The 7 best gym shoes for women for every type of workout

When shopping for a top-performing workout shoe, there are a number of boxes they should check. In addition to fitting great and offering proper support, they should also be designed for the exact type of workout you’re doing. For example, one sneaker may be ideal for dog walks and runs — but useless for weightlifting.

To ensure you find the right shoe for your preferred fitness activities, our editors researched the best gym shoes on the market to bring you our expert recommendations. Whether you’re into running, cross-training, HIIT circuits, walking or want an all-purpose shoe, you’re sure to find the most suitable option for you here.

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Our favorite gym shoes for women

Best overall gym shoes for women

The Nike Metcon 8 Women’s Training Shoes

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$97.97 at Nike

Our favorite cross-training shoes

Reebok Women’s Nano X3

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$150 at Reebok

Top-tier weightlifting shoes

Reebok Legacy Lifter III

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$149.97 at Reebok

Best shoe for running and the gym

On Running Cloudflyer 4

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$169.99 at OnRunning

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Best overall gym shoes for women

The Nike Metcon 8 Women’s Training Shoes

You save $32.03 (24.64%)

$97.97$130

$97.97 at Nike

Pros & Cons

• Breathable mesh exterior, easing discomfort and irritation

• Supportive React foam cushioning

• Sturdy rubber grip around your arches

• Fit runs small 

• Not ideal for long runs

When working out, you should be able to break a sweat, jog a lap, and get your reps in without worry. The Nike Metcon 8 is a lightweight, multipurpose sneaker for a range of motion and movement. They’re perfect for strength training, cardio, sprints and more.

While there’s a time and place for a foot sauna, your treadmill session shouldn’t be one of them. Thankfully, the Metcon 8 is designed with a mesh upper and textured overlay to let your feet breathe.

When it comes to support, its React foam cushioning technology is sturdy enough to minimize plantar fasciitis but springy enough for jumps and cardio. And the shoe’s rubber treads provide a strong grip and reliable traction.

Ease your fears of slipping while you exercise with the shoe’s wide, flat heel. The heel has an inner plate that allows you to shift your weight evenly. While these shoes are practical and reliable, they’re also easy on the eyes. Choose a variety of tones from soft pink to vivid neon — or choose your own custom sneaker colors.

Our favorite cross-training shoes

Reebok Women’s Nano X3

$150

$150 at Reebok

Pros & Cons

• Lift and Run Chassis Technology

• Made with 30% recycled materials

• Floatride Energy foam heel

• Size runs big

• Tends to run narrow; may not be best for those with wide feet

Whether you’re rock climbing or doing HIIT, you need specific support for different workout modalities. Think of the Nano X3s as your ally for cross-training. Not only are they reliable, but they’re also eco-friendly because 30% of the shoe is from recycled materials.

These sneakers have Lift and Run Chassis technology that supports your ankle and lifts the heel. The heel softens when you push off to jump or run. The Floatride Energy Foam provides extra cushioning. Plus, the sneaker’s Flexweave woven textile upper stops your feet from becoming too hot. 

The shoes are versatile enough for both cross-training and running. They also come in interesting colors, from Blue Pearl to Purple Oasis to Soft Ecru. You’ll look stylish as you sport some of the best gym shoes for women while doing cross-training activities.

Top-tier weightlifting shoes

Reebok Legacy Lifter III

You save $70.03 (31.83%)

$149.97$220

$149.97 at Reebok

Pros & Cons

• Inflatable pump technology

• TPU heel for resistance and flexibility

• Midfoot strap for easy wear and removal

• Limited color options

• Not intended for non-weightlifting activities

Ease your fears of slipping or losing your balance when you’re strength training or squatting. The Reebok Legacy Lifter III sneaker is the key to stability in weightlifting. Wear them for a strong grip and trustworthy support — and don’t worry about bouncing.

The 22m heel rise supports you as you squat or deadlift. The shoe’s inflatable pump technology allows for versatile and vigorous movement so that you can adjust the fit. Using the sneaker’s midfoot strap means easy, hassle-free securing. 

The sneaker has a TCU heel clip to power your performance. The sneaker’s grip makes sure you stay put on the gym floor. Its overall reliability makes it one of the best gym shoes for women. The shoes come in two colors: one in light orange and another in purple, white, and orange.

Best shoe for running and the gym

On Running Cloudflyer 4

$169.99

$169.99 at OnRunning

Pros & Cons

• Nearly 35-40% of the shoe consists of recycled materials, and 90-95% of the upper is recycled polyester 

• Inbuilt Speedboard technology in the heel

• Lightweight

• Loose heel

• Not intended for weightlighting

Comfort, fashion, and top performance. That’s what you get with the Cloudflyer 4 by On Running. Not only does this shoe excel across multiple categories — but it’s also designed for multiple activities, so you can wear them while running or at the gym.

As befitting its name, the sneaker is ultra-lightweight to capture the feeling of walking on clouds. However, it’s also durable enough for your exercise activities. So, you can use it for everything from running to other aerobic workouts. 

The shoe has a heel-to-toe drop of 7 mm to provide more cushioning and slope for running. And this model has the Cloudflyer’s plushest tongue ever to soothe your feet. The Speedboard heel pads allow for better launching and movement, and the shoe’s raised sides offer stability. Don’t worry about hot, sweaty feet; the mesh upper lets your feet breathe.

If there’s one word to sum up this sneaker, it’s agile. You can use it on the track, treadmill, or outdoor roads, making it one of the best gym shoes for women. As an added plus, this shoe is made from recycled materials and nearly all of the upper is recycled polyester. The Cloudflyer 4 has several chic color schemes, including white, peach and cloud blue.

