7 Best Gym Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2022
Wearing the right shoes for gym workouts is a game-changer. A running shoe with plenty of cushioning may not be a wise choice for lifting heavier weights or CrossFit training. So be sure to pick the ideal pair of gym shoes that’s more targeted to the type of workout routine you’ll be doing.
Popular gym shoe brands include Nike, Reebok, and Adidas. But we’ve also added to our repertoire pretty good brands that deliver similar high-level performance such as Altra, Under Armour, Asics, Inov-8, and New Balance.
Whatever types of workout routines you have on your calendar, there's a perfect pair for your gym footwear needs. To help you save time when searching for the right fit, we’ve reviewed 200+ of the best gym shoes available in the market. Check out our top picks.
How we test training shoes
Identifying the gym shoes that truly deliver genuine value requires a serious data-driven selection process. That means spending hours of wear testing the shoes for specific workout routines. We also check and analyze the materials or technologies used in the shoes.
To ensure the 100% objectivity of our assessment, we perform the following:
- Buy the shoes using our own money for wear tests.
- Make an in-depth review about the shoes that we’ve tested ourselves. We wear the shoes going to the gym and executing actual workouts such as lifting weights, jumping rope, squatting, or running on the treadmill. Okay, you get the idea.
- We base all our reviews on real-life performance tests that include CrossFit workout sessions.
- We also take into consideration the feedback coming from experts and regular gym goers.
In the end, after writing the qualitative descriptions of each shoe, we give all the gym shoes in the database an overall rating using our proprietary CoreScore. We then feature our favorite picks in various categories.
Best gym shoes overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
- Top 13% in training shoes
- Top 20% in Altra training shoes
- Top 17% most popular training shoes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Wide fit
- Supportive
- Breathable
- Great traction
- Durable
Cons
- Not for running
- Too soft for heavy lifting
- Lacks midfoot protection
Verdict
Best Nike gym shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
- Top 12% in training shoes
- Top 9% in Nike training shoes
- Top 1% most popular training shoes
Pros
- Very plush
- Solid platform
- Grippy
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Durable
- flexible
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Expensive
- Not suitable for cycling or running
- Not for shallow arches
Verdict
Best Reebok gym shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
- Top 16% in training shoes
- Top 28% in Reebok training shoes
- Top 16% most popular training shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Snug fit
- Superb comfort
- Breathable
- Very lightweight
- Great ground contact
- Versatile for various activities
- Durable
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Break-in period
- Lace bite
Best Adidas gym shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
This shoe has a 7% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 21% in training shoes
- Top 21% in Adidas training shoes
- Top 23% most popular training shoes
Pros
- Below-average price
- Supports moderate workouts
- Can do light weightlifting
- Doubles as a casual shoe
- Handsome looks
- Well put together
- Has recycled materials
Cons
- Not a high-performance shoe
- Stiff sole with little flex
- Not for warm weather
Verdict
Best minimalist gym shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
- Top 5% in training shoes
- Top 13% in Inov-8 training shoes
- Top 19% most popular training shoes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Flexible upper and sole
- Lightweight
- Excellent ground feel
- Reliable traction
- Stylish
Cons
- Upper lacks support
- A bit pricey
Verdict
Best value gym shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
- Top 17% in training shoes
- Top 11% in Nike training shoes
- Top 1% most popular training shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Stable
- Awesome grip
- Very comfy
- No break-in period
- Lightweight
- Very breathable
- Amazing durability
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- A bit pricey
Verdict
Most popular gym shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
This shoe has a 7% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% most popular training shoes
Pros
- Exceptionally stable and supportive
- Secure foothold
- Fits true to size
- Excellent cushioning
- Minimal break-in period
- Durable
- Very breathable
- Exceptional grip
- Contemporary style
- Great deal
Cons
- Not wide feet friendly
- Not ideal for running
Verdict
