As a personal trainer and exercise enthusiast, I’ve worn more pairs of gym shoes than I can count. The best gym shoes for women provide a Goldilocks fit, perfectly responsive cushioning, durable design, and traction that never fails. From treadmill work to heavy lifting, I’ve also found some shoes flawlessly support a specific type of exercise, while others can be versatile, do-it-all sneakers for more minimalist closets.
Podiatric physical therapist Jared Einhorn, DPT, says it’s particularly important to choose your gym footwear based on your biomechanics, training goals, and injury history rather than aesthetics or brand hype. With his guidance in mind, we tested 33 pairs of women’s gym shoes, prioritizing cross-trainers that can handle a balance of strength training, cardio, and dynamic movement. We also sliced the shoes in half to get a better look at their design and spoke with experts for advice on which key features to look for when shopping.
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Outstanding stability
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Wide toe box
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Sleek and stylish design
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium), Men’s 6-15 (medium) | Materials: Mesh and synthetic textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 11.7 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for strength-focused athletes seeking a grounded, supportive platform for squats, deadlifts, and rowing.
Why We Love It
Nike’s Metcon 10 is the ultimate strength training shoe. The platform provides the perfect amount of stability, keeping us feeling supported and well-balanced during upper body, lower body, and compound lifting movements. We especially enjoyed wearing them on the rowing machine because the flat and stable outsole matched well with the erg’s foot platform, providing good contact for pushing off. They also performed well during plyometric movements on our padded gym flooring, keeping us comfortable, supported, and stable during jump squats, split lunges, bench step-ups, and more.
We appreciate the wide toe box that allows our feet to expand as we warm up and toes to splay out during heavy lifts. Additionally, we found the shoes provide balanced cushioning that keeps our feet comfortable without overdoing it. With their sleek and stylish design, it’s impossible to ignore that the Metcon 10s are high-quality gym shoes that hold up to the demands of consistent strength training.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Nike, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes felt too flat and rigid to be as responsive as we’d like during cardio, like treadmill work, lacking enough flexion to compensate.
- We found the opening of the shoe around our ankles looked a bit wide compared to the rest of the shoe’s fit. It still felt secure for us, but this detail may mean the shoes could run a little too wide for some.
Most Valuable Insight
“The stability the Metcon 10s provide during lifts and on the rowing erg is top-notch. They offer an excellent grounded feel. I’ll definitely continue to wear them for my home gym workouts, focusing more on rowing, strength training, and lower-impact movements. I would recommend them to people focused on feeling supported and stable while lifting.” —Alena D., Verywell Fit product tester
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Breathable and durable mesh upper
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Excellent traction provides solid stability
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Comfy right away, with no break-in period
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7-15 (medium, wide) | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 8 ounces, Men’s 9.1 ounces | Cushioning Level: High | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want highly versatile workout shoes with extra comfortable cushioning.
Why We Love Them
When we find our feet craving a little extra comfort during our gym workouts, we lace up Saucony’s Ride 18 Sneaker. While technically a running shoe, they provide a balance of breathability, cushioning, and stability that makes for a reliable, all-purpose gym shoe. We also appreciate that they don’t require a break-in period, feeling comfortable and ready to work right out of the box.
This neutral shoe is padded with plenty of cloudlike foam and features an extra heel collar cushion, all while keeping the shoe’s weight in check. The mesh upper is both stretchy and durable, and the outsole features rubber at the front for extra traction, along with a groove pattern that provides a stable feel underfoot, regardless of the exercise. When we’re unsure about the type of workout we want to do on a given day, we pack these shoes, knowing they can handle whatever we throw at them.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and DSW.
Potential Flaws
- Because these shoes are so well cushioned, they have a chunkier aesthetic, which some may not like.
Most Valuable Insight
“I actually decided to give this shoe a try during my second trimester because I needed a little extra cushioning and stability from my gym shoes when working through my low-impact strength training routine. They kept me comfortable, supported, and safe in every exercise throughout the remainder of my pregnancy and during my early postpartum months as I incorporated more movement into my recovery.” —Alena D., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7-15 (medium, wide) | Materials: Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7.3 ounces | Cushioning Level: Light | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for serious weightlifters and minimalist cross-trainer fans who prioritize stability in their gym shoes.
