Shoe selection is crucial in the gym, but a shocking number of gym goers don’t invest in the right shoes. Every day, running shoes and sneakers are commonplace in many gyms, and while they may be comfortable to begin with, these types of shoes can hinder your performance and even cause injury.
Specially designed training shoes offer the support and versatility needed for lifting exercises, CrossFit, HIIT routines and any other indoor workout. The best athletic shoes are thinner and more agile than running shoes, allowing for explosive, multi-directional training. They designed others more for lifting with a raised heel and planted toes, which promotes proper ankle and knee alignment during movements like squats and deadlifts.
And if your gym routine involves a little of everything, you can also find some fantastic cross-training shoes. In short, if you’re heading to the gym, we highly recommend getting the right shoes for your needs.
The Best Sports Shoes for Men
Below are some of the best athletic shoes, whether you’re doing cross-training, strength training or a little of everything. We’ve selected options from top brands like Nike and Adidas, and we’ve included choices for people with flat feet and athletes on a budget.
1. Adidas Powerlift 5
If your gym sessions consist primarily of lifting weights, buy these Adidas Powerlift 5s. As is standard on weightlifting shoes, the heel is raised for better alignment, and stability is a top priority thanks to a high-density sole. They have a slightly lower heel than some weightlifting shoes, making them a good choice for beginner to intermediate lifters. The mesh upper is also highly breathable, which helps reduce sweating (and blisters) at the end of your workout.
Buy: Adidas Powerlift 5
2. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
Converse Chuck Taylors are iconic sneakers, but they’re also a quiet favorite among fitness geeks. If you’ve ever worn Chuck Taylors, you know that these classic sneakers have a unique shape and a thin, firm sole. This works great for lifting weights, as you get more stability and a better feel on the ground than with most sneakers. They can even be suitable for HIIT workouts (we used them for boxing sessions) and, best of all, they’re more affordable than most athletic shoes.
Buy: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
3. Vibram Five Fingers KSO EVO
If you hop on the treadmill as part of your gym routine - maybe sprints or jogging at the end - Vibram’s Five Fingers KSO EVO is a brilliant choice. Yes, the barefoot design seems odd, but it’s really the only type of shoe that works well for running and lifting or training. Every runner we’ve talked to who uses Five Fingers shoes says they’ve improved their speed over time, as they force the legs to engage more muscle and avoid damaging stomping gaits. And when it’s time to lift weights, you feel you have a flat foot with no cushion to impede energy transfer from the ground.
Buy: Vibram Five Fingers KSO EVO
4. Inov-8 F-Lite G 230
For CrossFit workouts, consider these F-Lite G 230 from Inov-8. They offer a barefoot feel and minimal styling that keeps your feet low and planted, while a graphene outsole provides exceptional traction. The mesh upper is also extremely breathable, and a toe guard offers additional protection.
Buy: Inov-8 F-Lite G 230
Athletic shoe buying guide
Before you buy new athletic shoes, think about your regular workout. Whether you focus on weightlifting, cross-training, boxing, sprints or a combination of both, you’ll need to buy shoes accordingly. Here are the things to consider when choosing the right pair:
Support: All the best athletic shoes are supportive, but this varies depending on what you’re doing. Weightlifting shoes, for example, typically have a raised heel that encourages better form. CrossFit shoes often have ankle support to protect fast movements.
Traction: Better traction is always better - whether you’re weightlifting or cross-training - but you don’t want the clunky soles found on trail running shoes. Look for athletic shoes with soles specifically designed to grip flat, smooth surfaces like rubber or concrete.
Cushioning: Overall, athletic shoes should have minimal cushioning (hence the suggestion not to wear running shoes). This will give you a more efficient ground feel and energy transfer in power movements like squats, as there is less cushioning to absorb energy downward. Still, some cushioning on cross-training shoes is desirable if you are doing high-affected activities.
How we chose the best athletic shoes
In our search for the best athletic shoes, we tested pairs of shoes ourselves and asked other enthusiasts what they used. We looked for shoes that not only make us perform better at the gym but also make us feel better after an intense workout (i.e., without unnecessary fatigue and pain). We stuck to well-known brands that have a proven track record in athletic shoes, and we also considered online user reviews (all of our choices received a rating of 4/5 stars or higher).
