The Best Workout Shoes For Men, According To Fitness Trainers

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 5 total | Support: Wide heel, wide internal webbing | Cushion: Soft foam core

• What’s notable: The lightweight fit enables comfortable ankle and forefoot support for all types of athletic movement.
• What could be better: The popular colors sell out fast.

Nike’s Metcon shoes have long been considered the gold standard for workout shoes, and this latest version builds upon the already-great features: The revamped upper is easier to slide into with a molded collar for your ankle, a wide heel gives you that same solid base for stability, and flexibility in the forefoot provides agility for moves like burpees, planks and sprints. Nike also added in rubber tread in high-wear areas for more traction, making this a well-rounded shoe for pretty much any athletic endeavor.

What the experts say: “This is a great cross training shoe because it’s flexible and comfortable,” says Brendan Copley, ATC, CSCS, personal trainer at Performance Optimal Health. “It works well for running, agility and weights.” The stable shape is helpful, too. “It has a bit of an elevated heel—this makes them good for doing squats and knee bends if you lack mobility through the ankle,” says personal trainer Dan Belli, owner of Mason Street Strength and Fitness. “They’re also great for weightlifting because you’ll have good ground contact.”

Sizes: 6.5 to 14 | Colors: 9 total | Support: Mesh upper, EVA outsole with flex grooves and rubber heel | Cushion: Responsive midsole FuelFoam

• What’s notable: This shoe’s MemoryTech foam sockliner creates a uniquely breathable feel at a reasonable price.
• What could be better: The thinner soles can make for shorter shoe lifespan.

These days it’s hard to find a decent workout shoe for less than $140. Reebok’s well-priced and highly rated Flexagon Force 4 is an exception. They have a breathable mesh upper and soft midsole cushioning, plus flex grooves in the outsole give you the support and flexibility for deep lunges and quick pivots.

What the expert says: “This is a good general crosstraining shoe,” says Copley. “It’s great for things like the stationary bike, elliptical, walking, minimal running and agility studio classes because there are lots of pivot points on the base.”

Sizes: 7 to 16 | Colors: 26 total | Support: Durabrasion rubber outsole, MetaRocker stable geometry | Cushion: Symmetrical and lightweight

• What’s notable: The breathable knit upper and EVA foam midsole provide cushy support for tired feet.
• What could be better: This model’s side cutaway is slightly stiffer compared to previous models.

This latest iteration in the Clifton series has been streamlined for maximum comfort. With its EVA foam midsole and plush heel, the Hoka Clifton 9 has an added 3mm in height for a lighter underfoot experience. Those with sensitive or recovering feet will appreciate the extra support, and those looking for a longer-lasting shoe will like the new Durabrasion rubber outsole that extends the longevity of this model.

What the experts say: “In general, these are good for people that have a neutral foot that need a bit of impact control,” says Copley. “They may have stress-related injuries but they don’t need a lot of support.” If you’re an overpronator, though, these may not be ideal, according to Petersen Pierre, personal trainer at Xenhouse. “This shoe doesn’t have a ton of motion control,” he says.

Sizes: 8 to 16 | Colors: 12 total | Support: SuperFabric one-piece upper, carbon rubber outsole, perforated microsuede tongue | Cushion: Molded, anatomical

• What’s notable: The low drop keeps you stable while cushioning absorbs the force of high-impact workouts.
• What could be better: At 13.13 ounces, this shoe is on the heavier side.

The NoBull Impact is reinforced with a SuperFabric one-piece upper so it can hold up to serious wear and tear from tough workouts. It has a low-drop heel to help with balance, a grippy outsole for traction and molded insole flexes for high-impact movements—making it a great shoe for a variety of cross training and HIIT workouts.

What the experts say: “This has a minimal drop so it has a firm base for lifting but it will work well for box jumps as well,” says Copley. “The gum sole is grippy on different surfaces for lifting, CrossFit, burpees and changing direction running for short bursts,” says Pierre. “But, they’re not the most breathable.”

