7 Best Nike Gym Shoes in 2023

Having the right gym shoes is a key foundation to achieve your fitness goals. Whether you’re building muscles with weightlifting routines or executing a CrossFit workout of the day, the ideal footwear will provide the support, comfort, and stability you need for a range of movements.
To help you find the perfect pair, we offer our highly recommended Nike training shoes for different types of workouts. Whatever style and specific training needs you have, there’s a pair of Nike gym shoes that are suitable for the way you like to train.
It’s important for us that you choose your gym shoe well. To help you do that, we’ve purchased and scrutinized 40+ of the best Nike gym shoes out there. After testing them all, we’ve picked our top recommendations in different categories.
Best Nike gym shoes overall






































What makes it the best?
The Nike Free Metcon 5 is a beast when it comes to ankle support, balanced cushioning, and being lightweight. It just so happens that these are the very same benefits that we look for in a gym shoe. Ergo, we consider the Free Metcon 5 as the best gym shoe from Nike.
Keeping the ankle and the whole rearfoot securely locked down was not a problem with this shoe. This Free Metcon 5’s well-padded collar clasped the back of the foot well. The secure hold of this feature on the ankle was further complemented by the fully gusseted tongue, which ensured a snug fit.
Under the heel, the cushion felt really soft. We learned through our HA durometer measurements in the lab that this part has a softness score of 17.4, which is far lower (therefore softer) than the 27.0 average. It’s another story at the forefoot. The HA durometer measured its softness to be 25.9, so its contrast with the heel is quite pronounced. These figures resulted in a balanced midsole that offered softness and impact protection in the heel and firmness and ground feel in the forefoot.
A typical gym shoe is expected to be light. Yet, the Nike Free Metcon 5 still managed to be lighter than the average, 10.5 oz (298g) against 11.2 oz (317g). The lightweight structure of the shoe allowed us to run faster, jump a bit higher, and just to move more freely overall.
We regret to share that there is one thing in this shoe that really needs improvement. The upper is not really the most durable. We saw significant damage after just 12 seconds of Dremel drilling.
Pros
- Impressively stable
- Noteworthy ankle support
- Awesomely close-fitting
- Roomy toebox
- Nice and airy upper
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Quite cushiony
- Notably lightweight
- Exceptionally flexible
- Stylish design and overall look
Cons
- Not for long runs (2-3 miles max)
- Upper lacks durability
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Best Nike gym shoes for Crossfit

What makes it the best?
Pros
- Largely suitable for lifting
- Great stability
- Reliable foot containment
- High levels of comfort
- Nice grip on gym floors
- Accommodates wide feet
- Fairly durable structure
- Easy on-off
- Stylish modern appearance
Cons
- Is NOT the best for cardio workouts
- Still has to be broken in
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Best Nike gym shoes for weightlifting

























What makes it the best?
The lifters among us were most enamored by the Romaleos 4 out of all Nike gym shoes. Its firm and twist-resistant structure left quite a mark since it helped us focus more on our lifting workouts. The firm midsole and lifting-appropriate drop were also noteworthy qualities that helped smoothen out our lifting experience.
When we bent the Romaleos 4 up to 90 degrees, we found through the readings on our digital gauge that we needed to exert 40.4N of force to do so successfully. This force requirement is much higher than the 26.0 average. The amount of resistance ensured that we were protected from twists and other forms of instability.
Speaking of stability, the firm midsole also helped in getting rid of wobbliness. Our HA durometer pegged this shoe’s midsole softness score at 97.0, which is far higher, therefore firmer, than the 75.0 average.
The Romaleos 4’s tech specs say that it has a drop of 19.05 mm. At 20.5 mm, the actual drop of this shoe didn’t deviate so much from the specified number. This elevation in the heel helped keep our postures upright, which was quite helpful in keeping our overhead lifts and deadlifts stable and safe.
We wanted to use this shoe for a long time, but it appeared that the durability of the upper just wouldn’t allow us to. After only twelve seconds of high-pressure Dremel drilling, a see-through hole already appeared on the upper. We give this shoe a 2 out of 5 for durability.
Pros
- Phenomenal stability
- Sturdy platform and sole
- Better lockdown with two straps
- Comfortable for a lifting shoe
- True to size
- Efficient traction
- Appealing looks
Cons
- Upper lacks durability
- Not for narrow ankles
- Not breathable
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Best Nike gym shoes for HIIT



















