men’s 4-16.