The best workout shoes for men and women—and why your choice of footwear matters

If “get in shape” sounds like something you’ve tossed around in your mind or are planning your first marathon because it looked like a good idea when you signed up, well, it’s worth taking a look at the best workout shoes.

Worn-in soles and broken laces can not only decrease your motivation to work out but can also turn into a gym hazard. And with brands coming out with new styles every week, sneaker shopping can be a bit overwhelming.

To top it off, most sports have their own shoes (running sneakers, tennis shoes, golf cleats, etc.), expanding your options — and confusion. There are features like breathable uppers, lightweight construction, and outsoles that offer both traction and comfort, as well as multiple styles, trends to follow…you get the picture.

So, where do you even start? Well, that’s where we come in.

We’ve selected trusted shoes that perform well for all your workout activities to help you find the perfect pair of workout sneakers and achieve your goals.

Check out our FAQ on finding the right fit for your specific needs.

Best Workout Shoes For Women

Best Versatile Shoe: Brooks Glycerin Flex

Brooks

These shoes feature Flex Zone technology, which makes them more versatile for running and working out at the gym. It still provides a cushion when jumping and landing, but it is sturdy enough to keep you grounded.

If you’re doing heavy, high-mileage running, I wouldn’t recommend these as your primary trainer; rather, I’d recommend the Glycerin 23, which has much more padding and cushioning. The Glycerin 23 could use a bit more padding and cushion to protect the knees from constant pounding.

“I absolutely love how well-rounded and versatile this shoe is. It handles the treadmill and gym workouts like a pro, but it’s also cute enough to wear while touring a city. I chose the hot pink color, which is especially cute.” – Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter

Emma Sutton-Williams

Size Options: 5-12 | Color Options: 3 | Materials: 62.8 % Recycled materials in the upper, Rubber outsole | Special Features: Midfoot flex groove, Plush, tuned cushioning, Comfortable, flexible fit

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Best Walking Workout Shoes: Alo Runner

Alo

The Alo Runner is a worthy choice for a workout shoe that stabilizes and provides to your arches. It’s also a great way to run errands bout town. It has a dual-density mid-sole, as well as a stabilizing heel clip and multi-terrain outsole grip pods to give superior traction, no matter what type of surface you find yourself working out on.

New York Post Review: “I’ll start by saying I’m not a runner, but I love a hot girl walk around NYC. If you rack up tons of steps daily like I do, these are the best shoes to keep that pep in your step. When picking an athletic shoe, I shamelessly had style in mind (especially since so many supportive shoes are a bit ugly), but these have it all. The Alo Runners have a simple, sleek design and are incredibly lightweight and breathable for those hot summer walks (though they might not keep your feet super warm in the winter). They provide great support and are unbelievably comfortable.” — Brooke Matalon, social media marketing manager

Want something for running? Check out our expert-advice on the best running shoes for women but if you enjoy walking, we have an expert on walking shoes, too.

Size Options: 4.5-16.5 | Color Options: 4 | Materials: Mesh upper is made with 70% recycled materials | Special Features: N/A

Alo Runner

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Best Workout Running Shoe for Women: Hoka Clifton 10

hoka

The Clifton 10 promises a cushier landing than its predecessor with less weight and a more stable ride. The sneaker also has an early-stage MetarRocker that springs the foot forward, rocking it heel to toe. It’s a great option for anyone who struggles with joint pain, as its thick sole alleviates pressure.

New York Post Review: “I’ve completed three marathons and Hoka has helped me cross the finish line. They are great for my long runs, workouts and lots of walking. I swapped out my running shoes every 6 months and I still got pain in my knee when I ran. But not with these Hoka shoes. I found my pain eventually went away. These are definitely worth it, especially if you’re training for a marathon.” — Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter

Size Options: 4-12 | Color Options: 22 | Materials: Knit upper, fabric lining, rubber sole | Special Features: Compression-molded EVA foam midsole offers lightweight cushioning

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Best Designer Workout Shoe: adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost 20

Stella McCartney

New York Post Review: “I mistakenly thought that Stella McCartney for adidas would be a nice pair of sneakers, much like other adidas I’ve owned before. How wrong I was — they are in a class by themselves! As someone who has worked out for decades, these are a game-changer for comfort. Not too squishy for weight-lifting and bouncy/shock-absorbing enough for the treadmill, they are a dream to wear. They are supportive, which has made my knees less prone to strains since wearing them during workouts and even hiking outdoors.

