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Shoe selection is crucial in the gym, but not every gym-goer invests in the right footwear. Running shoes and everyday sneakers are commonplace in many gyms, but even if they feel comfortable initially, these types of shoes can hinder your performance and even cause injuries.
Purpose-built training shoes, on the other hand, lend the support and versatility needed for lifting, CrossFit, HIIT routines, and any other gym workouts. The best gym shoes are leaner and more agile than running shoes, which allows for explosive, multi-directional training. Others are geared more towards lifting with an elevated heel and planted toebox, which encourages proper alignment through your ankles and knees when performing movements like squatting and deadlifting.
And if your gym routine involves a little bit of everything, you can also find some fantastic crosstraining shoes. In short, if you’re hitting the gym, we highly recommend getting the right footwear for the job.
The Best Gym Shoes for Men
Below are some of the best gym shoes — whether you’re crosstraining, lifting, or doing a bit of everything. We’ve sourced options from top brands like Nike and Reebok, and included picks for people with flat feet and gymgoers shopping on a budget.
Nike Metcon 10 Men’s Workout Shoes
Quick Summary: Designed for versatile gym performance, the Metcon line has long been a favorite among gym-goers.
The latest Nike Metcon 10 combines stability with cushioning, thanks to the ReactX foam. Nike says they redesigned the shoe based on customer feedback, including the addition of a new lace lock system to keep laces out of the way during workouts. The shoes have a greater energy return than the previous edition, for greater speed during dynamic workouts. They’re also lighter weight than the last generation for all-day comfort.
Nano X5 Training Shoes
Quick Summary: Reebok’s Nano shoes have long been acclaimed among fitness enthusiasts, and the X5 are designed to combine responsiveness with stability.
Reebok’s Nano sneakers are among the most popular gym shoes on the market, thanks to their versatility for a variety of workouts, ranging from lifting to running. Reebok improved the comfort with a dual-density midsole and a soft collar for a lockdown fit. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, the X5 can fit into any gym-goer’s routine.
Nobull Outwork
Quick Summary: It’s no secret that Nobull has racked up a devoted following, particularly for lifting and gym use. Outwork is the brand’s signature shoe and is designed for strength training.
Nobull makes some of the best crosstraining shoes on the market. The Outwork features a flat, low fit for stability while lifting. The shoes also feature a wider toe box, which promotes greater comfort and a more secure footing. Plus, the one-piece upper adds durability and comfort, and the carbon rubber outsole features a circular tread for secure grip on gym floors and mats.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
Quick Summary: The Chuck Taylor needs little introduction, but it may seem like an unexpected pick for the gym. Still, the flat sole, low price, and comfortable fit make them a solidly versatile pick.
Converse Chuck Taylors are an iconic sneaker, but they’re also quietly a favorite among fitness geeks. If you’ve worn Chuck Taylors, you’ll know that the classic kicks are uniquely fitted and feature a slim, firm sole. This works very well for lifting, as you’ll get more stability and a better ground feel than you do with most sneakers. They can even work for HIIT exercises (we’ve used them for boxing workouts) and, better yet, they’re more affordable than most gym shoes.
TYR CXT-2
Quick Summary: Flat isn’t the only name of the game when it comes to gym shoes. These have greater cushioning and a higher heel-to-toe drop than others on this list.
On the opposite end of the gym shoe spectrum from barefoot shoes are these CXT-2s from TYR. They feature an NRG foam midsole and a 7mm heel-to-toe drop. The shoes really shine during big, dynamic movements like box jumps and split squats, but they’re great for just about any lifting or CrossFit workout. TYR upgraded these shoes from the CXT-1 sneakers with a wider fit for improved footing and a stability wrap around the heel.
Merrell Vapor Glove 6
Quick Summary: Though they’re designed for trail running, their low-to-the-ground fit makes the Vapor Glove shoes a solid option for gym workouts.
Another great pair of barefoot-style gym shoes is these Merrell Vapor Glove 6s. Designed for comfortable jogging on the trail or road (without the toe separation of Vibrams) the Vapor Gloves are also a favorite of deadlift enthusiasts and anyone else looking for a zero-drop heel position. We’re big fans of the shoes’ rear sling (which keeps your heel in place) and the Cleansport NXT treatment works well at keeping away odor.
Inov-8 F-Lite Mens
Quick Summary: With sufficient support and traction, these shoes are a versatile option for strength training and all-around gym use.
The Inov-9 F-Lite cross-training shoe was built with versatility in mind. The upper is cut from a single piece for easier movement, and the mesh fabric helps ensure breathability and comfort. The foam midsole offers comfort and support for running exercises, without sacrificing stability during strength training. The “Boomerang” footbed is designed to compress and spring back for greater energy return.
Gym Shoes Buying Guide
Before buying new gym shoes, consider your typical workout. Whether you focus on weightlifting, crosstraining, boxing, sprints, or a combination, you’ll want to purchase shoes accordingly. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right pair:
Support: All the best gym shoes feature a supportive design, but that changes depending on what you’re doing. Weightlifting shoes, for example, typically have an elevated heel that encourages better form. CrossFit shoes, on the other hand, often have ankle support for protection during fast, agile movements.
Traction: More grip is always better — whether you’re lifting or crosstraining — but you don’t want the kind of knobby sole you find on trail running shoes. Look for gym shoes with purpose-built soles designed to grip flat, smooth surfaces like rubber or concrete.
Cushioning: Overall, gym shoes should actually have minimal cushioning (hence the suggestion that you don’t wear running shoes). This will give you floor feel and more efficient energy transfer in power movements like squats, as there’s less cushion to absorb downward energy. Still, you do want a sliver of cushioning on crosstraining shoes if you’re doing high-impact activities.
