Do you need some good gym shoes for your bodybuilding activities? You don’t have to look any further, dear reader; we have covered you with our exposition. He who reads our article reads life and satisfaction, stay put, and read every piece of information on this page if you need to know the names of top gym shoes available.
If you take your workouts seriously, you can’t afford to compromise when it comes to your gym shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes not only limits your performance but also increases your chance of injury.
You need a gym shoe that’s targeted to the type of workout routine you’ll be engaging in.
Having tested gym shoes from a dozen acclaimed brands, we are here to help you pick the best pair for whatever workout routines you have on your calendar.
Kindly check out our top picks in seven different categories.
Best Gym Shoes Overall
Here are our overall 5 best gym shoes. They are durable, affordable, and fascinating. In an order chosen by the publisher, the top of the list is:
1. Nike Metcon 8
Each Nike Metcon iteration is sure to bring attention, and we are really happy with the latest rendition of this quality gym shoe. Boasting a reworked upper with textured overlays, these shoes proved to be plenty durable for all the trials we put them through.
Also, these sneakers are amazingly efficient at rope climbs, despite the brand’s decision to forgo a medial rope guard.
While the Metcon 8 falls short for running circuits — the heel clip is still rigid and uncomfortable at longer distances — this kick remains our go-to silhouette for most training purposes.
2. TYR CXT-1
TYR came into the scene at the 2022 CrossFit Games, and after training in these shoes for multiple sessions, we can understand how the brand earned so many top 10 finishes with its first training sneaker. We admire how stable the CXT-1s feel underfoot, creating a rigid base for heavy squats and deadlifts.
At the same time, the included Sure NRG Foam midsole offers just the right amount of energy return for agility training and other dynamic exercises.
Our tester experienced some durability issues across the mesh upper after heavy extended use, so you may need to order a replacement pair sooner rather than later, though.
3. Puma Fuse 3.0 Training Shoes
Puma’s original Fuse Training Shoes were a blessing to our workouts, offering a lot of stability and support at less cost than other silhouettes. The latest version of this more affordable gym shoe just launched today, and no feature has been left untouched.
Puma re-engineered the Fuse 3.0 with a focus on strength training and added a new dual-density midsole for improved convenience. A new last gives wider toe splay, to increase balance, stability, and comfort during short and long workouts.
The 3.0 also features an updated Pumagrip outsole, with proprietary flex grooves designed for explosive movements and nicer traction.
A redesigned Hex TPY heel clip gives support to the back of the foot while the upper optimizes flexibility and breathability. The price has increased incrementally (up from $90 for the original and $100 for version 2.0), but the Fuse 3.0 is such a great value.
4. Reebok Nano X4
We have been big fans of Reebok’s Nano lineup for quite some time, and while the Nano X3 held a special place in our hearts — and carried the franchise’s torch quite well — the brand-new Nano X4 promises to burn even brighter. With this latest offering in the popular Nano X series, Reebok cut back on the material in the upper and redesigned the tech throughout the shoe, with the goal of increased breathability and a lightweight feel.
At 12.10 ounces, the Nano X4 is just slightly lighter than the Nano X3 (12.4 ounces), but an airier upper treatment and a new mid-foot ventilation panel keep feet cool and nimble during more serious workouts.
The Nano X4 employs the same lift-and-run chassis System as its predecessor, which allows the heel to change rigidity depending on your activity. Whether you are sprinting through a session or loading up for a big clean and jerk, these shoes are ready to tackle the toughest cardio and resistance training challenges.
The Reebok Nano X4 will be available for purchase on Reebok’s website and at select retailers starting on January 12th, in a range of unisex and women’s colorways — and additional pack drops will be available throughout this season.
5. Nobull Trainer+
Nobull sneakers have cut a worthwhile lane in the fitness community, offering a lot of performance and style with each available silhouette. For our needs, though, we often lean toward the Trainer+ lineup, which boasts more traction and improved convenience over the brand’s flagship stable.
If you wish additional ankle support and coverage, Nobull also offers the Trainer+ collection in high-top silhouettes, which we have found are exceptional for static lifts.
While the minimalist profile might not be for everyone, these sneakers make grabbing fitness by the horns much easier — and better looking, in our opinion.
What to Look for in Gym Shoes
Unlike with your favorite pair of shoes, there are several factors beyond style to consider when purchasing performance-oriented footwear. The following five are important.
1. Fit
When it comes to proper gym shoes, you should opt for a fit that is snug and taut yet not overly constrictive. You wish your footwear to be locked in and secure as you pace through various lifts and exercises, so having a ton of room in the midfoot or toe box can potentially lead to errant stances and setups.
If you are looking for sneakers specifically for static lifts like squats and deadlifts, some room and flexibility in the toe box can be beneficial, but in most cases, a more snug fit is desirable.
2. Stability
A good lifting stance begins with a solid foundation, and if you’re not grounded in your footwork, you could be left off-kilter when it comes time to move that heavy weight. As such, it is important to look for a gym shoe with a flat outsole and reasonable heel-to-toe drop.
While some may favor a rather aggressive pitch in running shoes for the sake of flinging yourself forward, that’s not the case with dedicated gym shoes.
You wish to be as grounded to the floor or machine as possible, which means keeping the difference between your heel and toe box at a minimum.
3. Durability
You are working hard in the gym, and all that determination can lead to some bumps and bruises across your gear.
To keep you out of the footwear department longer between sessions, it helps to look for kicks boasting durable upper materials as well as foams that can withstand some abuse.
Tightly woven mesh, ripstop fabrics, and other tough-as-nails materials are ideal for these training demands.
4. Breathability
All that hustling and hefting will undoubtedly lead to some sweat and stink, so you wish for a footwear option that can dispel your perspiration quickly and efficiently.
Look for silhouettes boasting some mesh pattern across the upper, as this textile can do a nice job of allowing air to flow through, keeping feet cool and collected. Just note, though, that kicks with ample breathability may be subject to some durability issues over time.
5. Grip
The simplest way to throw off your in-gym progress is with an errant slip or loss of footing. Try to find gym shoes that feature a rugged yet tacky outsole made for ample traction across typical gym flooring.
Naturally, you can cater your lug patterns to your environment — outdoor workouts will need a more aggressive tread — but ultimately, you want an underfoot grip that’s stable and secure.