What makes it the best?
We consider Air Zoom SuperRep 3 as the most suitable for HIIT among Nike's gym shoes. This decision is based on three things: (1) the shoe’s amazingly comfortable cushioning system, (2) impressive lateral support capacities, and (3) noteworthy twist protection.
The SuperRep 3 is one of the few shoes that delivered plushness both on the heel and forefoot. Using our caliper, we measured the heel and forefoot height to be 31.7 mm and 27.5 mm respectively, making the midsole a lot thicker than that of the typical gym shoe (24.6 mm thick at the heel and 18.3 mm at the forefoot). But the midsole is not only thicker, it’s also softer. The HA durometer pegged its softness at 21.0, while the average is 27.0. The shoe was effective in neutralizing impact during sprints and agility exercises.
The foot containment that we got from this shoe was so amazing that it would be a crime to ignore it. The shoe’s wide base contributed a lot to lateral support and stability, which we appreciated so much when we did squats and other similar exercises. When we measured this shoe in the lab, our caliper showed that the heel part is 97.4 mm wide, the forefoot 114.5 mm. These figures dwarf the average numbers by 10.4 mm and 4.9 mm, respectively.
Finally, we take note of how well-protected we are from torsional twists while wearing this shoe. In the lab, we manually twisted the shoe to the sides to mimic the unfortunate motion of foot twists. We were so impressed with how resistant the shoe was, so we gave it a perfect 5 for torsional firmness.
It’s just unfortunate that the wide base does not translate to a wide toe box. Ironically, this shoe is actually on the narrower side. Our caliper measured the toe box to be 97.9 mm wide at its widest, while the average is 100.5 mm. Hence, we do not think that this SuperRep 3 is suitable for wide-footers.
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
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Best Nike gym shoes for speed

































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Bouncy Zoom Air in the forefoot
- Good for short runs
- Perfect for jumps and aerobics
- Stable for moderate lifting
- Excellent flexibility
- Amazingly breathable
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Upper is not durable rope climbing
- Heavy for a "speed-oriented" trainer
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Best minimalist Nike gym shoes


























What makes it the best?
The Nike Flex Control 4 did more than just contour to the shape of our feet; it was flexible enough to follow the natural feet flexions, no matter how peculiar they are. We also appreciated its lightness and the responsiveness of its midsole. All these benefits come together to form what we now consider the best minimalist gym shoe from Nike.
The moment we put this shoe on, we already felt the flexibility of its heel counter and base. We manually assessed these features in the lab, and both got a 3 out of 5 for rigidity.
The Nike Flex Control 4 is surely a lightweight shoe. At 9.8 ounces or 277 grams, it is definitely lighter than average, which weighs 11.2 ounces or 317 grams. It is this very lightness that allowed us to throw ourselves higher when we did box jumps and other plyometric exercises.
We also felt the midsole to be quite firm. This observation was confirmed in the lab when our HA durometer pegged the cushion’s softness at 32.0 when the average is only 27.0. Aside from helping with stability, the firm midsole also gave us more leverage when we jumped and sprinted.
It’s just too bad that the Flex Control 4 couldn’t go beyond moderate lifting. We felt our foot being forced forward, causing not only wobbliness but also a bit of discomfort to our toes.
Pros
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Lighter than average
- Very flexible
- Foot feels planted
- Budget-friendly
- Good grip
- Simple aesthetics
- True to size
Cons
- Durability issues
- Not for serious workouts
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Best budget Nike gym shoes






























