Finding the best gym trainers can feel like a bit of a mission. Which brand is best? Do you need different support for different sports? And which will last the long run, rather than fall apart within a few years?
All good questions – and with 93,000,000 results on Google alone, it’s fair to say that there are plenty to choose from. Wearing the right trainers for your session is absolutely key, as one J Foot Ankle Res. study found, incorrect footwear can cause some pretty serious injuries.
So, where to start? Let me help. I’m Ally Head, Senior Health Editor at Marie Claire UK and a 9x marathoner who once learned to deadlift twice my body weight for a feature. Yep – I know a thing or two about trainers, having tried well over a hundred pairs during the course of my career.
Lucky for you, I’ve whittled down my go-tos in one succinct article. Whether you’re into weight lifting, running, Pilates, yoga, or something else entirely, there’s a trainer for every workout. My top tip, before you scroll my edit of the best? Think about what you’ll be using the gym trainers for the most, and buy one designed for that speciality. Plus, think about whether investing in a sustainable trainer is important for you – more below.
Don’t miss our guides to the best running trainers, best cross training shoes, and best weightlifting shoes, while you’re here.
Senior Health Editor Ally Head testing some of the best gym trainers featured in this round up.
(Image credit: Future)
Best gym trainers: 21 to shop now, tested by a Health Editor
Best for weight training
(Image credit: Nike)
The Nike Metcons are loved in the weightlifting world for a reason – they’re a comfortable, trustworthy, and reliable training shoe designed to last the long run. I have a much older pair from around 2016 that are still as good as new.
And the brand new Metcon 10 design, which I was lucky enough to be one of the first in the world to try last week, really doesn’t disappoint. A stable, flexible training shoe, it’s been specifically designed for weightlifting, cross-training and functional workouts while still being responsive. I was impressed with the grip on the trainers, forefoot flex grooves for easy range of movement, and the cushioned, comfortable feel.
I tested the shoe during a CrossFit-style workout, which included weighted lunges, burpees, rowing and cycling, and they were responsive enough for all of the moves. Fun fact: the shoe actually has the same foam as the Nike React running shoe in the forefoot, designed to make the strength-focused shoe responsive enough for circuit and CrossFit classes.
Cons: as above, my feet err on the wide side, and these do run slightly narrow. Plus, it goes without saying that while these flatter shoes are a reliable base for lifts and circuit classes, they’re not designed for regular running.
Best affordable gym trainers
(Image credit: Future)
Reebok has long been designing stable, secure shoes with weight lifting or gym classes in mind, and the Nano X4 are one of the newest in their range. I was pleasantly surprised at how lightweight they are to lift in, while still being breathable thanks to the added mesh panels. You’ll be comfortable lifting mid-range weights in these thanks to their stability, however, I’d opt personally opt for one of the other options with a firmer, thicker base if you’re keen to lift heavy weights.
Best gym trainers for cardio
(Image credit: lululemon)
The newest training shoe from athleisurewear giant lululemon, the Chargefeel 3 trainer is what the brand calls a “hybrid” trainer, designed for cardio and weight training. Having tested, it’s a sturdy, stable and responsive shoe, and great for short runs and workout classes. With a layered upper for maximum breathability and a lightweight, responsive midsole for energy return, it’s a really great all-rounder.
Although, do note: they run small, and even the official lulu website advises going up half a size.
Best overall
(Image credit: Future)
ON’s first-ever training shoe designed for the gym, when testing, I found these impressively bouncy and flexible while also being stable enough for weights and circuit workouts. They’re one of your best all-rounder options – flat enough not to cause any niggles for weight lifting, but cushioned enough to support you through HIIT classes or shorter runs. The toe did wear through after about nine months of solid usage, but I liked that I could chuck them on for pretty much any workout and knew I’d be getting the support I needed.
Best gym trainers for beginners
(Image credit: RAD)
“These have quickly become my go-to gym shoes. Earlier this year, I decided to dial down the HIIT classes and cardio sessions in favour of lifting weights, so I needed to expand my trainer collection to include a pair that are comfy, stabilising and lightweight to support my workouts.”
“The R.A.D One V2 is designed to cover all bases on the gym floor, whether your session includes lifting, plyometrics or gymnastics. I really like that they’re flexible during movements like calf raises and lunges, but they also made me feel sturdy during back squats, RDLs and supported step-ups. While they boast the wellFoam™ springy EVA midsole technology for more active movement, I have wide and flat feet – meaning that I preferred to switch to super-cushioned running trainers for cardio finishers like treadmill sprints.”
