Top 10 Gym Shoes for Every Type of Workout

We’ve mentioned this sneaker time and time again and we really can’t put a price on the value of the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0. It’s a simple-looking sneaker with a revolutionary design, one that lends itself well to a variety of gym activities -- which is what makes it such a great Crossfit sneaker, too.Read more

Since Crossfit does involve so many movements and exercise routines, it was here that we decided we would start as far as a great all-around pair of gym sneakers. The synthetic sole of the Crossfit Nano makes it easy to grip gym floors as well as mats, opening up plenty of options for those who like variety in their routine. An upper Nanoweave mesh allows airflow for those extra hardcore days, while also being a great asset for breathability during weight lifting, running, and high-impact training. This mesh follows along with a design that’s intentionally low-cut to prevent potential blisters or irritation. This grants more control with the overall fit, making for a lightweight sneaker as well as one that performs well.

The exterior of the Crossfit Nano is designed to absorb high-impacts with its high-abrasion outsole, perfect for lending support to the sides of the foot as well as the front, back, and arch. This also carries the added benefit of preventing injury when engaging in side to side movements, which is common with exercise machines and cardio training. The foot is covered with a 360-degree design, and overall, this sneaker has been designed to excel in every area of working out.

The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 Cross-Trainers are a pretty cool looking pair of sneakers. While they’re not the most modern in style, they come in eight styles, complete with various colors that are on-trend with the bold fashion of 2019. This footwear has a lot to offer in terms of gym wear, and we guarantee you’ll get plenty of wear out of this sneaker in addition to some great benefits.Read more

With flexible mesh design, lightweight movement is the name of the game with Inov-8. The F-Lite cross trainer is designed to move and flex with the wearer which any gym-goers know is the key to being agile and efficient. This light-footed movement is key to being able to transition from equipment to equipment, while also holding up to activities such as cardio and high-impact jumps and lunges. The ergonomic design helps to contour to the sneaker, ensuring a proper fit regardless of padding or insole cushion.

Speaking of the insole, as you can see, the sides of the F-Lite’s arch support extend a bit further past an average sneaker. This helps the side to side motion while also ensuring that no one part of the sole is worn down before the next. The durability makes a difference when it comes to the gym -- although not everyone exercises outdoors, it doesn’t mean that the soles of sneakers can’t be worn down just as quickly through daily movements. This synthetic material helps to stand up to the abuses of high-impact activity while remaining sturdy enough to provide just enough support. Additionally, a removable insert allows the wearer to customize the fit just a bit further. If too much padding isn’t your bag, feel free to remove it and go with a natural sole. If you do like the extra padding, then you’ll be ready to rock and roll from the get-go!

Saucony is already well-known for creating brilliant footwear that stands up to the challenge of an active lifestyle. For an overall gym sneaker, we went with the original in Saucony comfort and support: The Jazz Original Sneaker. This design is great for those who are just looking for a good, comfortable pair of footwear to wear to the gym without being too pretentious or over the top. As general as this sneaker is, it still holds some charm that’s unique to Saucony and all they have to offer in their line of footwear.Read more

Part of the reason these kicks are so awesome is due to their somewhat retro design. Not only do they make for a pair of great gym sneakers, but they’re also stylish in their own right, pulling out all the stops as far as comfort and appearance go. Furthermore, they feature a chunky rubber sole design that allows for proper grip while also add just a little extra padding underfoot. This is thanks to their tri-layered platform, helping to cushion and support a person’s weight at the same time. This also helps to improve shock absorption, making them a reasonable option for high-impact sports but mostly helping to prevent injury.

Comfort is truly where these sneakers excel. While they don’t have the best details when it comes to control and durability, they’re perfect for beginners or those who desire an orthopedic-like fit. They can also easily go from the gym to work without looking like you just walked out of a weight-lifting room, making them practical for everyday usage.
Did we mention they come in a ridiculous amount of color choices, too?

