Best Overall

Nike Women's Metcon 9

$160

$130 at Amazon View on Dicks Sporting Goods View on Jdsports.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-15, Men's 3.5-15 Materials: Mesh and synthetic textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Not listed Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.9

Who They’re For

Best for most athletes and workouts, especially for those with wide feet. 

Why We Love Them

Our top overall pick, Nike’s Metcon 9, is the ultimate do-it-all gym shoe. When we tested it, we loved wearing it for everything from strength training to studio classes. Compared to its previous version (the Metcon 8), this shoe is even more stable, with a larger plate underneath its heel. Plus, we appreciate that its toe box is wide, allowing our toes to splay out during heavy lifts and squats. 

We love that its rubber rope guard—one of our favorite features during testing—extends fully up the arch and outer edge of the sneaker for better protection during climbs. A strap on the tongue keeps your laces tied and out of the way for a distraction-free workout. Stylish and comfortable, the Metcon 9 comes in a variety of fresh neon, pastel, and neutral colorways.

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nike, and Foot Locker.

Potential Flaws

• This shoe has a wide toe box that may be too roomy for narrow feet.

Best Budget

Adidas Cloudfoam Qt Racer 3.0

View on Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-11 Materials: Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 7 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who They’re For

Best for light to moderate strength training and studio classes. 

Why We Love Them

Adidas’ Cloudfoam Qt Racer 3.0 is our favorite budget-friendly gym shoe. In testing, we noticed that it is breathable and flexible, with a moderately grippy outsole. And the streamlined design is ideal for quick, fast movements, like Zumba routines.

We like that the midsole contains comfortable, firmer memory foam so your feet won’t sink in. A stable heel and moderate padding throughout make these easy to wear for a variety of workouts, such as functional strength training exercises. For a balanced sneaker ideal for beginners or anyone on a budget, we think this pair is the one to beat. 

Potential Flaws

• We think this shoe lacks the thick cushioning that some exercisers may need for high-impact exercises. If you have foot or joint pain, we recommend one of our other top picks.
• We don’t recommend this shoe for heavy lifting since the heel has some give.
  

Best Investment

APL Streamline Running Shoes

$310 at Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-11, Men's 7-14 Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 7.3 ounces, Men's 9.2 ounces Cushioning Level: High Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for workouts that involve running and jumping, like HIIT or treadmill intervals. 

Why We Love Them

Pricey, but definitely worth the investment, the Streamline Running Shoes from Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) are our top pick for any workouts where you’re frequently running or jumping. During testing, we noticed that the highly breathable upper feels like a second skin. Its midsole is surprisingly light and springy, with a higher heel stack that absorbs shock well to protect your joints. 

The 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop (or the difference in the height of the sole at the forefoot and at the heel) creates a forward lean that’s ideal for sprints. We also found that the outsole has plenty of traction for exercising on treadmills, courts, or pavement. The molded collar and heel cradle provide a secure fit—and did we mention that you can choose from over 20 colors and patterns?

Also available in men’s sizes at APL Shoes.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, it took us some time to get used to this shoe’s double-eyelet lace system. 
• The thicker, chunkier sole isn’t ideal for lateral movements. 

Best for Weightlifting

Converse Chuck Taylor

$60 at Amazon $65 at Zappos $65 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-15 (medium, wide), Men's 3-13 (medium, wide) Materials: Canvas upper, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 13 ounces, Men's 13 ounces Cushioning Level: Light Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who They’re For

Best for lifters who want a flat-soled shoe with a classic style.

Why We Love Them

Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers aren’t just iconic—they’re also a great companion to your strength training regimen. With minimal cushioning and excellent ankle support, they’re one of our top picks for deadlifts, bicep curls, and everything in between. 

During testing, we loved the high-quality design and flat, comfortable sole. When lifting heavier weights, form is a serious safety priority. Since these shoes don’t have a ton of cushioning, you can better feel your foot positioning and establish a more stable stance. They also have a flatter insole, which helps distribute your weight evenly and promotes proper alignment. Choose from a range of classic and seasonal colors, or design a pair that’ll turn heads at the gym. 