“Lastly, there are just three colourways – white, black and gum, and black, which suits me as someone who prefers to keep things simple, but worth noting if you like bright and vibrantly-hued trainers. Overall, I love how they look (I’m a sucker for a chunky heel) and they’ve been a great addition to my strength training sessions.” – Jadie Troy-Pryde, News Editor
Best gym trainers for weightlifting
(Image credit: Future)
Another brand that’s been designing sturdy, long lasting shoes specifically with the gym in mind for a while is Under Armour. At a more affordable price point than other iterations in this round up, the shoes are secure and supportive, allowing for explosive, stable movement. I was impressed with how low to the ground they are – they help you to feel grounded for every weighted move, like a deadlift or squat – and with the additional external heel clip and internal heel counter, which really maximise the feeling of support. The main thing I liked about the shoes, though, is how comfortable they are, with a soft, cushiony midsole to support you through your sessions.
Best sustainable gym trainers
(Image credit: Future)
While these VEJA Condor 3 trainers were designed with running in mind, I’ve found them to be a great all-rounder that’ll support you through any gym class, workout session or run. When testing, I found them cushioned, light and durable, bouncy thanks to their 29mm heel stack and a great option for those with wider feet. I love the colourway, too, and think they’re a great option for wearing to work if you can’t squeeze another of shoes in your gym bag.
Best gym trainers for running
(Image credit: ON)
I’ve long been a fan of ON trainers for long runs (so much so, I wrote an entire ON Cloudmonster review, here). That said, I’d never found the pair until last year. You know – the ones that you chuck on time and time again because they feel so great when you wear them?
Enter stage right, the Cloudmonster, one of their latest designs engineered with speed in mind. And that they are – the phrase running on clouds springs to mind, as I’ve been testing, I’ve been really impressed by how propulsive, lightweight, and responsive they are, too.
New to the family is the Cloudmonster Hyper, promising to be more cushioned, comfortable and responsive than its earlier iteration. With their tallest stack height offering ever, it’s a bouncy, stable, and a joy to wear.
If you’re a runner who regularly laces up for speedwork or is looking to improve your time, you can’t go far wrong. Cons: they run a tad big, so bare that in mind when ordering I also found that the lacing across the top of your foot can be a bit restrictive, so be sure to unlace and relace to fit your personal foot width.
Best gym trainers for speedwork and HIIT
(Image credit: ASICS)
I’ve been hearing the hype about these ASICS running trainers since they launched and can confirm having tested that they are seriously speedy. They’ve been specifically designed to help you take longer strides and conserve energy while running, but are impressively light and easy to wear, too. Invest in these trainers for a comfortable, stable pair of trainers which have an energetic midsole foam and propulsive carbon plate to help you push your pace.
Do note, though – as they have carbon plate technology in the sole, they’re designed specifically with running in mind. These aren’t your best option for strength training or day-to-day sessions,
(Image credit: New Balance)
One of my favourite recent releases, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 shoes are seriously impressive if you’re after a sturdy, reliable trainer that offers a bit of bounce for speedwork and steady sessions. While they’re an investment, they’re a notable improvement on the V3, offering a more comfortable and cushioned ride. Basically, I feel confident and supported in these, and they almost felt like an extension of my leg – light, comfortable, and fast, with no rubbing or discomfort. If you’re yet to try carbon plate shoes, they’re a great place to start as they offer all of the propulsion without scrimping on comfort.
Other things to note: the colourway is gorgeous and looks really great with most colours of workout kit, another yes from me.
Do note, though: as with all running trainers, it’s worth going up at least half a size to make sure you don’t get blisters (our feet swell when we run so it’s always worth going up at least half a size, but these in particular do run small).
(Image credit: New Balance)
I’ve been really pleasantly surprised by this stable workhouse of a shoe from New Balance, great for if you’re keen to invest in a shoe that’s an all-rounder. While it’s been designed with miles in mind, it’s also a great purchase if you’re after a trainer you can wear for crosstraining and walking.
The latest iteration of the trainer, the v5, is propulsive, responsive and adaptive, making it a great all-rounder for shorter, speedy runs or longer, endurance-focused miles.
Offer a light, comfortable and supportive option with plenty (but not too much) cushioning, I didn’t suffer from any rubbing, blisters, or discomfort, and have been wearing them on repeat for my easy pace and long runs. Add to basket for a cushioned workhorse.
Other important things to note: the design has a wide toe box, making the trainers ideal for those of you who have slightly wider feet. They do run small, so I’d recommend going up half a size.
If you’re a runner, you’ll likely have heard of carbon plate shoes. Widely regarded as “super shoes”, studies have found they both help improve stability and improve energy return. In non-running jargon, they help you to run faster – so much so that many believe they helped athlete Eliud Kipchoge break a sub-two-hour marathon for the first time in human history.
Several brands now sell their own carbon plate trainers, and one of my favourite offerings from New Balance is the Supercomp, which are unbelievably comfortable, springy and yet still supportive.
