7 Best Training Shoes in 2025

The Reebok Nano X5 proves in our gym sessions that we can have one shoe for whatever workout we have for the day. Lab tests verify what we experienced: the Nano X5 has cushioning that performs, supports, and comforts. Therefore, it’s our best training shoe overall.

The Nano X5 features the DualResponse cushioning, which is responsive and protective up front, while stable at the back. It keeps us supported through every rep, with its strong ground feel in the heel (80 SA) and its impact-dampening forefoot (71 SA).

As seen in the midsole’s name, the Nano X5 adds a touch of bounce every time we take off during box jumps, high knees, and runs. Testing for the forefoot, we recorded an above-average energy return of 58.4%.

When it comes to lateral movement, the TPU cage secures our footing so that we don’t lose balance. Its stiffness generates lots of twist resistance, proven by its maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity score, and creates a stable experience.

However, this trainer isn’t the most agile shoe because of its heavy 12.0 oz (340g) build. Those who prioritize a lightweight feel should try alternatives.

Nike Free Metcon 6 has a versatile yet supportive midsole, making it our top HIIT trainer among lab-tested shoes. In our workouts, it's undeniably flexible and weightless, allowing us to move liberally with less effort. It offers reliable stability that instills a sense of security as we perform various exercises.

At the forefront is the agile midsole, further enhanced by deep cutouts in the outsole. From twisting to bending, Free Metcon 6 surrendered with ease. Further testing confirms it needs 18.9% less force than average to bend to 30 degrees. Meanwhile, in our torsional rigidity assessment, it received a low 2/5 score.

The stack had a good mix of cushioning and ground feel, infused with velvet foam for comfort. Our durometer reveals it’s 17.9% softer than average, ensuring a zero-pain experience for heated sessions. This shoe has an extended midsole width of 113.9/94.4 mm and has a firmer 27.8 HA foam under our heels for secure landings. We felt surefooted as we did jump ropes, burpees, planks, and lunges. 

This trainer's exceptional airflow and weightlessness deliver an energizing lift. Our scales confirm a mere 9.7 oz (274g), while we awarded it a 5/5 breathability score in our smoke test. Unfortunately, the delicate upper compromised durability. We recommend avoiding rope climbing and other abrasive surfaces to preserve the shoe’s life.

Among all the training shoes we exercised with and lab-tested, Metcon 10 is undoubtedly the best for CrossFit. With its sturdy base and amazing versatility, it performs any WOD exceptionally, from heavy lifts to agility drills.

We did heavy squats, snatches, and deadlifts, and the Metcon’s base assisted us very well even without a raised heel. Our caliper measures its below-average heel and forefoot stack at 22.8/16.2 mm, making us more sensitive to ground feedback. It offers superb lockdown thanks to its supportive upper and raised sidewalls.

Since CrossFit isn’t all about lifting, we tested Metcon 10 by performing box jumps, burpees, rope climbs, and lunges. It proved itself versatile in most CrossFit activities, with an unresisting midsole that flows with our movements. Upon checking with our bend test, it emerged 13.2% more flexible than average.

Metcon 10 provides excellent stability and grip. This boosted our confidence, making us enjoy the WOD even more. In our traction test, the rubber in the heel and forefoot scored a reliable 0.38 rating. With a caliper in hand, we measured the forefoot area to be 115.2 mm wide. This large contact area, together with the non-compressible Hyperlift in the heel, helps stabilize our feet while lifting heavy loads. 

We discovered the forefoot lacks protection for repetitive rope jumps or runs over a mile. We recommend exploring cushioned shoes for heavier cardio workouts.

When it comes to lifting, the Nike Romaleos 4 easily rose above other training shoes because of its amazingly firm midsole, impressively wide base, and totally firm structure. Our feet were surely kept in place no matter how heavy we were hoisting above our heads.

We learned through our HA durometer measurements in the lab that the midsole is a lot firmer than average. While the average HA durometer rating is 75.0, the Romaleos 4’s score was as high as 97.0! There really was no wobbliness because of this much firmness.

