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For this list, we picked gym shoes based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Amazon and key product features. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within those parameters.
For the best overall women's gym shoes, we picked the Reebok Nano X1 Cross Trainer. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Reebok's NANO X1 Cross Trainer features a Flexweave knit upper for breathability and durability and Floatride Energy Foam for added cushioning and stability. The brand claims it is suitable for cross-training, running and climbing. The shoes have a sleek, stylish design meant to be lightweight, so you're comfortable during intense exercises.
Numerous buyers were impressed by these gym shoes' fantastic value for money, comfort and versatility. The upper sole is quite durable while providing ample ventilation to keep feet dry and cool. Several customers also said the shoes are stable, making them a solid choice for lifting weights. But one major con for a few buyers is the high back heel – one critic said it tends to dig into their ankles, causing blisters.
We recommend Under Armour's Aura Training Shoes as the best cheap option for women. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Under Armour's Aura Training Shoes have a full-length Micro G foam midsole for comfort and impact absorption. Their upper is made of lightweight mesh with structured leather overlays for added support. Additionally, these have flex grooves in the forefoot that work with natural strides. The heel and collar are cushioned for stability as well.
These gym shoes are extremely lightweight yet high-performance, weighing about 226g. They are the perfect budget-friendly option for cross-training, gym workouts and Zumba exercises. Customers also loved the sleek look, adding that the shoes make for a great walking companion. However, these don't offer much heel support, which may be a con for those with flat feet.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we picked the Nike Free Metcon 3 as the best mid-range gym shoes for women.
A combination of Nike's bestsellers, the Nike Free Metcon 3 has a Free sole with the flat, wide heel of the Metcon. These shoes help keep you fast but stable on your feet, suitable for weightlifting and speed drills. The shoes also have a mesh design for increased airflow and foam cushioning for comfort and stability. Additionally, the sole wraps up the sides of your foot for better side-to-side support.
The general sentiment is this is a reasonably priced and versatile option that provides extreme comfort and breathability to any user. Customers loved the cushiony foam inner, helping absorb shocks from hard impacts. The rubber soles are threaded for better traction in any gym surfaces as well. Several buyers found the arch very high, but this seems to be an isolated issue.
If you're looking for the best high-end option for women, we chose the New Balance 857 V2 Cross Trainers. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
New Balance's 857 V2 shoes mix stability and comfort to suit most workouts. These have Rollbar technology that the brand claims minimises rearfoot movement. They also feature an ENCAP midsole for all-day comfort and N2 cushioning for protection against shocks. Apart from a breathable DRI-EX lining, these have a non-marking outsole for traction and durability.
Customers gave positive feedback on the shoes' excellent fit, lightweight feel and breathability. These have a slip-resistant design and a moisture-wicking lining to keep feet dry and cool. The outsoles are very grippy, keeping your feet stable during any move. Several reviewers also loved their extreme comfort and ankle support. These aren't the sleekest gym shoes out there, but most buyers said it isn't really a huge issue.
The Adrenaline GTS 20 features DNA LOFT, providing soft cushioning for better support and stability. They also have GuideRails midsoles that keep feet from rolling in or out. Additionally, the shoes' modernised fit features a streamlined mesh upper with 3D Print for structure.
At over $200, these running shoes are quite expensive. But customers said their durability, extreme comfort and performance are well worth the hefty price tag. These provide more than enough cushioning to protect feet from hard impacts and shocks. Apart from being lightweight, buyers said they are breathable, keeping feet cool and dry even for extended periods. However, it is worth noting that this version has a different sizing compared to older models.
For bodybuilding, we recommend the adidas Adipower Weightlifting II Shoes as the best women's option. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
According to the company, the Adipower Weightlifting II is made with Primegreen – a series of "high-performance recycled materials", with 50% of the shoes containing recycled content. Because of the sleek woven design, these also hug the feet for a secure and supportive fit when lifting weights. These feature laces and a midfoot strap for added protection and stability as well.
Many reviewers praised the product's sleek design, stability and lightweight feel. They are high-performance and provide enough support during heavy lifts and even during speed drills. Customers loved the dual security of the laces and strap, ensuring the feet stay firm while being protected. The raised heels also provide enough support for flat feet. However, these have a narrow toe box, making them unsuitable for people with larger feet.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 900 Amazon reviews, we selected the Nike Free Metcon 2 as the best overall gym shoes for men.
The perfect shoes for running and gym workouts, the Nike Free Metcon 2 offers superb breathability and comfort while being durable. These are responsive and stable, allowing you to make quick strides with ease. The midfoot cage helps secure feet in place without any restriction. Additionally, the shoes have a foam midsole for extra comfort and stability when weightlifting. The outsoles have deep grooves for traction as well.
A versatile pair of shoes for the gym, the Nike Free Metcon 2 is a favourite among fitness buffs and casual runners. They provide the same comfort and quality as the Free Metcon 3, but without the bulkiness. The foam cushion is also supportive and cloud-like, which helps absorb shocks from hard impacts. Their sleek design also makes them suitable for casual, everyday outfits, according to customers. However, they make a loud squeaky noise when walking.
