Whether you’re a frequent gym-goer or are looking to incorporate going more exercise in your weekly routine, one workout essential you need is a pair of quality shoes to get you through each session — and not all sneakers are supportive enough to do the job.
Who better to get recommendations from than people who are in the gym every day? To help you get your feet on the right track the next time you hit the gym, we asked fitness experts, including trainers and instructors who really know their stuff, to give us their top picks for the best gym shoes.
The best gym shoe is durable enough to hold up for your most intense fitness days, has the correct kind of support for your foot shape and has construction designed to enhance the type of workout you’re engaging in. Activities such as HIIT, cross-training, weightlifting, squats and running will yield better results — and reduce the possibility of you getting hurt — with the right shoe.
“I use different shoes for different training. I see shoes not only as a way to keep my feet protected and healthy, but also as a way to amplify my power and stability,” said Justice Roe Williams, a Boston, Massachusetts-based lead trainer at Fitness4AllBodies – so we made sure to indicate ahead which types of fitness activities are suitable for each shoe.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Amazon
The reader-favorite Brooks Ghost 17 for logging more miles on the treadmill
“If you plan on running longer distances more than a couple of miles, it’s best to get a shoe with more cushion and support. I use the Brooks Ghost for distances like The Broad Street Run 10 Miler,” Gary Samson, head coach and owner of Philly Personal Fitness, told HuffPost in previous reporting.
The Brooks Ghost 17 is the recipient of a HuffPicks award for their firm, supportive cushioning, lightweight design and roomy toe box. Available in a ton of fun colorways, you can get these shoes in women’s sizes 5-13 and men’s sizes 7-15. Choose between four widths.
Finish Line
The flexible-but-stable Nike Free Metcon 6 training shoe
“These shoes have the flexibility of the Nike Free on the ball of the foot and a wide heel to keep you fast, but are stable for everything from lifting weights to agility and speed drills. The Nike Free Metcon 4 is a very versatile shoe for the gym as it combines flexibility and stability to get the most out of your gym session,” said Tatiana Lampa, a New York City-based certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist.
While the Free Metcon 4 appears to have been discontinued, you can shop the newer model, the Free Metcon 6, which has many of the same qualities Lampa enjoyed in the older version. Available in multiple colors, this training shoe’s wide heel design gives you a stable base for weight lifting. It’s available in women’s sizes 5-12 and men’s sizes 6-15.
Men’s: $90+ at Zappos (regularly $125)
Amazon
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 sneakers for everyday workouts
In previous HuffPost reporting, Phil Nicolaou, a Philadelphia-based personal trainer, recommended these sneakers for your everyday workouts. “I like Under Armour workout shoes which are usually called ‘Charged,’” he said. “I’ve never worn different shoes for cardio versus weight days, just make sure they offer support and are comfortable.”
Available in a multitude of colors for both men (sizes 7-15) and women (sizes 2.5-17.5), the Charged Assert 10 is lightweight with an EVA sockliner for comfort and a compression molded foam midsole. The rubber outsole provides traction for rough terrains.
Women’s: $55+ at Zappos (regularly $75)
Men’s: $50+ at Zappos (regularly $78)
Amazon
APL’s Techloom Phantom sneaker for training or running
“These shoes feel so good on my feet in both a plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. That’s important because I can dance in them, train in them and of course run in them. They’re perfect,” said Selena Watkins, a Los Angeles-based fitness instructor, dancer and founder of Socanomics.
These shoes are available in women’s sizes 5-14 and in a few different neutral colorways. With four-way stretch for maximum flexibility in the upper part and cushioning in the mid and outsole, your feet will be comfortable and supported while you move.
Women’s: $160+ at Amazon (regularly $205)
Adidas
The Adidas Powerlift 5 for safe and strategic weightlifting
“When I train my heavy squat, I use a shoe with a raised heel of an inch. This shoe helps with my squat depth, as I have limited mobility in my ankles. My go-to is the Adidas Powerlift 5 because it’s affordable and feels good on my foot,” Massachusetts-based fitnss trainer Justice Roe Willams said.
Designed specifically for weightlifting, this lightweight shoe provides the security and stability you need for strengthening. It’s constructed with straps, laces and a rubber outsole to keep your feet in place. This unisex shoe is available in four colors — teal, white, pink and black — and comes in women’s 5-17 and men’s 4-16.
Men’s and Women’s: $85+ at Adidas (regularly $130)
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