10 Best Shoes to Workout In Reviewed and Rated

Roughly 70% of the shoe is made up of a flex weave material, which is Reebok’s revolutionary way of designing footwear that not only fits well but adapts to most workout and sports movements. A low heel with a solid layer of tread lends itself to running, jogging, Crossfit, and even weight training. In fact, there’s not much that can’t be done with this must-have Reebok. If that wasn’t enough to earn a top spot, the Crossfit Nano also comes in 20 different colors and styles, each more eye-catching than the next. Therefore, not only is it an excellent choice for beginners and pros alike, but it also offers the added benefit of a sleek, streamlined look while hitting your gym goals.

Weight-lifters, we’re talking to you! The Metcon 5 was designed for all movements in mind but has the extra feature of also being designed for heavy weight-lifting, in particular. While it can be a challenge to find footwear that’s designed to prevent slipping while lifting, the Metcon 5 does this with ease. That same traction doubles for runners, as its specially-designed tread allows for superior gripping when it comes to speed. Durability is obviously the key factor in this design, so of course, we needed to ensure that it could hold up to the test, and it passed with flying colors.

The pro of going with Nike is that wearers of the Metcon will also get a Hyperlift insert, which is designed to soften the intensity when it comes to high-impact sports. Anyone who has ever had a pair of poorly-designed fitness footwear knows what it’s like to be without that extra cushioning, making this addition quite appealing for sports-fanatics.

The buck doesn’t stop there, however. Nike seemed to think of it all when redesigning the Metcon, as it even provides support when rope-climbing. The unique tread allows athletes to climb with the powerful grip of the side-outsole while being able to slide back down with ease due to the smooth exterior midsole.

Most times, footwear must be properly broken in before one can reap the benefits of all that it has to offer. With the Merrell Glove 4 Trail Runner, there’s not much of a “breaking in” period, because it’s designed to feel as natural as a barefoot sneaker possibly can. It might not look like much from the outside, but the Glove 4 offers an interior footpad that allows the contour of the foot to remain supported, while also being thin and flexible enough to feel as though one is wearing no footwear whatsoever. It is, as many might say, pure athletic magic.

With a Vibram outsole and 4mm of arch padding, the Glove 4 can be taken anywhere, from the gym to the Great Outdoors without so much as a transition period. The mesh lining the outside is perfectly breathable, complete with an integrated tongue that fits seamlessly under knotless shoelaces for optimal comfort. It’s a great option for anyone who can’t find the perfect balance of support and comfort for the average gym sessions and day-to-day wear.

A common complaint from the gym community when it comes to proper footwear is having something that doesn’t provide enough support — however, with a sturdy exterior, the Tazon 6 provides a strong and durable foundation. With a higher top than most others in its athletic department, wearers will find that they’re able to navigate much easier due to increased, low-ankle support.

In a sentence, these sneakers can be described as comfortable, yet stylish. They’re great for anyone who enjoys hitting the gym before going out for the night, as they’re what we like to call a ‘day-to-night footwear’ option. They hold up well to heavy-duty usage while also being easy to maintain with their synthetic leather exterior as opposed to most mesh-lined shoes.

Even with such a sturdy base, the Bondi 6 is still very lightweight, since it makes up for the lack of balance with a breathable flexible mesh design. When taking a peek at the interior of the Bondi 6, many will notice that it’s lined side to side with a soft, cushioned material, helping to further prevent injury while lending support. If this Hoka One One creation was summed up in one word, it would undoubtedly be “balance”. It’s the perfect shoe for gym beginners, while also becoming an awesome option for seasoned pros.

The quality of the Bondi 6 is top-notch, making its price more than acceptable for all an athlete will get in return. Something we don’t see in every fitness design is an EVA midsole, which is the true secret to creating such a comfortable yet supportive option. The addition of this allows the Bondi 6 to be versatile for a variety of activities, without breaking down the integral structure quickly as many others would.

While the Glycerine line is designed for running, that’s exactly what makes this series so great for daily workouts as well. Its DNA midsole — yes, you read that correctly! — offers an unbelievable fit that seems to mold to the wearer’s foot, making this a great option for those who struggle to find the perfect fit. With an incorporated crash pad, this design is excellent for preventing potential injuries during high-impact sports while also lending a tremendous amount of comfort during low-impact activities. The lightweight overlay has actually been 3D-printed onto every model, making this shoe a great option for agility during speed training.

For those who require heel support, something many brands don’t offer, look no further: The Glycerine 14 has a rounded heel that contours and cushions the most sensitive heels for increased efficiency.

The key to making the Powerlift 3.1 so successful is the fact that it has been designed with several different materials in mind. From a synthetic rubber sole to the combination of synthetic leather and mesh around the exterior, the Powerlift 3.1 provides structural in ways that an average sneaker simply doesn’t. The dual lace-up and strap enclosures provide support and reassurance for runners, while the synthetic rubber sole provides just enough support for lifters and general gym workouts.

The sole of the Powerlift 3.1 is what has really earned it the attention it deserves, though; with a design in mind that has been specifically engineered for the gym, the versatility it offers is off the charts. It might not be built for speed, but it’s certainly built for durability, grip, support, and structure. This is a true gym-wearing design if we’ve ever seen one.

Considering the super affordable price of this Saucony, you’d think it wouldn’t measure up to many other big-name brands out there which, in this case, is not true at all — Saucony is one of the leading brands of running footwear! This design offers no frills or fuss when it comes to getting exactly what you want out of a piece of athletic wear, cushioned stability to a breathable mesh exterior, both perfect for those tough gym days.

Appealing to both runners and sports enthusiasts, this is an option that’s built to last while providing general support and cushion, exactly where you need it. The gridded heel design adds an extra boost of heel support in the event of a high-impact sport, adding a bit of versatility to this otherwise brilliantly crafted model.

Their versatility is a huge selling point, but it’s their dynamic support which provides balance for a variety of activity levels. With a flexible mesh top and synthetic soles, Nike wearers will immediately notice the combination of grip and comfort provided by this footwear. While the design is built for breathability, Nike has also incorporated Flywire cables which provide extra support for those high-intensity training sessions.

Many have put these Nikes to the test with things such as push-ups, burpees, weight-lifting, mountain climbers, and HIIT training, and nothing slows them down. They’re a great all-inclusive option, especially for those who enjoy shaking up their routine and trying different workouts from week to week. With such versatility comes a comfortable fit, which means the break-in time for these Nikes is virtually non-existent. Just lace them up and go!

Modern, lightweight technology allows the Roav to move as if it weighs nothing which is actually the point. They’re built for speed but offer enough support and cushion for activities outside of the track, making them great for those who love a highly-cushioned insole. This also means that the wearer will get adequate arch support, which is a complaint from many when it comes to an average gym sneaker.

What might catch the attention of some is the attractive heel design on the Roav, and it’s something that caught our attention, too — so we delved a bit further in our research. Upon doing this, we discovered that the heel is built for performance. In other words, this design is intended for increased agility as well as precision. Additionally, the heel of the shoe adapts to the wearer, designed to hug the ankle in order to provide the most support possible.