Brooks is another brand that we rep quite frequently on our list of the top sneakers, and they keep up with the demand the gym calls for. When it comes to durability and control, the Glycerine 17s don’t just check off boxes for us -- they excel when it comes to sturdy footwear that provides support in spades.Read more

It’s easy to tell from the outside that these sneakers have a contoured fit, but how do they really hold up in the support category? Let’s take a closer look! Believe it or not, that chunky heel is rubber, so you can be sure that traction has been well-thought of when it came to this design. The curved contour of the heel ensures that every part of the foot is supported, from the ball of the foot to the arch and heel. It’s a nice-looking sneaker and while it’s not as stylish as some others, it does the job when it comes to the gym. Since this sneaker is intended for running, it provides several other benefits that are unique to its style as well.

A thicker foundation helps to cushion high impacts that can occur during running or, at the gym, while doing cardio. This prevents injury to the foot while also ensuring the longevity of the actual sneaker, making it less likely to break down with increased usage. That makes the Glycerine 17 highly durable and also helps runners control their movements with ease. If you don’t run, then fear not -- foot control extends past just running! With a rubber base and flex support, there aren’t many activities that this sneaker won’t be quick to respond to. Therefore, while it is a bit chunkier than most sneakers, it’s also great for heavy-duty workouts that require a firm standing.

Now for something completely different! The Asics Gel-Venture 6 is a bit unique compared to the other sneakers on our list because of its gel formula. While most sneakers -- especially traditional gym footwear -- use foam or EVA for cushion, the Gel-Venture 6 uses a gel insert. While the exterior of this sneaker might look slightly outdated, the design of it makes up for that in every way possible.Read more

The gel might not be everyone’s go-to choice when it comes to comfort, but it definitely provides benefits that can’t be found in traditional foam inserts. For starters, the shock absorption rate on the Gel-Venture skyrockets due to cushioned transitions. The gel interior helps to balance and counteract high impacts, keeping feet from being injured during high-intensity cardio. These sneakers would also be a great option for those who cycle or use equipment such as the elliptical and rowing machines, because their feet won’t just be cushioned, but will be protected as well.

The perks don’t end there, though. The inside sole of the Gel-Venture 6 can be removed to make room for orthopedic inserts or for less padding. This makes them customizable as well as flexible when it comes to different workouts. A feature we really love is the transition from indoors to outdoors: The external tread has been designed for trail running as well as all-terrain workouts, making them gym shoes plus. The addition of outdoor support puts them above and beyond the call of gym sneakers, appealing to those who want a jack of all trades-type of footwear.

This is another example of a cross-trainer that’s built to be an all-around great sneaker for high activity. Nike easily makes the top ten lists when it comes to working out, but just because the brand is well-known, doesn’t necessarily mean that the product always scores high. However, in this case, the Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainers have everything we’re looking for as far as a solid pair of gym sneakers with a great fit.Read more

Nike refers to this design as a “dynamic fit” which helps the Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainer to fit snugly without being too tight. This helps to boost control of the foot and shoe with little extra to feel heavy or weighed-down. This is important when working out at the gym, as the last thing you want is to feel like you’re dragging your feet -- literally. It’s made from lightweight materials, including a rubber sole, breathable mesh, and a smooth textile overlay. The interlocked side design helps to support the side of the foot, which is a great benefit for those with flat feet or who tend to overpronate. The rubber sole and sides provide great traction without feeling like bricks on the bottom of the sneaker but also help to support high impacts and create a bit of bounce when worn. That makes them extremely helpful for side to sides, lunges, burpees, sit-ups, push-ups, and weight machines.

The inside of the Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainer has been designed with a comfortable inner sleeve that fits comfortably over the foot without feeling too snug. It’s also an easy-on, easy-off fit, making it a breeze to switch between sneakers, swap out footwear, or hit the gym in a hurry.

The on Cloud sneaker is one that’s entirely unique in its category. It’s one of the most modern pairs of footwear on this list and since it’s not specifically designed for any sport, this makes it a gym asset. The look of it is sleek and humble, yet the technology behind all of its features is revolutionary in workout gear. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s definitely one worth looking into for overall performance and quick response time.Read more

From the outside, this sneaker looks quite minimal. It’s not until you turn it around and flip it upside that you realize its design is truly innovative. While on isn’t a well-known brand when it’s up against Nike and Reebok, this sneaker deserves a chance to be seen. The triple combination of mesh, rubber, and synthetic materials make it a fairly lightweight option which, as we already know, is a great start to gym footwear. It’s highly flexible, which adds control and speed to its list of worthy attributes. Its comfort and the interior cushion is average, but it’s the sole of this sneaker that makes it a top-ten winner.

