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: Metcon 9 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. Free Metcon 6 The Nike Free Metcon 6 is a versatile training shoe built to handle everything from agility drills to heavy lifting. Designed to support explosive movement and dynamic training, it merges the flexibility of the Nike Free sole with the stability and durability of the Metcon line. The updated design enhances comfort with a more breathable upper and refined fit, making it ideal for high-intensity workouts, circuit training, and strength sessions.
Nike
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. Nano X4 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
Adidas continues to push the boundaries of performance with its gym-focused footwear, designed to support strength, speed, and stability. Whether you're lifting heavy or powering through circuits, adidas offers innovative solutions for every style of training. The Dropset 3 and Rapidmove 2 shoes deliver targeted features to enhance performance—combining comfort, durability, and sleek design for versatile use in and out of the gym. Dropset 3 Shoes Engineered for strength training, the Dropset 3 features a low heel-to-toe drop for a grounded, stable lifting platform. Dual-density midsole cushioning offers support where it's needed most, while the breathable upper ensures comfort during intense sets. Ideal for squats, deadlifts, and machine work. Rapidmove 2 Shoes Built for dynamic movement, the Rapidmove 2 is perfect for HIIT, agility drills, and circuit training. A lightweight, responsive design with a flexible outsole allows for quick transitions and multidirectional movement, while adidas’ signature cushioning provides lasting comfort.
Adidas
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. Cloud X 4 The On Running Cloud X 4 is a lightweight, performance-driven shoe that blends running technology with multi-functional versatility. Featuring low arches, a reinforced heel cap, and a seamless tongue for a secure, irritation-free fit, it’s built to move with you through varied workouts. Powered by CloudTec® cushioning and Speedboard® technology, the Cloud X 4 delivers soft landings and explosive take-offs, excelling particularly in short to mid-distance runs. While it’s adaptable enough for HIIT and gym sessions, its core strength lies in running—offering precision-engineered comfort, energy return, and responsiveness that set it apart as a run-first training shoe.On Running
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. TriBase Reign 6 Built for serious strength training and functional workouts, the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 continues to elevate performance with its low, stable platform and durable construction. Designed for maximum ground contact, grip, and flexibility, this sixth iteration refines the features that made its predecessor a favourite—offering improved breathability, a secure fit, and enhanced support for heavy lifts and dynamic movements. While it’s not tailored for running, the Reign 6 shines in the weight room, excelling in squats, sled pushes, and plyometric work. Dynamic 2 Training Shoes The Under Armour Dynamic 2 is built for speed, agility, and all-around athletic performance. Designed with fast-paced training in mind, it offers lightweight responsiveness and flexibility ideal for HIIT, bootcamp-style workouts, and dynamic gym sessions. A breathable mesh upper keeps things cool, while the low-to-the-ground feel and strategic cushioning allow for quick, controlled movements. Compared to the Reign 6, the Dynamic 2 leans more toward agility and cardio-based training, rather than heavy lifting.Under Armour
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
