Tired of Foot Fatigue? Upgrade With These Editor-Tested Men’s Gym Shoes (2024)

No matter your favorite sport or workout, wearing the right sneakers can help you perform your best while reducing your risk of injury. But with so many running, walking, and training sneakers on the market, deciding which pair should be your go-to in the gym can be a tricky process.

The best gym shoes should be comfortable, with plenty of cushioning and support to keep you feeling light on your feet. When shopping for gym shoes, consider the type of workouts and gym equipment you gravitate towards. If you like exercises that require a lot of lateral movements, like boxing or HIIT workouts, you’ll need shoes with solid ankle support that help you stay on your toes. But when lifting weights, it’s important to wear shoes that keep you grounded.

To find the best men’s gym shoes, we researched dozens of pairs from top brands. We considered each shoe's fit, support, design, price, durability, and more. After narrowing down our choices, we put 10 shoes through our testing regimen in The Verywell Testing Lab. We only recommend pairs that received high scores for all key attributes we tested for.

How We Tested the Gym Shoes for Men

First, we researched dozens of shoes from the most popular and trusted brands. We also consulted experts, who helped us understand which features are most important to look for when shopping for gym shoes.

Then, we tested some pairs of shoes in The Verywell Testing Lab and others in the real world. In the Lab, we put each shoe through a series of typical gym workouts and activities—totaling more than 50 hours of testing. We did a short treadmill run and walk in each pair of shoes. We also worked out on at least one other cardio machine, such as a stationary bike, and did a short HIIT workout. To test the weightlifting shoes, we completed a series of lifting moves that require standing, such as squats and deadlifts.

We also wore the shoes walking around casually to assess overall comfort and support. We made sure to test the shoes on different types of gym surfaces, including rubberized floors, treadmill decks, and wood floors.

When testing the shoes in the real world, we wore them as part of our daily workout routines. We walked, ran, and exercised in them in the gym. We also walked in them to and from the gym to assess whether the shoes were versatile enough to wear casually.

At the end of the testing period, we assessed each sneaker based on cushioning, responsiveness, comfort, fit, stability, and blister protection. We scored each attribute with a rating of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (would recommend). We then combined these results with guidance from our experts to create our final list of recommendations. We're continually testing shoes as new models are released, and we will continue to update this story as new sneakers become available.

Our Experts

We spoke to three experts to understand what key features we should look for in a quality pair of men's gym shoes. We also asked each expert if they recommend specific brands of gym shoes and whether there are specific features in shoes gym-goers should avoid. Read on for more about each expert:

• Noah Neiman, co-founder and certified personal trainer at Rumble Boxing
• William Spielfogel, DPM, a New York-based, board-certified podiatrist and specialist for The Good Feet Store
• Lauren Jenai, co-founder of CrossFit

What to Look for in Gym Shoes for Men

Shoe Type

“Ideally, gym shoes should be sport-specific, depending on the type of movement,” William Spielfogel, DPM, a New York-based, board-certified podiatrist and specialist for The Good Feet Store, says.

For example, powerlifters or weightlifters should wear shoes with a flat sole that anchors them to the ground. If your gym time involves a lot of treadmill running, you may prefer a pair of running shoes, especially if you're running more than 1 mile. Cross-training shoes don't have the cushioning that's so important for long-distance runners.

Cross-trainers are a great choice for an all-around gym shoe because they’re designed to be able to move between different types of exercises. “They should be light and be able to provide cushion for exercises like running and jumping rope while having a stiff sole to support various weightlifting and plyometric exercises,” Lauren Jenai, co-founder of CrossFit, says.

Grip

Many activities at the gym require excellent grip on the soles. If you’re doing a boxing workout or playing racquetball, you want good traction, especially on slick floors. Look for rubber outsoles lined with textured patterns, which will provide a strong stickiness and prevent you from slipping and sliding.

Cushioning

If you like to run on the treadmill or do jumping or agility workouts that involve explosive movements, look for shoes with responsive cushioning for good shock absorption.

Support

Make sure that the shoe has enough lateral stability and support to protect yourself from injury. “For sports where there is a good deal of lateral movement, such as basketball or boxing, adequate ankle support is a must,” Neiman says. For those with specific foot issues, there are orthotic inserts like insoles for flat feet that can be used in tandem with the shoes.

Fit and Comfort

Above all, you need a shoe that fits well and feels comfortable. Ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes can lead to issues such as blisters and chafing, as well as various foot or knee injuries. Shoes with stretchy, lightweight mesh uppers will provide a comfy, custom-like fit and prevent your feet from overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you replace gym shoes?

When to replace your gym shoes really depends on what type of exercise you perform, how often you work out, and the intensity of your workouts. In general, lighter-weight shoes, like running shoes, need to be replaced every three to six months or every 300 to 500 miles. “Denser shoes, such as general training or weightlifting shoes, should be evaluated every six to eight months, depending on the frequency of use,” Jenai says.

To reduce your risk of injury, be sure to examine your shoes for signs of wear and tear. “Make sure the sole, midsole, and outsole aren’t worn badly enough to affect your stride and movement,” Neiman says.

Are running shoes good for gym workouts?

Some running shoes may be supportive enough for gym workouts, but they’re probably better suited for just the treadmill. “Running shoes are designed to be light, and for mostly forward motion, so they do not provide good support for multiple modalities, such as Olympic weightlifting and cross-training,” Jenai says.

You’ll get better performance from shoes that are made specifically for your activity. For example, shoes that are designed for weightlifting or cycling would offer the right fit, comfort, and support for those workouts. “If you are going to be doing different types of workouts and classes at the gym, then I suggest a cross trainer,” Dr. Spielfogel says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and believes would be a good investment for her readers.