Why We Love It
The New Balance Women’s Minimus TR v2 is a minimal gym shoe that provides that coveted grounded feel for those looking to lift heavier weights. Their snug fit combined with a flat, firm platform gives them a sense of stability ideal for weightlifting. During testing, we noticed our heels stayed locked in perfectly and that the shoes remained secure even in more dynamic movements.
Firm and propulsive, the cushioning is right where it needs to be for serious training, and the responsive, low-profile midsole offers just enough impact protection for the plyometric portions of our workouts. Quick changes in direction and explosive movements feel both stable and grounded in these shoes, with plenty of grip in the outsoles. From lifting weights on indoor rubber gym mats to performing walking lunges on hardwood floors, we felt confident and secure in these shoes.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, New Balance, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes run narrow and a tad bit small. We would recommend opting for half a size larger than your typical shoe size and opting for the wide width, especially if you plan to wear them for extended or high-intensity sessions.
- While the light cushioning is great for lifting, these shoes lack the necessary impact protection for true, high-volume plyometrics or running, confining them to the weight room floor rather than making them a versatile, all-around cross-trainer.
Most Valuable Insight
“The New Balance Minimus stays true to its name—it feels light and quick during high-intensity training, responding very quickly to changes in direction and agility moves. I also felt extremely stable and grounded throughout all my weightlifting and bodyweight strength moves. The low-to-the-ground, minimalist platform minimizes compression under load, giving me the direct ground contact required for heavy lifts.” —Malini R., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), Men’s 7-16 (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber and foam outsole | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Cushioning Level: High | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for cardio lovers and treadmill runners who also strength train lightly at the gym.
Why We Love It
New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 880v15 is ideal for those who can’t step foot in a gym without really getting their heart pumping. During testing, we immediately appreciated how these shoes fit true to size, accommodating for any foot swelling once we warmed up and never causing any pain, blisters, or pressure points. We also loved their balanced, soft, and supportive cushioning and how it noticeably helped absorb the impact on our joints during jumping movements and high-intensity workouts.
While we found them comfortable for all types of exercise, we especially enjoyed wearing these shoes for runs, long walks, and high-intensity cardio workouts because they offer the perfect amount of spring with each step. They felt very secure on our feet when doing lateral jumps and agility training, and the forefoot proved plenty flexible for fast footwork and speed drills. They also felt stable on various terrains, such as grass, turf, concrete, carpet, and tile, holding our heels and ankles firmly in place.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, New Balance, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- While these shoes are perfect for cardio workouts, we prefer a flatter shoe with less cushioning and springiness for heavy weightlifting sessions.
Most Valuable Insight
“These are the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn. The cushioning is spot on! Each step feels seamless and effortless, as if I’m being propelled forward. This shoe gives my feet so much energy that I feel like I can keep running past the time I would normally call it quits. I plan on wearing these until they fall apart on me.” —Janice D., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-11 (medium), Men’s 7-14 (medium) | Materials: Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9.7 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for gym goers and casual athletes who want a supportive, fashion-forward, and affordable trainer for workouts and errands.
Why We Love It
When it comes to comfort, aesthetics, and value, PUMA’s PWR Hybrid Training Shoes really deliver. The flexible forefoot makes walking and quick directional changes feel natural and well-supported, and we felt the thicker sole molded to our feet well after several wears. The breathable, mesh upper also stretches well to accommodate slight foot swelling during longer workouts without losing its supportive structure.
This shoe stands out for its cushioning, which absorbs impact well, no matter our chosen exercise. It provides a soft, springy feel without being overly squishy, which is ideal for versatile training and casual wear. Meanwhile, the wide base provides solid footing for most strength exercises, keeping us stable on flat surfaces with enough grip to prevent sliding. Overall, it’s a well-constructed shoe made with durable materials and available at an affordable price.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and PUMA.
Potential Flaws
- The heel collar sits higher and firmer than other gym shoes, which caused some initial rubbing for us. We recommend wearing tall socks with them to minimize this discomfort.
