Home | WebMail |

      Calgary | Regions | Local Traffic Report | Advertise on Action News | Contact

Posted: 2022-09-05T09:45:00Z | Updated: 2022-09-05T09:45:00Z The Best Gym Shoes For Every Workout, According To Fitness Experts | HuffPost Life

The Best Gym Shoes For Every Workout, According To Fitness Experts

Get the most out of your workout session with these expert-picked footwear recommendations for women and men.
Open Image Modal

Whether you’re a frequent gym -goer or are looking to incorporate going more exercise in your weekly routine , one workout essential you need is a pair of quality shoes to get you through each session — and not all sneakers are supportive enough to do the job. 

Who better to get recommendations from than people who are in the gym every day? To help you get your feet on the right track the next time you hit the gym, we asked fitness experts, including trainers and instructors who really know their stuff, to give us their top picks for the best gym shoes. 

The best gym shoe is durable enough to hold up for your most intense fitness days, has the correct kind of support for your foot shape and has construction designed to enhance the type of workout you’re engaging in. Activities such as HIIT, cross-training, weightlifting, squats and running will yield better results — and reduce the possibility of you getting hurt — with the right shoe. 

“I use different shoes for different training. I see shoes not only as a way to keep my feet protected and healthy, but also as a way to amplify my power and stability,” said Justice Williams , a Boston, Massachusetts-based lead trainer at Fitness4AllBodies

The footwear options below are suitable for all types of fitness tasks, and a few experts say they wear them for running , too.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

For weightlifting

Adidas Powerlift 5 weightlifting shoe
"When I train my heavy squat, I use a shoe with a raised heel of an inch. This shoe helps with my squat depth, as I have limited mobility in my ankles. My go-to is the Adidas Powerlift 5 because its affordable and feels good on my foot," Willams said.

Designed specifically for weightlifting, this lightweight shoe provides the security and stability you need for strengthening. It's constructed with straps, laces and a rubber outsole to keep your feet in place. This unisex shoe is available in four colors red, white, blue and black and comes in women's 5-15 and men's 4-14.

For speed and stability

Finish Line
Nike Free Metcon 4 training shoe
"These shoes have the flexibility of the Nike Free on the ball of the foot and a wide heel to keep you fast, but are stable for everything from lifting weights to agility and speed drills. The Nike Free Metcon4 is a very versatile shoe for the gym as it combines flexibility and stability to get the most out of your gym session," said Tatiana Lampa , a New York City-based certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist.

Available in multiple colors, including burgundy, cream, teal, navy blue, pink/black, orange and black, this training shoe's wide heel design gives you a stable base for weight lifting. It's available in women's 5-15 and sizes 3.5-20.

For a 'barely there' feel while strength training

Nike Free Run 5.0 running shoe
Though Hughes recommends strength training barefoot, if that's not an option, she said it's a good idea to select a shoe that's flatter and has a barefoot-like feel like this one.

"I like a Nike Free for the barefoot feel that gives a flat surface (similar to a Converse or Vans) but with a bit more flexibility and support should your programming incorporate things like squat jumps or faster lateral movements. If youre doing HIIT training you might, however, opt for a shoe with a bit more foot and ankle support," said Thea Hughes , a New York City-based functional strength coach and founder of Max Effort .

This breathable running shoe has reinforced material on the sides where the shoe laces loop through to keep your foot secure and stable. It comes in multiple colors including black, white/red, dark blue, khaki and black/cream. The shoe is available in women's 5-12 and sizes 6-15.

For casual gym activities (women's only)

Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Phantom running shoe
"These shoes feel so good on my feet in both a plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. That's important because I can dance in them, train in them and of course run in them. They're perfect," said Selena Watkins , a Los Angeles-based fitness instructor, dancer and founder of Socanomics .

These shoes are available in women's sizes 5-13 and in an array of colors like black, peach, blue, gray, all-white and pastel pink. With four-way stretch for maximum flexibility in the upper part and cushioning in the mid and outsole, your feet will be comfortable and supported while you move.

For arch support during gym activities (women's only)

Under Armour
UA Flow Synchronicity running shoe
"I love that the UA flow shoe is lightweight, breathable and very comfy. It was specifically designed to support the arch and heel of a woman's foot!" said Ariel Belgrave , a New York City-based health and fitness coach and founder of Gym Hooky .

The structure of this lightweight shoe was intentionally designed for women's feet because it's been proven that on average, men's feet are structurally different than women's. 3D foot scans were used to create a custom fit that hugs feet and gives arch support. The upper is made of soft knit and the interior even has a plush sock liner for added comfort. It comes in women's 5-12 and in white, pink, black/silver, black/teal and black/orange.

For everyday gym sessions (women's only)

New Balance Fuelcore Nergize training shoe
"These shoes are super comfortable training shoes that can take you from lifting weights to knocking out short distances on the treadmill and everything in between. I love that even though they are training shoes, they are stylish enough for you to leave the gym and run errands around town. They're also super affordable," said Sashea Lawson , a New Jersey-based runner, fitness blogger and founder of Diverse Runners World .