The bottom of the rubber outsole features a significant groove down the center that looks a bit odd but helps in the control and traction of the sneaker. With a bit of flexibility and space placed in smart locations, this sneaker is designed to adapt to various terrains as well as movements. This bottom flex fully matches the top flex, allowing the sneaker to not only adapt to different exercise movements, but to the wearer’s movements, specifically. In this sense, it’s a much more personal design than many others, allowing quite a bit of mobility for a wide range of people.

The first thing that grabs your attention when it comes to the Adidas Pureboost DPR is the fine-knit exterior. It’s unique but also serves the purpose of being lightweight and breathable; possibly the most breathable on our list. This cross-knit pattern also increases durability, something that’s definitely a noteworthy perk when it comes to gym sneakers.Read more

Adidas recommends these sneakers for both track and street running, which means they can adapt to a variety of conditions from terrain to rough surfaces like concrete and dirt. The durable rubber sole is responsible for this, featuring a stretch web outsole that grips and holds to the surface you’re standing on. This feature is great for gym workouts but can also double for heavy cardio, helping walkers and runners maintain their stability and balance while on gym equipment or the track.

The interior cushion of this sneaker is also worth talking about, as it’s designed to give as much energy as it absorbs. It provides a bit more cushion than the other models which is great for those looking for just a little extra padding. This obviously makes the fit more comfortable but will allow you to participate in those high-impact sports that you otherwise wouldn’t have considered for fear of the wrong footwear. With the Adidas Pureboost DPR, you haven’t got anything to worry about when it comes to shock absorption or performance.

Hear us out on this one: The New Balance Mx623v3 is definitely not the most stylish-looking sneaker, but since the “dad style” is coming back this year, that shouldn’t be an issue! Retro appearance aside, these New Balance kicks are still a go-to for many, and it’s easy to see why. The saying goes that if something isn’t broken then don’t fix it, and we’d have no choice but to agree where a good pair of footwear is concerned.Read more

These sneakers offer support in a traditional cushion, adding a boost in both arch and heel support. While their exterior might be a bit clunky, their highly padded interior and molded EVA insole definitely make up for that. If you’re not looking to run marathons or play high-impact sports, then these New Balance sneakers are a good option for you. They also feature a traditional rubber sole for increased traction, something that’s necessary both in the gym and during outdoor activities, which this sneaker also excels in. It’s a great basic choice and one that’s designed to last while providing plenty of padded comfort.

Furthermore, the price is right for all that you get with this sneaker. They’re not significantly pricey nor are they cheaply made, and included in that is an adequate heel and arch support, extra heel padding, a roomy interior, and durable design. For those seeking a highly cushioned training sneaker, this is undoubtedly one that will work for you no matter your foot size, shape, or gym activity. You’ll find that it combines versatility with comfortable support, something that you could spend hundreds on and still not get a design as reliable as this.

Puma is known for quite a variety of sneaker styles, but one that can’t be excluded is the Jaab Xt. It might be the final product on our list but it’s definitely not because the quality isn’t up to par. It’s a decent sneaker with benefits that have earned it the reputation of being a good all-around gym sneaker. While it might not have as many features as the others, those who are fans of Puma and their styles should consider this for their new gym go-to.Read more

The intention of the Jaab Xt was to combine both gym durability with practical, everyday style, and we have to admit that there has been a success on both fronts. The sneaker comes in five different color options, each with an ombre sole that’s synthetic to provide average traction for everyday gym activities. A flexible mesh exterior helps the sneaker to bend and contour to a wide range of movements, making it great to common workout routines. It might not excel as a running or Crossfit sneaker, but it definitely pulls its own weight (no pun intended) when it comes to basic gym workouts and equipment training.

Additionally, a firm yet durable sole allows for adequate support without too much cushion, and an insert can always be added for a little extra comfort. The wide heel of the sneaker helps to provide stability, which helps with both balance and agility.