What makes it the best?
Being light and protective from impact are perhaps the two most important benefits that a good training shoe must give. The Nike Legend Essential 3 excellently delivered these two without adding so much to its price. Hence, we consider it as the best Nike gym shoe we ever had the honor of trying.
This Nike shoe weighs only 8.78 oz or 249g, which is way lower than the 11.18 oz or 317g average. This trainer truly felt so light on foot that we at times forgot that we actually had shoes on. Box jumps, jump ropes, and other vertical exercises benefited so much from this lightness.
The just-enough impact protection that we enjoyed was because of the softness of the midsole. Our HA durometer in the lab measured the midsole to be 26.3 (the average is 27.0). The balanced softness of this setup allowed us to persist in our workouts, even if it involved a lot of jumping.
When it comes to the price, the $65 price tag of the Legend Essential 3 is far lower than the $101 average for Nike gym shoes. This is of course very good news, especially given the benefits that we get.
The low price of this shoe came with a considerable sacrifice. When we manually squeezed the heel counter in the lab, we could only give it a score of 2 out of 5 for firmness. With this rating, we cannot recommend this shoe for gym rats who want to take on more serious weightlifting.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Super lightweight
- Breathable upper
- Enough cushioning for jumps
- Wide platform
- Flexible
- Good grip
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Not for heavy lifting
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Comparison of the 7 best Nike gym shoes
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How to find the best Nike gym shoes
Nike shoes regularly top gym shoe popularity polls. Their widespread appeal is due to a number of factors, including their strong brand image, marketing campaigns, proprietary technology, variety of styles, comfort, and durability. Let’s dig a little deeper to help you find the best Nike shoe to meet your unique gym training needs.
Picking the right gym shoe is crucial for maximum performance and injury prevention.
Nike gym shoes at a glance
Your type of workout determines what Nike shoe will suit you the best. Here are the most popular Nike gym shoes and what they are intended for:
Nike Metcon | The Nike Metcon is an adaptable training shoe created for a variety of exercises, such as lifting, jogging, and jumping. It has a sturdy upper that offers support during vigorous exercise and a flat, firm outsole for stability. |
Nike Free Metcon | The Nike Free is a flexible, lightweight running shoe that's meant to simulate training barefoot. A flexible outsole and simplistic design enable natural movement and a variety of exercises. |
Nike Metcon Turbo | This shoe blends the cushioning and responsiveness of Nike React foam with the stability of the Metcon. With the added Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, it is more suitable for fast-paced and agile workouts. |
Nike Air Zoom SuperRep | With a lightweight, breathable upper and a supportive, solid outsole, the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep is specifically made for high-intensity exercise. The split sole design on this shoe promotes flexible, natural movement. |
Nike Romaleos | The Nike Romaleos is a weightlifting shoe that offers a secure foundation for difficult lifts. It has a flat, durable outsole and a supportive top in order to hold the foot in position when performing squats and other lifts. |
Choosing the right cushioning in Nike gym shoes
When performing high-impact exercises like plyometrics, shoes with good cushioning can help absorb shock and lessen the strain on your joints. Yet, too much cushioning can also compromise stability when performing workouts like weightlifting or other ones that need a solid foundation.
Thickness
The amount of shock absorption and impact protection might vary depending on the cushioning's thickness. Shoes with thinner cushioning are better for weightlifting or other exercises that call for a stable base, while shoes with more cushioning are frequently more comfortable for high-impact exercises.
Heel height: 21.8 mm
Heel height: 31.7 mm
Type of cushioning
Nike offers a variety of cushioning options in its athletic footwear. Here is a brief overview:
- Nike React is the most common foam in the brand's training shoes. Firm and supportive, it provides a fine balance between cushioning and stability for all types of workouts.
- Zoom Air is a high-rebound unit added under the balls of the foot for extra bounce. Perfect for HIIT, cardio, and other fast-paced workouts with a lot of jumps.
Consider the weight
Heavy cushioning can make shoes heavier, which might have an impact on performance. A shoe with a thin sole is ideal for speed or agility training where you need minimum weight. The lightest gym shoes from Nike are the Free Metcons.
Durability is very important
A quality gym shoe ought to be able to handle repeated workouts without losing its integrity. Look for footwear that is made of sturdy materials.
We use a Dremel to test each Nike shoe's abrasion resistance in the toebox, in the heel padding, and in the outsole.
Here is a comparison of the flagship Nike Metcon 8 (left) and the budget-friendly Nike Flex Control 4 (right) after the same durability test. The Dremel was applied for 12 seconds at the same force and speed to both shoes.
We put a piece of white material inside the shoe to make the contrast more visible.
Choose the best fit
A good workout shoe should be snug but not too tight. It should have enough room for your feet to gradually enlarge while you work out and allow your toes to move around freely.
To achieve a decent fit, make sure to try on your shoes while wearing the socks you want to use during your workout.
How we test training shoes
Ranking all the Nike gym shoes in the database requires serious hours of performance tests. We put in the work in the gym to see how each model performs in the real world. We carefully examine the essential parameters of the shoes before coming up with our assessments.
To ensure the objectivity of our reviews, we do the following:
- Purchase the Nike gym shoes for our wear tests. We spend our own money on this to avoid any brand loyalty.
- Go to the gym for a broad range of fitness activities, from high-intensity workouts, lifting weights, deep stretches, burpees, or 30 minutes on the treadmill.
- Dive deeper into each of the shoes by slicing them up. We measure 30+ parameters of the shoes and analyze the results by correlating to our own experience plus comparing them to average values. We write our 100% honest reviews based on the gathered data from both wear and lab test sessions.