Potential Flaws

• This shoe doesn’t have much arch support or cushioning. If you have poor flexibility, you might be better off with a shoe that has more lift for better support and balance.
• At 13 ounces, the Chuck Taylor All Star Sneaker is one of our heavier picks, which is why we don’t recommend it for running.
  

Best for Running

Nike Pegasus 41

$139 at Amazon View on Zappos $150 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (medium, wide), Men's 6-15 (medium, extra-wide) Materials: Mesh and synthetic textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 8.8 ounces, Men's 10.5 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for running-intensive sessions, such as treadmill runs, sprints, or interval workouts. 

Why We Love Them

For runners, Nike’s Pegasus 41 Sneaker is our top pick for its neutral support and modern, comfortable design. It provides great energy return and bounce-back, keeping our feet and legs feeling fresh. We love its light, stretchy upper and padded collar, tongue, and sockliner, which cradle the feet for better stability and support. While testing a previous version, the shoe’s secure fit helped us fly through workouts without stopping to adjust the laces or cover up blisters. 

After logging lots of training miles, we can confirm that the outsoles hold up incredibly well to both road and treadmill running. We were pleasantly surprised by the durability of the breathable upper as well, never thinning or tearing throughout the shoe’s lifespan. Meanwhile, the shoes are perfectly lightweight for a more responsive run experience.

Also available in men’s sizes at Zappos and Nike.

Potential Flaws

• Like other highly cushioned shoes on our list, this option is designed for running, featuring a sole with a more streamlined design in the arch and heel, which makes it feel less stable during lateral movements.
• During testing, we noticed that these shoes ran a bit small and narrow, so we chose to size up for a roomier fit. Ultimately, this adjustment kept us comfortable mile after mile.
  

Best for Walking

Hoka Bondi 8

$200

$169 at Amazon $165 at Net-a-Porter

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (medium, wide), Men's 7-16 (medium, wide) Materials: Mesh and polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 8.9 ounces, Men's 10.8 ounces Cushioning Level: High Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers with neutral arches who want a plush, supportive shoe for laps around the neighborhood or track.

Why We Love Them

Whether you enjoy short, casual walks or speedwalking, we recommend Hoka’s Bondi 8 Shoe. The midsole is packed with soft, comfortable foam and provides plenty of support for walkers with neutral arches. Plus, the shoes have a low, 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop that separates them from traditional running shoes. We also love that its tongue is generously padded for additional comfort.

We love that this shoe has received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that its design promotes good foot health. Also worth noting are the sock liners, which hug your feet for a locked-in feel, and the heel tabs, which make slipping these sneakers on and off a breeze. Need a little extra room in the toe box? Try the wide width. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Hoka, and Fleet Feet. 

Potential Flaws

• The Bondi 8 has a thick, chunky sole that might feel too bulky for some walkers, although we didn't mind.
• The plush cushioning in the midsole isn’t as springy as some other shoes on our list. If you prefer a bouncier feel, these may not be the best option.
  

Best for Gym to Outdoors

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

$140

$133 at Amazon

$140

$65 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Roadrunnersports.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-13 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide), Men's 7-16 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide) Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 9.1 ounces, Men's 10.1 ounces Cushioning Level: High Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who overpronate who want a stable, durable gym shoe that can handle both gym and outdoor workouts.

Why We Love Them

When you need a gym sneaker that can double as a road running shoe, we recommend Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 23 Shoe. This shoe is extra stable, with guide rails on either side of the heel that prevent your feet and ankles from rolling inward with each step (also called overpronation). The added support, combined with a grippy outsole, keeps us grounded while transitioning between various terrains.