Top cushioned sneakers for women

Hoka Bondi 8

$165

$165 at Hoka

Pros & Cons

• Lightweight, resilient foam

• Zonal rubber placement for grip

• Made from vegan and recycled materials

• Prone to heaviness

• Not the most slip-resistant

Hoka upgraded its Bondi sneaker with an extended heel, new foam, and a pillowed tongue for extra support. Its mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable, and its plush memory collar is designed to comfortably carry the ankle. Use its convenient pull tab for easy pulling on and removal.

The sneaker has a rear crash pad to make the heel-strike to forefront transition softer and more balanced. It’s optimal for everyday walking, running, and comfort wear — and is an especially good choice for those with plantar fasciitis. In fact, the American Podiatric Association recognized the Bondi 8 as a shoe beneficial to foot health, earning a Seal of Acceptance. 

The shoe comes in multiple colors, from Cherries Jubilee (magenta) to Shell Coral. You can try the sneaker virtually on the shoe’s website or even view it in Augmented Reality.

Best shoes for HIIT training sessions

Nike ZOOM SuperRep 4 Next Nature

You save $32.03 (24.64%)

$97.97$130

$97.97 at Nike

Pros & Cons

• Made from at least 20% recycled content

• Large arc on the side for side-to-side support

• Zoom Air Units in the forefoot

• Not for everyday wear

• May run large, so size it down by a half or full-size

Love a HIIT workout? Then, you’ll love the Nike Zoom SuperRep 4, designed for HIIT exercises, such as burpees, squats, or working with weights. 

What makes these sneakers assets for HIIT are their large arcs. They act as a brace for your feet as you move from side-to-side. The Zoom Air Units absorb your energy and send it back to propel you to your next step or jump. 

Plus, this shoe has a fully adjustable tongue for easy and comfortable sliding in and out. And the mesh upper allows comfort and breathability in your sweat sessions. 

The Zoom SuperRep comes in colors like Coral Chalk, Football Gray, and Pink Oxford. Nike made it with at least 20% recycled content.

For low-intensity workouts

Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher 2

You save $41 (30.37%)

$94$135

$94 at Allbirds

Pros & Cons

• Available in eleven color schemes

• Made from sustainable materials

• Machine washable

• May not be suited for extra long runs

• Some reviewers didn’t love the fit

The Tree Dasher 2 has earned an average of 4.7- out of 5-stars from over 1,700 reviewers. Allbirds upgraded it from its original model to add more flexible foam and a better grip and fit. It’s suitable for everyday runs, walks and light workouts.

The shoe has a no-slip heel fit for secure wear. Its angular heel shape cushions your feet on your local walks and runs. Allbirds’ has a New Zealand origin, incorporating eco-friendly materials from Australia and New Zealand into its designs. Materials include eucalyptus tree fiber, shoelaces from recycled plastic bottles, and a natural rubber outer sole.

Not convinced? Don’t just take our word for it. To ensure runners love it, Allbirds had 90+ runners test this shoe for over nine months. And as an added bonus, the retailer offers free shipping when you order online.

How to choose the best women’s gym sneakers

It’s a good idea to be discerning about the sneakers you invest in. Wearing the wrong ones can cause discomfort — and lead to injuries. Or, if they aren’t designed for your activity of choice, they can hinder your sports performance. To choose the right fitness shoe, consider the following:

• Your activity of choice. The sneaker you choose should be designed for your activity of choice. For example, if you’re doing a HIIT workout where jumping and changing direction are involved, you’ll likely want a lighter, more agile shoe. If walking is your preferred mode of exercise, you may want a more cushioned, supportive shoe. For those who intend to begin or maintain a strength training routine, you’ll want a sneaker that will keep you in place. Often, these shoes have a flat sole or a lifted heel. The flat sole is for balance. Lifted heels help you manage an ankle range of motion, whether you’re squatting or lifting. Before purchasing a shoe, check to see what the maker intended the shoe to be used for — and that the design suits your needs.

• Your preferred level of cushioning. It’s important that the shoe meets your needs from a comfort standpoint. For example, with running sneakers, a plush heel is often required to maintain comfort and avoid blisters at the end of your cardio session. Arch support reduces the risk of painful plantar fasciitis. Additionally, if you have aches in your feet, knees, back or joints, you’ll likely need a shoe that provides more cushioning. Consider this as you shop.

• How often you’ll use them. If you regularly exercise, you’ll want to find a shoe that’s made from durable materials so that they last for longer. A higher price doesn’t always equal durability, so you’ll want to check what the shoe is made from before buying.

• Your desired fit. Some — but not all — sneakers are available in wide and narrow fits. If you need more or less room at the sides of your shoes, you’ll want to look for these sizing options when purchasing your shoes.

Our verdict

All of the shoes above are top-tier models for their respective intended activities. But if we had to choose the best sneakers from our list we’d pick:

• The Nike Metcon 8. Its versatility is its differentiator, whether you’re doing cardio or weight-lifting workouts. It offers strong yet airy mesh, sturdy and springy cushioning, and a powerful grip. The Metcon 8 comes in different eye-catching colors, or you can design your own on the Nike website. Apart from long runs, there’s not much this sneaker can’t do, which is why it’s one of the best gym shoes for women.

• The Reebok Legacy Lifter III. Since these shoes are specifically for weight-lifting, they’ll ease your worries about slips and injuries. They’ll also help support you as you strength train or hold you in place as you do squats and other exercises. 

• The Cloudflyer 4. These shoes are lightweight enough to provide a floating-like sensation when walking or exercising. Its Speedboard technology keeps your feet from injury and aches. It’s also promising that most of the shoe is made from recycled material to show a commitment to sustainability.

Whether you’re taking a light walk or starting a cross-training routine, these shoes will help you make the most of your workouts. Remember to consult your physician, particularly if you’ve had injuries before you embark on an exercise routine.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.