Sizes: 6 to 16 | Colors: 10 total | Support: Cushioned midsole, adaptive stability features for added support, engineered stretch knit upper | Cushion: FF Blast Plus Eco Cushioning, PureGel technology for shock absorption

• What’s notable: With exceptional medial support, this shoe works for many, and especially for overpronators.
• What could be better: Some say the mesh at the toe can wear out quickly.

The Gel Kayano was first introduced in 1993, and it has been beloved by runners ever since for its cushioning and support. The stability on this latest iteration is next level: It has a heel bevel for smooth transitions when in motion, responsive medial foam helps position your foot correctly with every stride, and a broad platform with a grippy sole keeps you secure. It has an updated knit collar construction for easy on and off, and it even comes in wide and extra wide widths.

What the expert says: “These are a great stability shoe,” says Pierre, who tested the Kayano 30 version. “They have great arch support, lots of cushion and they’re a good all-around shoe.” Copley agrees: “This is an iconic, classic running shoe,” he says. “It’s a good combination of support and cushion, and it does well for someone who need a bit of extra control through their arch.”

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 3 total | Support: Hyperlift plate, rubber rope wrap | Cushion: Dual-density midsole

• What’s notable: The collapsible back makes it easy to get these on your foot, and it snaps back in place to ensure you have good heel support.
• What could be better: While these are great for lifting and CrossFit, you’d want more cushion and support for longer running workouts.

One of the key features of this model is its Hyperlift heel plate, which helps force weight down so that you feel grounded and stable during weighted lunges and dead lifts. The midsole is firm on the exterior with soft foam on the inside, which translates to responsive cushioning whether you’re lifting weights or doing movements that require quick transitions, like squat jumps. The side rubber wrap also provides durability and support for rope climbing and changes of direction.

What the expert says: “For traditional weightlifting, this shoe is really well-liked,” says Copley. “It’s a firm shoe with a low drop, so it will feel like you’re pushing off the floor instead of it being absorptive.” Pierre likes these as an all-around shoe, too: “These are a standout cross training shoe where you’ll get a bit of everything—you can do squats and deadlifts but you can also use them for very short runs,” he says. “They’re stable for weightlifting and allow you to do plyometrics and agility moves.”

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Colors: 14 total | Support: Speedboard for energy efficient pushoffs, molded heel | Cushion: Zero-Gravity foam

• What’s notable: At 8.8 ounces, these are one of the lightest workout shoes on the market.
• What could be better: Other models have a more plush interior, and some don’t like that small rocks can get stuck in the sole easily.

The On Cloud 5 is arguably the brand’s most popular model, beloved for both low-key workouts and as a lifestyle shoe. The springy Zero-Gravity foam cushions joints, and the internal Speedboard bends and flexes while you move, harnessing the energy you generate through movement and turning it into momentum. The On Cloud 5 also has a speed lacing system so it’s quick to get on and off (it comes with regular laces, too), and it’s made with breathable antimicrobial mesh so your feet won’t sweat or get smelly.

What the expert says: “If you have a neutral foot and want something that’s light, stylish and comfortable, this is great for walking and as a general gym shoe,” says Copley. “These look cool and have a snug fit,” says Pierre. “They’re great for forward movement but nothing lateral.”

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 5 total | Support: Dynawall technology for stability, Dynafit upper for flexibility | Cushion: Rearfoot and forefoot gel technology

• What’s notable: This shoe fits true to size and is a durable option with good traction on the court.
• What could be better: It can be stiff at first, and the toe box can be too narrow for some.

Support and stability are two of the hallmarks of this top-selling tennis shoe, making it ideal for those who prefer to play from the baseline with explosive lateral movements when hitting forehands and backhands. The brand’s Dynawall technology in the midsole and heel creates stability during quick starts and stops, and the shoe is also designed to respond with extra pressure around the lacing system when support is needed. Gel technology keeps feet comfortable all the way to the end of your match.

What the expert says: “These have a really stable platform,” says Pierre. “The grip on the outsole makes it easy to change direction and for sharp stops and pushoffs.” Pierre points out, though, that these can be a bit heavy.