Made for cross-training, this lace-up shoe has a memory insole to last through even extra-long sessions. There are also elastic bands on each side of the shoe for added security. It comes in women's sizes 5-12 with wide options available and in multiple colors like black, gray, black/white, and white/pink.

Before You Go

20 Shoes Reviewers Swear You Can Comfortably Wear For Hours And Hours
A pair of durable Wonesion nonslip sneakers if you love a bold shoe(01 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 5.510.5 and 17 colors.

Promising review:
"These shoes are amazing! When I first tried them on, I was a bit skeptical because of the support. It's something that I never felt wearing a shoe. I thought, 'Great, here comes a blister". NOPE. The support in these shoes, is absolutely incredible. I'm on my feet A LOT while at work. 14 out of the 16 hours I work, I'm walking or running around halls to keep up with patients/clients. And let me just say WOW! The comfortability is astonishing. I figured that since they are a little heavy, that my feet would be tired, or even puffy and swollen NOPE. ABSOLUTELY NOT. My feet feel great after I take them off. No blisters, the fit is great. I'm OBSESSED with these shoes. After Im done writing this review, I'm ordering another pair! These shows are the real deal." Kay
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of espadrille platform sandals featuring a small wedge and cork sole(02 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 611 with wide options and five colors.

Promising review:
"They are truly the most comfortable pair of sandals I have ever owned, no exaggeration. I wore them for an entire wedding, no complaints. Walked two miles in them on vacation, no complaints. Ran through a lightning storm in them, NO COMPLAINTS! I would run a marathon in these if I needed to. Ankle strap is comfortable and stretches enough to put my foot in but fits just right to hold the shoe on comfortably. The two foot straps dont stretch, but arent too tight. These feel even better than name brand shoes! I LOVE THEM!!! BUY THEM!" tyler fisher
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of LifeStride "Suki" pumps featuring an asymmetrical strap detail(03 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 511 with wide options, plus six colors.

Promising review: "Im in love with these heels! Its like a kitten heel almost! Super comfy. I work in sales and Im standing most of the day. Ive worn them today as my first time for a 10-hour shift and dont feel tired. Great buy!" Kassandra J.
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A lightweight pair of "Go Walk Lite" Skechers boat shoes(04 of20)
Open Image Modal
No more being ~tied up~ in the mornings! They are available in sizes 512 with wide options and six colors.

Promising review: "These Skechers boat shoes are perfect. I absolutely love them. I get compliments all the time. Im a nurse who works 12 hour shifts and my feet feel the same as they do in the morning at the end of my shift. Super comfortable." Orchid
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A flexible pair of Cushionaire platform sandals with a cork footbed, adjustable straps, and suede insoles(05 of20)
Open Image Modal
Note: Some reviewers ordering one size up. They are available in sizes 613 with wide options and 21 colors.

Promising review: "These are super comfortable. I wear them to work on casual Fridays, which is either a 9- or 10-hour day on my feet, and the comfort and support are wonderful. I wear them out shopping no pain and my feet feel great. Got them for a great price and am really glad I purchased these sandals." Babs
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of popular slip-on Toms canvas shoes available in an array of colors(06 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 512 and 70 styles.

Promising review: "Love the shoes! Comfortable and meant for wearing on long 12+ hour days. The black on black makes it look more professional." Allison McKenna
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A super breathable pair of Skechers wedge sandals to keep your feet cool and comfy(07 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in regular sizes 513, wide sizes 511, and six colors.

Promising review:
"This is a versatile wedge sandal with a classic look. I got multiple colors and some for gifts! They can be worn professionally with a pantsuit or casually with shorts! They're very comfortable for hours of standing or walking. Great height and stretchy straps. Easy on and off. Inexpensive!!! Also very light, not heavy or clunky!" Andrs & Mari
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of lightweight Hey Dude boat shoes with elastic laces(08 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 411 and 35 colors.

Promising review:
"These shoes fit as expected and are seriously the most comfortable shoes Ive ever owned. They are super lightweight but yet comfortable enough to not hurt my feet. I love these shoes and will be ordering me more! I wear them to work for 10+ hours a day and my feet do not hurt at all. Hands down the best shoes!" Amanda Collins
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A stunning pair of pointed-toe block heels featuring leather soles(09 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 510 and 13 colors.

Promising review:
"I wore these shoes for over ten hours on the day of my daughter's wedding, and they were incredibly comfortable. I walked on cement, carpet, and tile all day, and danced in them at night. They were very attractive, too! I have never been so happy with a formal pump!!" Jeanne B Carter
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A dressy pair of leather platform pumps destined to win the heart and ~sole~ of anyone who appreciates a good ol' Oxford-style shoe. (10 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 4.510 and eight colors.

Promising review:
"These shoes are SO comfortable. I am a flight attendant and have had no issues with being on my feet for 13 hours a day in these. A cute and comfy shoe!" KN
(credit:Amazon)
A pair of best-selling Skechers "Go Walk Joy" slip-on sneakers(11 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 513 in narrow and wide sizes and 27 colors.