- On uneven outdoor surfaces, we occasionally felt a bit of instability due to the shoe’s stack height, but for most uses, they were very comfortable and adaptable.
Most Valuable Insight
“I used the PUMA PWR Hybrid Training Shoes for a variety of activities. They’re quite versatile, so I found myself reaching for them for both fitness and casual use. The cushioning remained consistent across all surfaces I tested. Whether on concrete sidewalks, gym floors, or treadmill belts, I could feel the same level of support and softness underfoot. That consistency makes the shoes versatile since you don’t have to switch pairs when moving from indoor to outdoor activities.” —Madison M., Verywell Fit product tester
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Secure fit
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Supportive cushioning
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Flexible forefoot
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7-15 (medium, wide) | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber and foam outsole | Weight: 7.1 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who like to mix up their gym workouts frequently and need a pair of trainers that can handle it all.
Why We Love It
The Brooks Launch 11 is a running shoe by design, but it performs well for a wide variety of workouts. From the treadmill to the weight floor to our favorite group fitness class, these shoes provide a secure fit without being too tight in any particular place. They also feature supreme cushioning that strikes the perfect balance of spongy and supportive. Throughout testing, we kept noticing just how comfortable our knees felt while we wore these shoes for outdoor runs and cross-training workouts in the gym.
These shoes also provide plenty of forefoot flexion, giving us energy as we push off into our next step. Jumping movements felt springy and comfortable in these shoes, and lateral movements felt supported enough to not compromise our balance. We also maintained good stability in them, without feeling like our heels were lifting out of the shoes. We never felt wobbly or any ankle instability during strength training movements.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks.
Potential Flaws
- A couple of times, we noticed a little bit of pressure on the tops of our feet where the laces hit, as well as some toe numbness, after running more than 4 miles.
- Because these shoes are designed for running, they could provide more stability for more traditional weightlifting movements. While not problematic, it’s clear the outsole isn’t a classic gym shoe design.
Most Valuable Insight
“As a longtime Brooks fan, I loved the cushioning of these shoes. It’s noticeable in the heel, providing a balance of comfort and support, and it feels nice and bouncy under the forefoot, which is noticeable when you push off into your next step. Shoes that keep your feet feeling fresh and energized go a long way in terms of workout motivation. I will definitely continue wearing them on a regular basis, swapping out my oldest pair of Brooks once they reach their end.” —Alena D., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (normal, wide, extra wide), Men’s 7-15 (normal, wide, extra wide) | Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9.9 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers with plantar fasciitis who also appreciate extra traction in a gym shoe.
Why We Love It
With contoured arch support and two types of cushioning to absorb shock, the Asics Gel-Venture 10 is our favorite gym shoe for anyone experiencing plantar fasciitis. When we tested the previous version of this sneaker, we were impressed by its snug, secure fit and soft gel padding underneath the heel. We also like its 10-millimeter drop, which helps keep our plantar fasciitis pain at bay.
Another plus? This shoe is fairly light, especially considering its deep lugs on the outsole, which provide excellent traction (since it’s a trail running shoe). A breathable mesh upper and plenty of colorways make it an easy sneaker to add to your weekly rotation.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Shoe Carnival.
Potential Flaws
- Some users say the deep lugs may feel sticky on indoor surfaces, though we personally didn’t encounter any issues during testing.
Most Valuable Insight
“These are the best shoes I have ever used right out of the box that provide immediate relief and support for plantar fasciitis without requiring any custom or expensive orthopedic inserts.” —Matt H., Verywell Fit product tester
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Incredibly well-cushioned and responsive
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Breathable, stretchy, and durable upper
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Versatile outsole design provides solid grip
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men’s 7-14 | Materials: Woven upper, nitrogen-infused foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 6.7 ounces, Men’s 7.3 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who love the barely-there feel of a lightweight gym shoe that still provides necessary cushioning and support.
