6 Best Training Shoes in 2023

Training shoes must be some of the most versatile athletic footwear. They are meant for every imaginable activity at the gym, including jumping, lifting, treadmill running, and rowing, among other exercises.
Some trainers are more geared towards a certain type of activity. For example, weightlifting shoes have a wide sturdy base with a raised heel, while HIIT shoes have plenty of cushioning for non-stop jumping.
We have reviewed over 100 various training shoes to help you choose the best. Depending on your type of training, you may prefer one feature above others. That’s why we have selected our top picks in five different categories.
How we test training shoes
At RunRepeat, we monitor the market of training footwear on a daily basis to provide you with the most up-to-date recommendations. Our ratings are regularly revised, taking into account the newest reviews and shoe releases.
- We have researched and compared more than 300 training shoes to choose the best.
- Over 250,000 user and expert reviews were analyzed to list the pros and cons of each shoe.
Our verdict for each shoe is represented by the CoreScore, a number from 0-100. It reflects the summarized users’ opinions on the trainer.
Best training shoes overall



























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Versatile, less Crossfit-specific
- Upper hugs the foot
- Lighter than Nike Metcons
- Cushioned for short runs
- Great traction on gym floors
- Secure lockdown
- Plenty of toe space
- Very breathable
- Stylish for casual wear
Cons
- Collar rubs the heel
- Tongue slides a bit
- Not the best for weightlifting
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Best hiit shoes
























What makes it the best?
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
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Best gym shoes


















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Insanely cheap
- Doubles as a casual sneaker
- Lightweight
- Breathes well
- Snug fit
- Very flexible
- Reliable grip
- Looks great
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not the most durable
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Best training shoes for cross-training




















What makes it the best?
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 training shoes for crossfit






What makes it the best?
Pros
- Ground contact
- Stable
- Wide feet friendly
- Good traction
- Breathable
Cons
- Runs large
- Overly stiff sole
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Best value










What makes it the best?
Pros
- Plush comfort
- Solid base for heavy lifts
- Little to no break-in time
- Grippy
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Cheap
Cons
- Narrow
- Poor lockdown
- Not for running or cycling
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Comparison of the 6 best training shoes
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What are training shoes?
Training shoes are used for training (duh). They are constructed differently from running shoes as they target exercises which are performed in the gym:
- Aerobic/anaerobic conditioning: jumping, lunging, speed and agility training, HIIT, etc.
- Strength training/weightlifting: squats, deadlifts, cleans, jerks, bench presses, etc.
Depending on a specific set of activities they accommodate, training shoes are also divided into several categories:
Short runs (< 5km) |
HIIT & Agility training | Weightlifting | |
moderate |
heavy (using weight that you can only lift for 1-5 reps) |
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Best for: moderate gym workouts; can double as casual wear cushioned sole high impact protection lightweight (~200 - 300 grams/shoe) |
Best for: Olympic weightlifting very durable heavy (~400 - 500 grams/shoe) elevated heel (15 - 25 mm) non-compressible platform |
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Best for: intermediate to advanced gym sessions flat and firm sole more durable better side support better ground feel low drop (0 - 4 mm) has protection for rope climbs |
Training shoes vs. running shoes
Generally, you should NOT use a pair of running shoes for a gym session. But if your workout primarily consists of running on a treadmill and doing some light bodyweight exercises, then it’s okay to use runners.
Here are a few reasons why dedicated trainers are a better option for gym use:
Training shoes |
Running shoes |
support multi-directional movements |
only support linear forward motion |
firmer midsole provides stability for weightlifting* |
cushioned sole compresses easily under heavy loads which results in wobbling |
have extra protection on the sides for rope climbing |
soft materials get torn and burned by the rope at the very first climb |
thinner sole and lower heel-to-toe drop help to feel the floor better and allow for better control of foot movement |
thicker cushioned midsole and higher drop can get in the way of foot sensitivity |
generally have a wider platform, especially in the heel and forefoot, to keep the wearer sure-footed |
foot has a higher chance of rolling over the edge of the platform if moves laterally |
due to their versatile design, they can be used for more activities, including racquet sports, basketball, and handball. |
mostly appropriate only for running, walking, and athleisure |
*If you are particularly interested in how different types of shoes perform for weightlifting, check out our in-depth science-backed guide to lifting shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you run in a training shoe?
The same points that make gym shoes excellent for training fail them when it comes to running. However, their performance varies depending on the shoe type:
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can accommodate distances of 1 to 5 miles not the same level of comfort as in running shoes not equipped with arch support |
not appropriate for running |
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some workout shoes have thicker, more cushioned soles and a higher heel drop, which makes them a bit more comfortable for running |
have a similar feel to minimalist running shoes take some time and training to get used to excessive use for running may cause injury |
Here are some of the best-rated training shoes that are geared towards running:
What kind of training shoes do I need for studio workouts?
For sessions like Aerobics, Zumba, Jazzercise, and similar, choose lightweight workout trainers. In addition to feeling light on the foot, they are:
- Breathable
- Cushioned and shock-absorbent
- Support multi-directional movements, twists, and turns
Some of the acclaimed collections for these activities include Nike SuperRep, New Balance NERGIZE, among other HIIT shoes
What are minimalist training shoes?
This niche of trainers is designed for people who want to go back to the essentials and shift away from external support in favor of acquiring natural strength.
While there are no strict criteria on what is considered a minimalist trainer, it is commonly agreed that such shoes:
- Do not interfere with the natural biomechanics of the foot
- Provide a barefoot-like experience
Compared to a standard workout shoe, minimalist footwear:
- Is more flexible
- Is more lightweight
- Has little or no cushioning
- Has low or zero heel-to-toe drop
- Has a low stack height (a thin sole)
- Lacks arch support
If this is something that resonates with your needs, consider Inov-8 F-Lite or New Balance Minimus.
Can I play basketball in training shoes?
Yes, you can wear training shoes for a game once in a while. But you may not feel enough support and cushion for the best performance.
Dedicated basketball shoes provide the right cushioning to absorb impact from jump shots and runs. They are also equipped with a special kind of traction that’s best for indoor courts.