K-Swiss's ST329 CMF Training Shoes is our pick for the best cheap men's gym shoes. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
First introduced as tennis shoes, the ST329 is designed and built to last. These shoes have a full leather upper and a durable gum rubber outsole for stability. They also have a K-EVA cushioned midsole and premium memory footbed for maximum comfort.
Thousands of buyers were impressed by the product's durability, performance and value for money. While not everyone loves their bulky design, these shoes provide enough support and comfort for light gym workouts. They are also extremely cushiony, ensuring the feet are protected from impacts. These have a leather upper, which means they aren't as breathable as gym shoes with a mesh upper.
We recommend the New Balance 624 as the best mid-range gym shoes for men available online. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The New Balance 624 features ABZORB cushioning for comfort and QUIX outsole technology for stability. These shoes have an EVA foam footbed and an IMEVA midsole for added firmness and flexibility. Apart from a synthetic leather suede upper, they have non-marking outsoles and an internal shank.
Customers praised the product's sleek design, breathability and high performance. These shoes also come in various widths, including sizes for narrow and extra-wide feet. They also have grippy outsoles that provide traction and stability for lifting and speed drills. The suede upper is also well-ventilated. However, these run large. Most buyers recommended buying half a size down – even for those with broader feet.
For the best high-end option, we selected the Mizuno TF-01 Training Shoes. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
These Mizuno shoes feature COB Technology, providing pod clusters that "enable feedback from the feet to aid balance". They also have a sharp bottom for added traction during speed and agility training. Additionally, the shoes feature a woven mesh upper for a soft feel and a 4mm drop for stability.
According to customers, these shoes are quite lightweight, breathable and durable. They run true to size and provide a snug yet comfy fit, ensuring your feet don't roll in or out during intense workouts. A few reviewers added that they are extremely cushioned, which helps protect feet against hard impact. While the sharp outsoles give loads of traction on dry surfaces, some buyers reported that they don't provide much grip on wet surfaces. The shoes also don't have enough arch support for those with flat feet.
With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, our team has picked the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 as the best indoor running shoes for men.
ASIC Gel Nimbus 22 features Flytefoam Propel midsoles for shock absorption and GEL technology for comfort and cushioning. They also have AHAR outsoles that the brand said reduce damage due to excessive wear. Apart from EVA moulded sock liner, these have a soft jacquard mesh upper for breathability.
Part of our list for the best running shoes available online, ASICS' Gel Nimbus 22 is suitable for both indoor use and long-distance runs. Their soft cushioning provides support and protection from shock and hard impacts. Customers said the outsoles are non-slip and have more than enough traction for runs. These also have superb arch support, making them suitable for those with plantar fasciitis. However, this might not be the best option for wide feet due to the snug toe box.
For bodybuilding, we picked the adidas Powerlift 4 as the best men's shoes. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews.
Designed with stability in mind, the Powerlift 4 features a narrow fit and a snug feel. The shoes also have a high-density wedge midsole and a rubber outsole to keep feet firmly planted when lifting. Apart from a lightweight canvas upper, these have a lock closure with a hook-and-look top strap. Just like the Adipower shoes, these are made from Primegreen materials as well.
Many customers loved the shoes' comfortable fit, stability and grippy outsoles. These have a sleek design that helps keep feet in place during intense lifts. The dual closure also prevents the feet from moving from side to side. But because they have a canvas upper, these don't provide much ventilation to keep feet dry and cool.
Amazon prices last updated on 3 December, 2023 at 04:01 ameBay prices last updated on 3 December, 2023 at 07:10 amThe Iconic prices last updated on 2 December, 2023
Methodology
27 Brands considered
115 Products compared
12 Best products chosen
We compared over 100 gym shoes from 27 brands.
We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings on Amazon.
The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Why you can trust our picks
We considered the following brands of gym shoes:
adidas
ASICS
Brooks
Champion
Fila
Inov-8
K-Swiss
Keen
Lotto
Merrell
Mishansha
Mizuno
New Balance
Nike
Puma
Reebok
RYKA
Saguardo
Salomon
Saucony
Skechers
The North Face
TSLA
Under Armour
Vibram
W&YAN
Weweya
For this list, we carefully picked products with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. We ended up with a total of 115 gym shoes to compare.
We then researched each product and its features. We also considered ratings and customer reviews on Amazon (as of October 2021). We came up with what we believe are the 12 best gym shoes available online.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Frequently asked questions
Your gym shoes should have enough wiggle room for your toes to move around. The heels should be snug but not tight, preventing your feet from slipping during workouts. The insoles should also feel cushioned and comfortable while absorbing impacts from jumps and hard actions.
Unless you plan to run short distances that are less than one mile, it is generally not ideal to use your gym shoes for running. Most gym shoes are heavier and a bit cumbersome for running. They may not also provide enough cushioning from repeated pounding.
Remove the sole inserts from your gym shoes. Using a soft brush and soapy water, scrub the inserts to remove dirt and grime. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of baking soda on each shoe and brush it using a toothbrush. Leave the baking soda overnight. Remove the baking soda and soak your shoes in a container with soapy water. Leave them for a few minutes. Scrub off any dirt and grime from the shoes using a brush. Rinse with clean water and let all components air dry before use.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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