Why We Love Them
There’s nothing quite like lightweight performance workout shoes, so it’s no surprise that we wear our Brooks Hyperion Tempo Shoes on repeat, regardless of the other great sneaker options in our closets. The impressively lightweight design makes us feel faster on our feet during treadmill tempo runs, and the stretchy, woven upper is both breathable and durable, holding up well after over six months of consistent wear.
The nitrogen-infused foam midsole provides ample cushioning underfoot while maintaining a very responsive feel. Meanwhile, the smart outsole design keeps us feeling stable and confident when picking up heavier weights. Not too narrow and not too wide, it’s lightly rubberized at the forefoot and heel for necessary grip and durability. And the arch supports the midsole foam, creating a surface that responds organically to our foot movement, regardless of the workout.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes tend to run small, so you may want to consider sizing up.
Most Valuable Insight
“I enjoy Pilates and strength training hybrid workouts where the instructor recommends you go completely barefoot. However, I often wear these sneakers for these workouts because they feel so lightweight and natural on my feet. I can move straight from my treadmill run or rower warm-up into my session on the mat without changing anything about my gear.” —Alena D., Verywell Fit product tester
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Breathable upper
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Easy to slip on and off
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SPD compatible
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium), Men’s 8-13 (medium) | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for indoor cyclists who also enjoy cross-training.
Why We Love It
TIEM’s Slipstream Indoor Cycling Shoe is our top pick for spin classes because it’s comfortable and convenient. Strap into these clever sneakers using a hook-and-loop strap, then walk to and from your bike without loud hardware breaking your stride. This makes it easy to transition on and off your bike, whether diving into Peloton workouts at home or powering through a circuit workout at the gym.
We also like that these SPD-compatible shoes have a sneaker-like sole and a breathable mesh upper, providing the same comfort as your go-to running shoes. During testing, we were impressed by their sleek design and intuitive functionality. Choose from a variety of neutral tones to match almost any workout wardrobe.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and REI.
Potential Flaws
- Cleats aren’t included with your purchase and must be bought separately, which adds to the overall cost.
- These shoes are one of the heavier pairs on our list, but since they’re also a little stiffer to help you pedal faster, we think it’s a fair trade-off for indoor cyclists.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love the TIEM Slipstream for its unique sneaker-sole design that lets you dismount and walk away from your bike without any awkward hardware. Not only are these comfortable, but they look great on, too!” —Jessica M., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men’s 7-15 | Materials: Knit and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 6.8 ounces, Men’s 7.6 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a responsive gym shoe to support speedwork and more explosive movements.
Why We Love Them
After falling in love with its predecessor, we had to give the Brooks Hyperion Shoe a go. These shoes maintain excellent ground contact, which is especially noticeable during speedwork, such as sprints and more explosive drills. The warp knit and mesh upper feels lightweight and breathable, keeping our feet cool and dry during intense workouts.
We love that it provides a snug and secure fit that supports stability during our quick movements. While technically a running shoe, we found that this highly responsive pair can also easily adapt to gym settings, from treadmill work to HIIT-style workouts and functional fitness drills. It also features a streamlined aesthetic and a color palette that can elevate any gym look, which is always a plus.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Nordstrom Rack.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes feel a bit firmer than other options on our list, which some may not prefer. Although we found them highly comfy and supportive.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love these shoes! They’re super lightweight, versatile, and best-of-all-worlds gym shoes that can easily be worn during treadmill runs, HIIT workouts, and more.” —Alena D., Verywell Fit product tester
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Springy and responsive
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Lightweight and flexible
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Roomy toe box
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Runs small
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Minimal arch support
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 6-11 (wide), Men’s 7-13 (wide) | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9.2 ounces | Cushioning Level: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for CrossFit and hybrid athletes who want one shoe for lifting, agility, and high-intensity training.
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for a practical gym shoe for the wide variety of movements involved in CrossFit workouts, lace up a pair of Inov-8 F-Lites. They do an excellent job of balancing a comfortable fit with a roomy toe box and necessary security during agility movements. The flat outsole maintains a strong grip on a wide range of surfaces, and the heel support is reliable without feeling overly restrictive.
