7 Best Training Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Exercising should be an integral part of every man’s routine. For this, he needs trainers that not only ensure that he’s safe but also push him to perform his best.
There are a lot of training shoes for men in the market. Here at RunRepeat, we are able to compile almost 300 training shoe models from 16 brands including Nike, Adidas, and Reebok.
Given their number, choosing the best training shoes for the guys can be such a chore. To help you out, we share our top shoe picks here.
Table of contents How we test training shoesBest overallBest crossfitBest cross-trainingBest gymBest weightliftingBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test training shoes
For each workout shoe, we come up with a numerical CoreScore that’s based on the ratings given by experts, fitness enthusiasts, and regular gym goers. This figure gives a general idea of how a training shoe performs.
Aside from that, we also present concise performance descriptions of each trainer. To ensure the objectivity of these brief shoe profiles, we do the following:
- Buy the goods using our own money. To be quite frank, sponsorships can color our judgment. Hence, we steer clear from them.
- Test the trainers in actual workouts. This way, our insights become as realistic as possible.
Best men's training shoes overall
Nike Free Metcon 4
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$90
Nike
$93
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$100
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$120
Corescore
Pros
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Unbelievably flexible
- Solid platform
- Grippy outsole
- Highly breathable
- Durable
- Unique design
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not suitable for running
- Expensive
What makes it the best overall?
The Nike Free Metcon 4 is a great shoe for an all-around application. If you want to buy one shoe to do most of your exercise needs, I don’t think you would regret the Nike Free Metcon 4. They are not running shoes, but they will get it done in a pinch if you need to pump out a mile or two at the end of your routine.
Best crossfit shoes for men
Nike Metcon 7
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$84
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$105
Nike
$130
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$130
Corescore
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
What makes it the best crossfit?
This shoe is made to be comfortable, versatile, and performs at a high level, and it hits them all on the head. It is expensive, but they hand you everything you would expect with your money - killer lockdown, great cushion, versatility, and overall performance. Whether you are looking to hit your PR or repping it out to failure, these will be the shoe for you.
Best cross-training shoes for men
Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3
Nike
$59
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$69
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$78
Stadium Goods
$89
Pros
- Perfect for HIIT
- Light on the foot
- Bouncy cushioning
- Great flexibility
- Stable side support
- Snug, locked-down fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Arc catches debris outdoors
What makes it the best cross-training?
The SuperRep has got to be Nike’s most flashy training shoe series. The third iteration receives some design tweaks to give you the right balance of cushioning for jumps, flexibility for planks, and support for side-to-side and other movements involved in HIIT. The shoe’s unusual design is not only there for looks, it enhances performance when it comes to high-impact exercises.
Best gym shoes for men
Xero Shoes 360
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$115
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$120
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$120
Xero Shoes
$120
Corescore
Pros
- Amazing trainer overall
- Functional versatility
- Dependable grip
- Allowance for toe splays
- Flat and highly stable for lifting
- Incredibly light
- Super comfortable
- Fairly durable
Cons
- Not for narrow feet
- Has to be broken in
What makes it the best gym?
The Xero Shoes 360 is not to be discounted when it comes to minimalist barefoot-feel shoes. This trainer just provides all that's important to a typical gymgoer. What's even more amazing is that it is not limiting at all! Reviewers use these in a wide range of sports and even mundane activities. Getting this trainer is like paying for only one but enjoying the performance of many.
Best weightlifting shoes for men
Adidas The Total
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$74
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$93
Running Warehouse
REI
Pros
- Great for strength training
- Good traction
- Quite stable ride
- A lot of ground feel
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Functionally spacious toebox
- Accommodates wide feet
- Fairly priced
- Streamlined look
Cons
- Has to be broken in
- Not versatile enough for non-strength exercises
What makes it the best weightlifting?
Hands down, the Adidas The Total is a well-built shoe that does what it's intended to do: make lifting safer and more efficient. Reviewers can't find any serious flaws in it, so it's safe to say that you will get your money's worth, and perhaps even more, when you buy this.
Best value training shoes for men
Reebok Lifter PR II
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$65
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$85
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great value for money
- Supportive during workouts
- Stable platform
- Impressive construction
- Appealing design
- Velcro straps ensure snug lockdown
- Good for powerlifting, weightlifting, CrossFit
Cons
- 15mm only in the heel
- Quality control is questionable
What makes it the best value?
If you want an excellent entry-level lifting shoe, then the Reebok Lifter PR II is the one to check out. It is an updated iteration of Reebok's original PR weightlifting shoe that highlights stability on the platform. Most recommended for newbies who need more assistance for ankle mobility while lifting and squatting.
Most popular training shoes for men
Under Armour SlipSpeed
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$150
Under Armour
Free shipping & returns
$150
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$150
Zappos
Pros
- Secure and easy-to-adjust laces
- One-of-a-kind collapsible heel
- Dependable spring back
- Stable for moderate lifting
- Feels super lightweight
- High levels of comfort
- Can be used beyond the gym
- Fashionable design
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not for intense and heavy training
What makes it the most popular?
When it comes to training shoes, implementing innovations is a risk. Fortunately for the Under Armour SlipSpeed, many appreciate the innovative convertible heel and the toggle lacing system incorporated in the shoe. It's not a surprise that this shoe has become a ubiquitous presence not only in the gym but also on basketball courts, running tracks, and other contexts.