The wide midsole platform contributed a lot to the shoe’s overall stability. Our caliper measurements revealed that the platform is 111.5 mm (average is 107.1 mm) wide at the forefoot, while it’s 91.3 mm (average is 87.1 mm) wide at the heel.

The shoe’s minimal flexibility also did so much in keeping our feet in place and ensuring that we got the support that we needed. Using our standardized test, we uncovered that we needed to exert 30.0N of force to bend this shoe at 30 degrees. The typical trainer would need only 15.8N.

We just didn’t like that our feet were sweating a lot when inside this shoe. There was not much ventilation! True enough, this shoe only got a 2 out of 5 when we subjected this shoe to our smoke breathability test in the lab.

Since the On Cloudrunner is also a well-loved road running shoe, it ensures well-cushioned landings. It’s ideal for daily mileage and cross-training due to its joint protection and stable, supportive ride. However, in the lab, it stands out the most with the best shock absorption among training shoes.

The Cloudrunner is considered tall for a training shoe, as we measured a stack height of 33.3/20.9 mm with our caliper. Moreover, it returned above-average shock absorption scores of 118 SA in the heel and 72 SA in the forefoot, making high-impact workouts feel kinder to our muscles.

Despite its generous cushioning, Cloudrunner managed to be lighter than the average trainer, weighing only 10.4 oz (294g) on our scales.

The midsole includes the Speedboard and raised sidewalls, which all contribute to our surefootedness. We felt confident tackling single-legged workouts and lifting some weights without losing our footing. In our bend test, it emerged 58.6% stiffer than the average trainer. 

However, while contributing to stability, its rigidity may cause some resistance when performing workouts such as lunges and burpees. Those who prefer more fluidity should try alternatives.

The Inov8 F-Lite can do it all, offering both freedom of movement and surefootedness in a lightweight package. Our lab results verify its versatility, yet it stood out the most during testing with its accommodating fit, making it our best training shoe for wide feet.

We solidified our gel mold inside the shoe to measure its interiors. At the widest part, we recorded 99.6 mm, making the F-Lite 2.3 mm wider than average. Even those with broad feet or bunions won’t have to worry about any pressure points.

Despite its generous measurements, F-Lite stays below the average trainer’s weight at 10.5 oz (298g). Moreover, its effortless sensation is further enhanced by its flexible midsole. Testing F-Lite in our bend test, we found it to be 19.2% more agreeable than average, allowing us to perform burpees and lunges with ease.

When it was time to lift the barbell, the tall sidewalls and Met-Cradle in the midfoot did their job of keeping us steady effectively. It has very little give even when performing sudden lateral movements, proven by its high 4/5 torsional rigidity score.

Sadly, its shine fades on wet or dusty floors because it lacks grip. Gym goers who prioritize dependable traction should go for another shoe.

We got the Nike MC Trainer 3 for only $80 when the average trainer costs $116. Despite its lower price, the comfort it delivers felt luxurious during our workouts—from its breathable upper to its plush cushioning. Our lab tests also confirm its flexibility, making it a highly versatile shoe for most workouts. Therefore, it’s our best budget training shoe.

Every jump we made and every stride we took during treadmill runs felt well-protected from impact. Our caliper shows an above-average stack height of 30.6/21.8 mm, while our durometer confirms the foam is 13.0% softer than average.

MC Trainer 3 bends with our feet as we perform burpees and lunges, highlighting its forgiving ride. The flex grooves in the outsole surely proved their purpose when the midsole only needed 12.3N of force to bend to 30 degrees.

Our heated sessions always felt manageable thanks to the porous upper that refreshed our feet. When we checked for its transparency, the mesh instantly lit up under the light, explaining its perfect breathability rating in our smoke test—however, the delicate upper wreaked havoc against our Dremel. We recommend finding another trainer for abrasive activities like rope climbing.