They have held up very well, but I’m due for a new pair. They are a little pricey and I wish I could get them on sale but will buy them again either way. They did stay in good condition longer than other sneakers I’ve owned, so I’ll consider it a smart investment. Plus, I feel like I have better workouts when wearing them and they are super stylish.” — Erica Radol, Page Six commerce reporter

adidas by Stella McCartney

Size Options: 5-10.5 | Color Options: 2 | Materials: Verified vegan construction and PRIMEKNIT textile upper | Special Features: Designer Collaboration

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Best Comfortable Workout Shoe: New Balance 740

Get into the throwback all-time fan fave of the New Balance 740. When it comes to cool kids, you can’t go wrong with this classic pair to impress your friends, whether it’s new for you or a true throwback for you.

Sure, there is the working out element to all of this, but wouldn’t it be nice to have style and flex that athletic muscle? We think so. Beyond looking stylish it provides support during even the most intense workouts. It has a stabilizing midsole, and a combo of compressive and cushioning material that keep feet stable and comfy.

Size Options: 5.5-18.5 | Color Options: 3 | Materials: Mesh underlays, Synthetic overlays, Rubber outsole | Special Features: ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance

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Best Workout Shoes For Men

Best Workout Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 10

Hoka

With the new Clifton 10, you’re stepping into a whole new level of comfort and performance. This lightweight, eco-friendly workout sneaker has been engineered for those who value foot health and sustainability, using a minimum of twenty percent recycled material.

Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), it’s designed with a breathable engineered knit upper, responsive foam, and added heel cushioning for a plush yet stable experience. The Cliftons are available in a variety of colors you’re bound to love, and the latest model features a double-lace lock that makes getting the shoes on and off easy.

Want more options? Check out our expert-advised best men’s running shoes to find what works best for you.

Size Options: 7-16 | Color Options: 28 | Materials: 35% Recycled polyester upper mesh, 60% Recycled polyester collar and tongue lining, 87% Recycled polyester strobel board | Special Features: APMA Approved: The American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance

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Best Workout Shoe for HIIT: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Brooks

With updated dynamic cushioning and the signature GuideRails support system, this shoe helps reduce excess motion, keeping you locked in for lifting, running and HIIT workouts. Our Editorial Director owns multiple pairs and highly recommends them.

New York Post Review: “They are very comfortable and supportive without feeling like I am wearing some sort of Kangoo shoes. I have fairly standard arches — not too high, not too flat — and I have always felt like these were the best shoes for me time and time again. I have tried other brands with success including Hoka and Nike, and other Brooks styles including Ghost and Glycerin, but I always find myself returning to the Adrenaline or the Adrenaline GTS because I know it fits, feels good, and won’t ever rub me the wrong way.

I am a standard size 10 in sneakers and a 10.5 in athletic shoes. I know if either of these sizes doesn’t work, the shoes just weren’t built for my feet. All of Brooks’ Adrenaline styles have always fit straight from the website.” — Barret Wertz, our commerce editorial director,

Size Options: 7-15 | Color Options: 15 Materials: DNA Loft v3 foam, some recycled materials | Special Features: GuideRails Support

Barret Wertz

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Best Workout Shoe for Lifting and Training: adidas Ultraboost Shoes

adidas

The Ultraboost adapts to the unique shape of your foot for a personalized, secure fit that’ll have you excited to hit the pavement. The special adidas flexible stretchweb outsole was designed to create excellent traction in wet and dry conditions so you can feel confident indoors and out. With a stable platform for lifting, it still provides a responsive boost, making it perfect for a variety of activities like running, HIIT, and walking.

Size Options: 4-18 | Color Options: 1 | Materials: adidas Primeknit textile upper with rubber flexible stretchweb outsole |Special Features: Energized push-off with each footstrike

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How we tested

We tested the best workout shoes by evaluating their comfort during HIIT, running, and walking. The shoes were rated based on overall value, with feedback from testers of various fitness levels to provide a comprehensive recommendation.

FAQ

Choosing the right workout shoes is key to your workout plans. It could be CrossFit, hiking, lifting, or literally anything that makes you move, but the most important thing is finding shoes that mold and support your arches and joints.

What are the best running workout shoes?

Regarding the best running workout shoes, brands like Brooks, New Balance, and Asics stand out. Brooks’ Ghost series is known for its smooth ride and cushioning, which I used to cross the finish line with ease and minimal knee pain one year at the New York Marathon.

New Balance offers a variety of lightweight, stylish shoes that work well for running but we highly suggest Hokas if you have joint issues because of the extra cushion and Brooks.

If Hoka or Brooks don’t suit your feet, consider Asics. It’s a good alternative if you need more support. For the best CrossFit workout shoes, Nike, Reebok, and Nobull are top choices for extreme movements.

Can I find cheap workout shoes that still perform well?

Brands like Puma and Under Armour have budget-friendly options that can do all the above activities. However, we’d advise checking out Zappos for hot deals and flash sales on Hokas and Brooks to help you cross the finish line.

What are the best workout shoes for plantar fasciitis?

If you have plantar fasciitis, look for shoes that hug your heel and provide ergonomic arch-molding support. A wide toe box is also important to alleviate pain.

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