Promising review:
"This shoe is amazing! I work for the airlines at the airport and whether I am running from concourse to concourse or standing for hours at the ticket counter, this is the best work shoe I have ever owned. The support is fantastic and my legs and feet are not tired even after my 11 hour days. Im ordering another pair in case they stop making them!! I would recommend this shoe to anyone who stands on their feet or does a lot of walking in their work environment." The Mrs.
(credit:www.amazon.com)
Or a trendy pair of Skechers "D'Lites Biggest Fan" platform sneakers(12 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 511 with wide options and eight colors.

Promising review:
"This is my third pair of these exact sneakers. Im on my feet a lot working 10-hour shifts and these are the most comfortable sneakers I have come across. They are the best sneakers for anybody who is on their feet and needs to have comfort for long periods of time. I will never wear another pair of sneakers when I need a lot of support and comfort for such a long shift. Fantastic product. I have two other pairs of sneakers that I wear but these Skechers are the absolute best for comfort. I truly cant say enough about how great they are. When these Skechers are run down I will absolutely buy another pair of these to replace them with." Denise
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of Dr. Scholl's platform slip-on sneakers created to cradle your feet(13 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 611 and three colors.

Promising review:
"I was recommended to buy this shoe for extra walking during lengthy vacations. My friend swore that her European vacation was a success because these shoes kept her going all day. I bought a pair and fell in love instantly. Needless to say that these are my second pair and I am considering my third already. I teach and walk all day. These shoes have taken away my dead-weight leg fatigue at the end of the day. I can go until 10 p.m. with these shoes on and not feel the heaviness, swollen, tired feet that most other shoes give me. The insoles are magical!" Gaston & Dianna Isidron
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of Dansko leather Mary Jane shoes incorporating a removable, molded EVA footbed(14 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 4.513 and four colors.

Promising review:
"I am a flight attendant and I am on my feet most of the day/evening. I have had a difficult time finding shoes that are approved by my company AND are comfortable. I was told about these and hesitated because of the cost. I must say I'm sorry I waited so long. These shoes are nice looking with my slacks and skirt and do not stress my feet when standing all day/evening. If you stand on your feet for a living, then do not hesitate like I did. They are worth the money!" Helen W Bovay
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A sporty pair of memory foam sneakers touting a moisture-wicking foam insole and a flexible outsole(15 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 611 and 36 colors.

Promising review:
"I really like these. I am on my feet 1012 hours a day. These are so comfortable, give support where needed, breathable, stylish and true to size. Ive gotten many compliments on them as well. I ended up buying a few different colors." Janine
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of stylish Kenneth Cole Reaction wedge sandals(16 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 511 and six colors.

Promising review
: "One of the most comfortable shoes I've ever bought! I'm a teacher and on my feet ALL day! I'm always looking for cute and comfortable shoes and these definitely fit the bill! HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend! I'm a 9.5 and that is what I ordered and they fit perfectly." LostNaiad
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A trendy pair of Vionic platform sandals designed to support your arches(17 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 511 and four colors.

Promising review: "I can't say enough about these sandals! Not only do they give you a little lift with the flatform bottom, but they are SO comfy. I honestly can say you'll feel like you are walking on clouds in these. Where I live, I walk A LOT to dinners, grab coffee, to run errands, and they NEVER hurt. Plus, they go so well with everything!" Kelly
(credit:Vionic)
A pair of versatile leather Clarks loafers to effortlessly slip on(18 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 512 with narrow, wide, and extra wide options and 10 colors.

Promising review:
"I absolutely love these shoes!! This is my fourth black pair. They have excellent arch support and even with being on my feet 12+ hours straight, I have had no discomfort. These are the only shoes besides my Birkenstocks that I have been able to wear like that." Maria M.
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of thong platform wedge sandals featuring a stylish braided fabric upper(19 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in sizes 611 and three colors.

Promising review:
"Ive had the black ones for two years and love them. They have helped me survive walking around a convention hall. I wore them five days in a row while on vacation while walking up and down hills. I even wore them biking to a beach. They got sandy but I was able to brush them off. They still look new. I have three different pair in different colors and patterns and am going to buy another pair today. Update: Im still loving these sandals. They are still holding. I walked all over the Magic Kingdom for eight hours and they still felt great. I cannot recommend these shoes enough. Buy them. Youll love them." Diane
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A slip-resistant pair of leather Mary Jane shoes available in a plethora of colors(20 of20)
Open Image Modal
They are available in regular and wide sizes 514.

Promising review:
"LOVE them!!! I cannot rave enough about how good and comfortable these are. They have saved my feet! I stand on concrete for eight hours a day and used to go home in great pain and discomfort after a shift. These literally have made it possible for me to get through the day at my job, which I thought I would have to quit because of the foot pain from standing on concrete for eight hours. I now own four pairs." Lori Valadez
(credit:www.amazon.com)

HuffPost Shoppings Best Finds

MORE IN SHOPPING