One of the most cushioned trainers I’ve ever run in, I was immediately impressed – they’re light, despite the tall heel stack, and didn’t rub, despite me running a five miler in them almost as soon as I unboxed them. I was concerned I might keep going over on my ankle as a result of the heel stack, but they’re impressively stable, as well as noticeably springy. Plus, the upper is lightweight, supporting you through runs without restricting your foot.
Do note, though – if you have wider feet, the upper might err on the tight side. Plus, they did get mucky fairly quickly – the pastel green colourway is stunning but doesn’t fare well in muddy puddles.
These aren’t an everyday shoe – some run coaches believe that training in carbon plate shoes year-round can cause injuries and more – but they are an impressive option for beating your 5km time or hitting your treadmill intervals.
There’s been an awful lot of noise in the running world about adidas’ Adizero Adios Pro. Another of the carbon plate super shoes, it was the shoe worn by athletes for the most wins during 2021 World Major Marathons – which is pretty impressive.
Need-to-knows: they’re cushioned, responsive, and easy to wear, don’t make noise as you run as some other competitor carbon plate shoes tend to, and worked a treat for my interval training runs.
Compared to the monster Supercomp from New Balance, they have a smaller 39.5mm midsole stack, but that doesn’t make them any less springy. The newer iteration also has additional cushioning in the forefoot, which I found made running in them feel more smooth and stable.
That said, the cushion in the forefoot does make you feel like you’re rocking forward with each step. Great for speedy running, no doubt, but takes some getting used to. Also, the outer is fairly thin, and while I’ve tested them over three runs so far, I’m interested to see how durable they are for the price point.
(Image credit: Nike)
There’s a reason I wore these Nike trainers for both of my Boston Qualifying marathons – the London Marathon in 2021 and the Chicago Marathon in 2022. They’re my favourites – light, springy, and cushioned, all while supporting you and offering a stable base.
It’s been coined a racing powerhouse of a trainer and I couldn’t agree more. Other racing shoes that I’ve tested aren’t quite as cushioned and don’t offer the same propulsion, whereas these strike the ideal middle ground.
Similarly to the Adizero Adios Pro, the shoe is designed to tip you forward with each stride, improving your speed. That said, you don’t notice this when walking (likely because the drop is lower), making them a more durable all-rounder.
While I’ve never had any issues with wear and tear while testing, other runners have complained that they aren’t the most long-lasting, sometimes wearing out if worn over distance. That said, I still reckon they’re a solid investment if you’re serious about your running and keen to improve your speed.
Okay, so you’re tempted by the super shoes but not so tempted by the price point? Let me introduce you to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, the perfect middle ground speed shoe with a nylon plate that’ll also work as a reliable training shoe.
It’s had rave reviews since it’s launch, and when I tested, I found them fast, with a stable platform and easy return. Plus, the black colourway is one of my personal favourites for versatility (aka, wearing for occasions other than running).
I wore a slightly different Saucony shoe for my first ever marathon back in 2018 and have long trusted the brand for daily trainers that’ll reduce your chance of injury and serve you well.
Best gym trainers for crosstraining
(Image credit: HOKA)
Did I give the HOKA Bondi 8’s five stars? Yes, yes I did – because I think they’re one of the best trainers on the market you can currently buy.
I’ve long heard people rave about HOKA but never really fallen in love with a pair – until now. Not only do they look great, thanks to their trademark chunky foam sole, but they’re a joy to workout in. I’ve hardly taken mine off since testing, and have worn them for speedwork, long runs, strength sessions, and walks.
The newest iteration of the Bondi 8, the brand has stuck to its roots with the thick EVA foam cushioning. I found this came in handy for jumps, lunges, and run propulsion – they’re pretty bouncy, while maintaining that all-important stability, too. I also found the upper breathable and comfortable (and I wore them straight out of the box – no blisters here). An editor’s pick, for sure.
(Image credit: adidas)
If you follow me on Instagram or read my content, you’ll know that I’m a die-hard fan of the adidas Ultraboost trainers. They’re not super shoes, like the above – rather, a reliable workhorse of a training shoe that you can also wear to work when you forget a change of shoes.
For a non-carbon plate shoe, the new 5 design is super bouncy thanks to adidas’ trademark Ultraboost foam, and I like that you can literally slip them on without having to undo the shoelaces (lazy, sure. Practical – always). They’re ideal for slipping on for daily walks and are also super light, plus I’ve never needed to break them in (impressive as someone who is typically blister-prone).
Some don’t get on with the Ultraboost as they’re not the most supportive and stable if you’re training higher mileage. They had some issues with the earlier iterations wearing through the knitted upper, but the recent designs are designed to be durable (I’ve had mine for around a month now and worn them plenty and they’re still good as new).
