Buzz
While most personal trainers emphasize that you don’t need expensive gear or a gym membership to stay active, a solid pair of sneakers is essential. With countless options available, we consulted fitness professionals to get their top recommendations for workout shoes.
“Comfort is ultimately a personal choice,” said Katie M. Feeley, a coach at Power Plant Gym in Aston, Pennsylvania. She suggests ordering two sizes or styles when shopping online to find the best fit and returning the other. Feeley notes that cushioned shoes are ideal for running, while flat soles are better for weightlifting. However, for an all-around gym shoe, she and others recommend cross-trainers or versatile sneakers that work for both cardio and strength training.
Ilya Parker, a licensed physical therapist assistant and founder of Decolonizing Fitness, agrees. “I prioritize budget and versatility. Investing in a high-quality, multi-purpose training shoe is worth it because of its wide range of uses,” Parker explained. Gary Samson, head coach and owner of Philly Personal Fitness, shares this view, advising, “Keep it simple! Choose a shoe you’ll actually wear and feel confident in during your workouts.”
Phil Nicolaou, a trainer at Philadelphia Personal Trainers, stresses the importance of wearing proper athletic shoes. “I’ve seen clients injure their ankles by wearing unsupportive everyday shoes to the gym,” Nicolaou said. “If regular shoes were suitable for workouts, they’d be more commonly used in fitness settings.”
To ensure your workouts start on the right foot, these trainers share their favorite sneakers for running, weightlifting, and general gym use.
1. Under Armour Charged sneakers
2. Hoka Kawana sneaker
Sarah Taylor, a personal trainer and plus-size model, introduced us to Hoka's Kawana hybrid shoe, perfect for both strength training and cardio. With less cushioning than Hoka's typical running shoes, it offers a flatter base for weightlifting. For more cushioning, Taylor highly recommends the Clifton 9, while Parker endorses the brand for running and gym workouts.
Available at Zappos for $139.95 (in women's sizes 5–11 and five colors or men's sizes 7–14 and five colors).
3. Reebok Nano sneakers
4. Nobull Outwork sneaker
Katie M. Feeley, a coach at Power Plant Gym and board member of the Body Positive Fitness Alliance, along with Ilya Parker, founder of Decolonizing Fitness, both endorse Nobull sneakers. Parker particularly favors the Outwork model, stating, "Its low sole provides excellent stability, solid traction for multidirectional movements, and exceptional durability." Feeley adds that Nobull shoes are "robust enough for lifting, yet versatile for plyometric exercises and short runs."
Available at Nobull for $139 (in women's sizes 5–11 and five colors or men's sizes 7–18 and six colors).
5. Brooks Ghost sneaker
6. Converse All Stars
Feeley, Nicolaou, and Olivia Cadence Luxe, founder of the Ground Up Barbell Club, all endorse Converse All Stars for weightlifting and powerlifting. Feeley explains, "A flat, firm sole is ideal for weight training as it ensures stability and maximizes power transfer during lifts, unlike cushioned soles."
Available at Converse for $60 (in women's sizes 5–18, including wide options and 20 colors, or men's sizes 3–13, with wide options and 20 colors).
7. Nike Metcon sneakers