We can’t get over how springy and responsive these shoes feel, returning energy with every step. They’re also perfectly lightweight, making them an ideal pick for sprints, jumping, and other cardio-forward movements. Stable enough for heavy lifts and flexible enough for plyometrics, they’ve become our go-to CrossFit shoes due to how comfortable and versatile they are.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Inov-8, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes run small. We ordered a half size bigger than our typical gym shoe, as recommended on Inov-8’s website, and we definitely needed that extra room.
- They don’t provide much arch support, although we didn’t expect that feature from this style of gym shoe.
Most Valuable Insight
“I totally recommend these shoes to my CrossFit girlies. I love how they can support a variety of CrossFit movements, so I feel prepared for whatever the workout brings. Whether you’ve got a cardio, agility, bodyweight, or lifting workout, these shoes are versatile enough to carry you through. They put a little pep in my step, making me feel like I can push my limits or take the workout just a little bit further.” —Anja V., Verywell Fit product tester
Gym Shoes for Women We Also Tested
We tested 33 pairs of workout shoes for women, but not all of them made our list. While these three didn’t make the final cut, we did find some noteworthy features:
- We found Adidas’ Women’s Dropset 3 Training Shoes provided top-notch stability, which was key for our Olympic lifts, and the air-vent sole helped keep our feet cool and comfortable throughout our workouts. However, the heel did give us painful blisters, and we found the sole too rigid to feel comfortable during cardio and plyometric movements.
- On Running Women’s Cloudpulse Pro didn’t disappoint with its sleek and lightweight design, durable grip, and noticeably strong arch and ankle support. Unfortunately, we found the toe box ran narrow, causing blisters for those of us with wider feet.
- The stylish Reebok Women’s Nano X5 Training Shoes feature a flat, stable platform that’s key for safe and secure weightlifting, and the wider toe box accommodates a range of foot sizes. But the heel cup fits loosely, our ankles need more support than these shoes provide, and our feet wish for a little bit more comfortable cushioning.
What We’ve Updated
- Since we last published our initial, fully tested roundup of the best gym shoes for women, we’ve tested 10 additional shoes, bringing the total to 33 tested pairs. We evaluated each one for its fit, comfort, blister protection, cushioning, responsiveness, support, and value, and have included these new insights in our article.
- Based on our updated testing insights, we’ve reworked our top product picks, including awarding new superlatives to the 11 standout pairs of women’s gym shoes.
- We’ve also consulted a podiatric physical therapist who helped us determine the lineup of the additional 10 pairs of shoes we tested.
What to Look For
- Breathability: Sneakers that breathe aren’t only more comfortable—they also prevent the risk of toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, blisters, and warts, says podiatric surgeon and four-time marathoner Jacqueline Prevete, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM. Look for shoes with lightweight uppers made from highly breathable materials like mesh for heat and moisture control, says Einhorn.
- Durability: Gym shoes with thick soles and strategic stitching will often last longer. Look for a pair with a durable midsole that will maintain its structure, says Prevete. If you work out outdoors, opt for shoes with rugged rubber outsoles and grippy lugs for traction. And while minimalist shoes have their benefits, Prevete notes that they may need to be replaced more frequently.
- Cushioning: The best gym shoes are designed to boost your performance and protect your feet and joints during lifts, sprints, and jumps, says certified personal trainer Kaitlin Humphreys, NASM-CPT. High-impact exercises, such as running and jumping, require gym shoes with soft, springy cushioning that effectively absorbs shock. Some pairs have soft, pillowy padding, while others feel firmer and more responsive underfoot. Ultimately, the level of cushioning you need (measured by the shoe’s stack height) depends on what feels best and which workouts you enjoy doing.
- Stability: The level of support and stability you need in a gym shoe depends on your feet and workouts, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM. And it’s not just for comfort—a stable shoe also promotes better performance and a lower risk of injuries, he adds. This is especially important to consider if you have high arches or plantar fasciitis, says Prevete. Einhorn recommends a stable heel counter to support heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts, as well as a firm midsole with a moderate drop (4–8 millimeters) to enhance your overall proprioception and stability.
