The process of finding the right gym shoes for your specific needs can be both overwhelming and exciting, especially in 2024. In this list we will show the 9 best gym shoes and provide key details so that you can best determine which shoe to purchase.
The ideal gym shoes for you will be dependent on variables like how you train and your foot anatomy. It’s normal to experiment with different shoes as you find what works best for you.
Adidas Dropset Trainer 2
Weighing in at 10.45 oz, The Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 is a really strong shoe for lifting and this model has been an awesome upgrade compared to its predecessor. For lifting specifically, the dual-density midsole and “flatter” feeling sole are both hits in this shoe. You can currently find this shoe on sale for as low as $60
Pros: Good stability and breathability, decent forefoot width, great for athletic-style training
Cons: Not great for running
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Price: $60-130
Nike Metcon 9
The Nike Metcon 9 is a favorite gym shoe among women. This model is a really strong well-rounded gym shoe for gym-goers who like to lift, do class workouts here and there, and do athletic-style training.
Pros: Good stability for lifting, wider toe box, durable forefoot upper
Cons: Lack of breathability, Hyperlift Heel can feel clunky, TPU heel insert takes away from Metcon 9's running performance.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
Weight: 12.4 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Price: $100-150
UA TriBase Reign 6
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 is an awesome option for Men's gym shoes. This shoe is a nice upgrade from the previous model: The UA TriBase Reign 5. A really good well-rounded gym shoe for lifting, CrossFit, athletic-style training, HIIT workouts, and even sprints or short tempo runs (100-400-meter bouts).The UA TriBase Reign 6 is going to be one of the top gym shoes in 2024. Do not sleep on this incredible shoe!
Pros: Athletic fit and feel, awesome outsole traction, drop-in midsole is responsive yet stable
Cons: Drop-in midsole can be a miss for some
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 2mm
Weight: 14.25 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Price: $130
Born Primitive Savage 1
The Born Primitive Savage 1 is great option for those who have flat feet. This shoe is built with a wider toe box and midfoot that doesn’t have a super aggressive taper so it can be great for flatter arches and feet. If you enjoy shoes in the gym that feel more “minimalist” and prioritize needing stability and durability with your workout sessions, then the Born Primitive Savage 1 will be a good pick for you.
Pros: Dense midsole is great for lifting, wide toe box, good durability for CrossFit
Cons: Tongue can press into the top of the foot, might feel too wide for narrow feet
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
Weight: 12.7 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Nike Free Metcon 5
The Nike Free Metcon 5 can be an awesome pick for HIIT workouts. The Nike Free midsole in this shoe gives this model a nice blend of versatility and comfort. It moves and articulates well and it feels “bouncy” when doing things like jump rope, box jumps, and skater strides.
Pros: Nike Free midsole is responsive, good articulation and flexibility, great for HIIT training
Cons: Lacks stability for strength training, heel can feel blocky at times for certain
training contexts
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm (per Nike’s support team)
Weight: 10.05 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size.
Price: $100-$120
Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
The Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 is a great gym shoe for high arches. This is a cross-trainer that can excel well in a lot of different contexts and is a good well-rounded gym shoe for high arches. For example, you can lift heavy in this shoe, use them for CrossFit, and even for HIIT workouts and light runs (<3 miles or less) and they’re an exceptional performer across the board.
Pros: Really strong arch support, great for lifting and functional fitness, comfortable upper
Cons: Toe spring can feel excessive at times, TPU midfoot can run on high-volume feet
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Weight: 12.3 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Price: $100-$150
On Cloud X 3
The On Cloud X 3 is earning our top pick for walking. This model has a high level of comfort and in the context of walking long distances both on the treadmill and outdoors, they’re exceptional shoes. Outside of walking, the On Cloud X 3 is also a good gym shoe for light to moderate lifting (cap loading to about 315 lbs), HIIT workouts, classes, daily wear, and short to moderate runs (1-6ish miles).
Pros: Good gym shoe for hybrid workouts, comfortable for walking and all-day wear, responsive midsole
Cons: Not great for heavy lifting, durability can be highly variable
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
Weight: 9.05 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Price: $150
Hoka Clifton 9
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.
Pros: Breathable knit upper and EVA foam midsole provide cushy support for tired feet,
Cons: Side cutaway is slightly stiffer compared to previous models
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm
Weight: 8.7 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Price: $145
Asics Gel Nimbus 24
This newest model in the Gel Nimbus line was engineered with a unique rear-foot and forefoot gel technology to create softer landings; and it's 20g lighter than the previous shoe which shows in just how soft and breathable it feels. It’s also constructed of sustainable Asics Lite rubber to enhance its longevity. This is a good shoe to use as your daily runner.
Pros: Holds foot in neutral position to prevent overpronation, gel padding reduces heel impact for long-distance training, Good for easy to medium pace runs, up to half marathon distances.
Cons: Runs small for some, consider sizing up, sacrifices stability for a “plush spring.”
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
Weight: 10.2 oz
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size
Price: $80-90