During testing, we loved this shoe’s superior fit and high-quality, durable design. Four widths and a roomy toe box also make it a great option for those with wide feet. We enjoy wearing them everywhere, from treadmills to tracks to pavement. This shoe has earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning podiatrists also back it. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

Potential Flaws

• The cushioning isn’t as responsive as others on our list, and it may be too firm if you have shin splints or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes).

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

ASICS Gel-Venture 9

$75

$60 at Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12, Men's 7-15 Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 8.8 ounces, Men's 10.5 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone with plantar fasciitis, especially if you like a shoe with extra traction. 

Why We Love Them

With contoured arch support and two types of cushioning to absorb shock, Asics’ Gel-Venture 9 Shoe is our favorite gym shoe for anyone experiencing plantar fasciitis. When we tested this sneaker, we were impressed by its snug, secure fit and soft gel padding underneath the heel. We also like its 10-millimeter drop, which helps keep our plantar fasciitis pain at bay. 

Another plus? This shoe is fairly light, especially considering its deep lugs on the outsole, which provide excellent traction (since it’s a trail running shoe). A breathable mesh upper and lots of colorways to choose from make this an easy sneaker to add to your weekly rotation. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Kohl’s, and Academy.

Potential Flaws

• The deep lugs may feel sticky on some indoor surfaces, although we didn’t have any issues with this during testing.
  

Best for Spin Class

TIEM Slipstream Women's Indoor Cycling Shoe

$145 at Amazon $135 at Zappos View on REI

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12, Men's 8-13 Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 10.6 ounces, Men's 12 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for indoor cyclists who cross-train. 

Why We Love Them

TIEM’s Slipstream Indoor Cycling Shoe is our top pick for spin classes because it’s comfortable and convenient. Strap into these clever sneakers using a hook-and-loop strap, then walk to and from your bike without loud hardware breaking your stride. This makes it easy to transition on and off your bike, whether diving into Peloton workouts at home or powering through a circuit workout at the gym.

We also like that these SPD-compatible shoes have a sneaker-like sole and a breathable mesh upper, providing the same comfort as your go-to running shoes. During testing, we were impressed by their sleek design and intuitive functionality. Choose from a variety of neutral tones to match almost any workout wardrobe. 

Also available in men’s sizes at TIEM.

Potential Flaws

• Cleats aren’t included with your purchase and must be bought separately, which adds to the overall cost.
• These are one of the heavier pairs on our list—but since they’re also a little stiffer to help you pedal faster, we think it’s a fair trade-off for indoor cyclists. 
  

Best for High Arches

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14

$140

$90 at Amazon

$140

$123 at Zappos View on Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide), Men's 7-16 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide) Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 7.4 ounces, Men's 9.5 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who prefer a highly responsive shoe, especially if you have high arches. 

Why We Love It

We recommend New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 880v14 Shoe for its soft midsole and flexibility, two features recommended by the APMA for high arches. We also love this shoe's lightweight design, responsive cushioning, and soft landings. With a lower 8-millimeter drop, it's ideal for runners who also enjoy other forms of cardio, like elliptical workouts. 

We like this pair’s sleek design, which boasts a sole similar to Hoka’s Bondi 8 that’s not quite as chunky for easy wearing. With moderate stability and cushioning, it’s designed to be an everyday staple sneaker. Plus, we like that they come in four widths to make finding the right fit simple. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Zappos and Marathon Sports.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers have found that the tongue feels scratchy and can cause irritation.
  

Best for CrossFit

Reebok Women’s Nano X4 Training Shoes

$150

$91 at Amazon View on Dsw.com View on Reebok.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12, Men's 5-14 Materials: Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 9.6 ounces, Men's 9.6 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Best for circuit workouts that involve climbing, lifting, and sprinting. 

Why We Love It

Reebok’s Nano X4 Shoe is among our favorite CrossFit shoes, thanks to its spacious toe box and sturdy design. When we put these on, we instantly loved their ultra-responsive cushioning. We also really like the dome-shaped piece in the heel, which relaxes while you run and compresses while you lift weights, providing adaptable support that adjusts to your workout. 