(Image credit: New Balance)
Another reliable gym trainer, if you’re after an option that you can wear for runs, gym classes, and to walk to work, is the New Balance 1080. I’ve trained for a few marathons in these, and they’re consistently supportive, stable, and cushioned for 5kms, 10kms, and more. When testing, I liked the addition of rubber on the outsole, which means they’re designed to last you for at least a few years.
That said, they’re still pretty lightweight. When worn on a particularly muddy trail run, they did slip a little, but they’re a road shoe designed primarily for concrete runs, so this didn’t surprise me too much.
I also like walking in mine and even purchased a pair for my Grandad for his daily walks. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable all-rounder, you can’t go far wrong with the 1080’s.
Fun fact: these are the lowest CO2 running trainers in the world and are a real joy to run in. They’re light, with a knitted upper, and designed to be an all-rounder – that is, you can run in them, head to a circuits class, and also head out for your daily walk in them, too.
I’ve tested them over various distances and they’re great to run in – a marked improvement on the previous iterations from Allbirds, they’ve got more cushioning and are more stable, too. Designing a totally sustainable trainer is no mean feat, but the brand are a certified B Corp, meaning they’re genuinely doing their bit as a business for both people and planet.
Worth noting, for blister-prone runners, they did take some time to break in, but were comfortable after the initial period.
If you read my Veja Impala review, then you’ll know that these are one of my go-to trainers when I need shoe I can wear for a range of workouts. I took them to Croatia on holiday this year and was really blown away by their versatility – they were supportive enough for 5km to 10km runs, and saw me through hikes and HIIT classes, too.
They’re an affordable price point, plus don’t look nuts paired with a nice dress or work outfit. Sure, they might struggle over a marathon distance, but they’re not designed for that. They’re designed to be a trendy all-rounder, ideal for the likes of Pilates and yoga, too. Can you tell I’m a fan?
Only cons – the laces are a tad long, meaning they can sometimes get in the way (plus the laces don’t have much grip, so be sure to double knot). They also get dirty fairly quickly, but nothing a quick clean can’t fix.
(Image credit: Under Armour)
One of the standout features of the Under Armour Velociti 3 is this gorgeous pink colourway, plus the fact they offer some serious support for HIIT, running, and workout classes while still looking chic. While they won’t win any awards on the cushioning front, when I tested them I found them springy enough and stable, too, offering a superior grip to other competitors.
They are quite flat – especially compared to the super-cushioned super shoes and the likes of the Ultraboost – but they’re a stable workhorse that’ll last the test of time.
Testing process
As above, every trainer in this round-up has been tested pretty extensively. I’ve worn some for marathons, some for weight lifting, some for walking, and some for good old gym classes, but they’ve all been worn for at least three separate workouts. I looked for:
- Appropriate cushioning. Shoes for running, HIIT, and gym classes will need adequate cushioning – the heel drop height is important and will impact shock absorption. When it comes to shoes for weightlifting or strength training, the flatter, the better, as they are more stable with less cushioning. Making sure you’ve got proper support underfoot is vital – there are options in this round-up for all disciplines.
- Adequate support. Running trainers are designed to support your body through each stride, and reduce your impact on any terrain, from pavement to train. Gym trainers are designed to support lateral moves, like jump lunges, skaters, and so on.
- Comfort. You’ll know if you have wide feet, over-pronate, under-pronate, or are in between sizes. Make sure you invest in a pair of trainers that work for you (and always go up half a size, to account for swelling).
Need to know terms
Confused by some of the jargon in this round up and keen to learn more about what they mean? Below, I break it down for you.
- Intervals/speedwork: A type of running workout where you’re sprinting or working at a very fast pace.
- Carbon plate: An advance in running shoe technology in recent years, a carbon plate is an addition to some trainers which adds extra bounce, speed and strength to every step (so much so, the majority of athletes and pros now race in carbon plate designs).
- Strides: A term used to describe short, sharp bursts of sprinting before a recovery period. Stride length also refers to the distance between your feet when running.
- Responsiveness: In other words, your shoe’s ability to transfer energy from your foot to the ground (you can normally measure this by how springy your shoe feels).
- Propulsion: How far your shoe propels you forward when you run.
- Energy return: In short, how springy or bouncy your shoe feels when you land on the floor.
This article was originally published in 2022 and has since been updated to include more recent trainer reviews, designs, and updated prices.
What gym trainers are best?
As above, it’ll totally depend on what kind of workouts you do and what support you’re after.
For racing, the proof is in the pudding for me, and I ran my two fastest marathons in Nike Vaporflys – they really are super shoes. For an everyday training shoe, you can’t go wrong with the HOKA Bondi 8, and for weightlifting, my favourites are the Nike Metcons.
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