- Traction: No one wants to slip mid-Zumba routine or while performing deadlifts. Choose shoes with textured rubber outsoles that can keep you feeling steady on your feet, says Humphreys.
How Often to Replace Your Gym Shoes
It’s a good idea to replace your shoes after 300 to 500 miles of wear to protect your feet and joints from impact. Don’t track your mileage? Most avid gym goers can replace their sneakers every 4–6 months, says Prevete.
How We Tested the Best Gym Shoes for Women
To find the best gym shoes for women, we tested 33 options, wearing them during various workouts, including HIIT circuits, plyometrics, CrossFit, and more. We also sliced the shoes in half to better examine their design, cushioning, durability, and more. When testing gym shoes, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.
- Fit: When we try the shoes on, we note how they fit. Do our feet slide around in them? Do we notice any pressure points, tingling, or numbness? These observations help us determine whether the shoe runs narrow, wide, or true to size.
- Comfort: During testing, we pay attention to how comfortable the shoe is. Do our toes have room to wiggle? Is the shoe breathable, or do our feet feel hot and sweaty? We prioritize sneakers with a snug fit that doesn’t cause blisters, irritation, or foot or ankle pain.
- Blister Protection: If we notice any blisters or hot spots forming during testing, the shoe receives a low score for blister protection.
- Cushioning: How soft is the midsole? Is it pillow-like or firm? We also assess how well the shoe absorbs shock by noticing how our feet and joints feel after each workout.
- Responsiveness: A responsive shoe has springy cushioning that pushes us forward to the next step. It also makes our legs feel fresh and ready for another workout (not heavy or tired). With each landing, push-off, and stride, we note whether the shoe promotes quick, efficient transitions.
- Support: How much arch support does the shoe provide? Does the shoe claim to provide support for over- or under-pronators? Shoes earn a high support score if they keep us feeling steady through heavy lifts, lateral movements, and exercises on uneven surfaces (like grass or sand).
- Value: To assign each shoe a value score, we don’t check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve rated it in all other categories. Based on how the shoe performs, do we think it’s priced fairly? Would we only buy it if it went on sale? We also consider whether we’d recommend the shoe to a friend or family member.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some, like Prevete and Pinker, explained how wearing the right gym shoes can help prevent injuries. Others, like Einhorn and Humphreys, taught us which key features every pair of workout shoes should have. We choose products independently, but input from experts influences our decisions.
- Dr. Jared Einhorn, PT, DPT, podiatric physical therapist at Gotham Footcare in New York City
- Jacqueline Prevete, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at FAASNY Foot and Ankle Surgeons in New York, New York
- Bruce Pinker, DPM, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Foot Care in Nanuet, New York
- Kaitlin Humphreys, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer based in Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
How should gym shoes fit?
According to Pinker, your gym shoes should feel snug all around your foot. Make sure there’s about one centimeter (or half a thumb’s width) of space between your longest toe and the front of your shoe.
Can you use running shoes as gym shoes?
Running shoes are okay to wear on treadmills and indoor tracks, but can be potentially hazardous for other workouts. Instead, opt for a cross-trainer that’s more stable during side-to-side movements.
Can I walk in gym shoes?
Yes, you can walk in gym shoes. However, gym shoes and walking shoes can differ in terms of support, cushioning, outsoles, and more. If you plan on walking as your main form of exercise, consider purchasing a dedicated walking shoe that will better support this activity.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A lifelong athlete and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, understands how wearing the right pair of gym shoes can make or break your workout. As a writer for Verywell Fit, she is constantly researching the latest and best in activewear, fitness gear, and health. For this story, she tested multiple pairs of workout shoes, including options from Hoka, APL, Streamline, TIEM, and more. Dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers, she carefully recommends products and brands that are inclusive and trustworthy.
Additional reporting contributed by Alena Davis
Alena Davis has worked at Verywell Fit since 2020 and is currently a writer for the brand. As a certified personal trainer and yoga teacher, she specializes in testing workout equipment, recovery gear, exercise apparel, and more. For this roundup, she hands-on tested several pairs of gym shoes and used her expertise to recommend only the best and most effective products to Verywell Fit readers.