Because we've worn its predecessors (the X2 and X3), we especially appreciate that this version is lighter and has a highly breathable and more durable upper. A 7-millimeter drop and grippy outsole make this sneaker capable of keeping up with you for as many rounds as possible. Choose from a rainbow of bright, vintage-inspired colorways to find the pair right for you and your daily workout.

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Potential Flaws

• We like that this shoe is more durable than its predecessors, but we wish it had a rope guard.
• Unlike many of our other picks, this sneaker is only available in one width, which may not work well for some.
  

Best Lightweight

Brooks Hyperion Tempo

$5,000 at Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12, Men's 7-14 Materials: Woven upper, nitrogen-infused foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 6.7 ounces, Men's 7.3 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who love the barely-there feel of a lightweight gym shoe that still provides necessary cushioning and support.

Why We Love Them

There’s nothing quite like lightweight performance gym shoes, so it’s no surprise that we wear our Brooks Hyperion Tempo Shoes on repeat, regardless of the other great sneaker options in our closets. The impressively lightweight design feels genuinely fast on our feet when we're working through treadmill tempo runs, and the stretchy, woven upper is both breathable and durable, holding up well after over six months of consistent wear. 

The nitrogen-infused foam midsole provides ample cushioning underfoot while maintaining a very responsive feel. Meanwhile, the smart outsole design keeps us feeling stable and confident when picking up heavier weights. Not too narrow and not too wide, it’s lightly rubberized at the forefoot and heel for necessary grip and durability. And the arch supports the midsole foam, creating a surface that responds organically to our foot movement, regardless of the workout.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Brooks Restart.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes tend to run small, so you may want to consider sizing up.

Best for Speedwork

Brooks Hyperion Neutral Running Shoe

$140

$113 at Amazon

$140

$98 at Nordstrom View on Fleetfeet.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12, Men's 7-15 Materials: Knit and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 6.8 ounces, Men's 7.6 ounces Cushioning Level: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a responsive gym shoe to support speedwork and more explosive movements.

Why We Love Them

After falling in love with its predecessor, we had to give the Brooks Hyperion Shoe a go. These shoes maintain excellent ground contact, which is especially noticeable during speedwork, such as sprints and more explosive drills. The warp knit and mesh upper feels lightweight and breathable, keeping our feet cool and dry during intense workouts. 

We love that it provides a snug and secure fit that supports stability during our quick movements. While technically a running shoe, we found that this highly responsive pair can also easily adapt to gym settings, from treadmill work to HIIT-style workouts and functional fitness drills. It also features a streamlined aesthetic and a color palette that can elevate any gym look, which is always a plus.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Nordstrom Rack.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes feel a bit firmer than other options on our list, which some may not prefer. Although we found them highly comfy and supportive.

Best Cushioning

Saucony Ride 18

$145

$100 at Amazon View on Zappos $145 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (medium, wide), Men's 7-15 (medium, wide) Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 8 ounces, Men's 9.1 ounces Cushioning Level: High Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want highly versatile gym shoes with extra comfortable cushioning.

Why We Love Them

When we find our feet craving a little extra comfort during our gym workouts, we lace up Saucony’s Ride 18 Sneaker. While technically a running shoe, they provide a balance of breathability, cushioning, and stability that makes for a reliable, all-purpose gym shoe. We also appreciate that they don’t require a break-in period, feeling comfortable and ready to work right out of the box.

This neutral shoe is padded with plenty of cloudlike foam and features an extra heel collar cushion, all while keeping the weight of the shoe in check. The mesh upper is both stretchy and durable, and the outsole features rubber at the front for extra traction, along with a groove pattern that provides a stable feel underfoot, regardless of the exercise being performed. When we’re unsure about the type of workout we want to do on a given day, we pack these shoes, knowing they can handle whatever we throw at them.

Also available in men’s sizes at Zappos and DSW.

Potential Flaws

• Because these shoes are so well cushioned, they have a chunkier aesthetic, which some may not prefer.