Officially, the 10 Best Gym Shoes for Men

A lot of gym-goers love the Nike Free Metcon 6, and, alas, I am one of them. The sneaker is lightweight, soft, and super flexible. There’s enough cushion for running on a treadmill, but the stack isn’t so high that you can’t lift comfortably in it, either. These are so beloved because they work for many types of workouts, including anything with lateral movement and jumping. The high side support and underfoot traction make sure of it.

The upper is soft and comfortable, but it’s also a bit controversial. It’s neoprene, which you might not be used to on the top of your foot. And though it’s soft, some people find their foot slides under it, which the tongue-less laces don’t help secure all that much. My only neoprene complaint is that after a few months, my white ones have started discoloring into a weird light pink with no explanation to be found.

Finding the perfect running sneaker is a whole other venture, and we won’t try to tackle that here. However, if you’re spending a lot of time running on the treadmill at the gym, Brooks Ghost 16 is a much-loved way to go. It has real running support under the foot to keep your foot in place and transitions smooth. It has a roomy toe box to keep your feet active and toes un-smushed.

I know these are a favorite for half- and full-marathoners, and if they can withstand concrete running, they’re all the more fit for the treadmill. Last year, when I had lace bite (a very real, but made-up-sounding injury I got on the top of my foot from tying my boxing shoes too tight ???), my podiatrist suggested this pair for taking the pressure off. They are supportive, but they also just feel a bit cheap—like the materials are not quite what you’d expect from a $140 shoe.

Reebok has long had its grips in the CrossFit world—formally until a few years ago, and in spirit now. The Nano is often updated, and this is the latest: a cross-trainer meant for heavy lifts, but not so flat that you can’t jump or go for short runs. They are firm, no doubt. If you are not used to a lifting type of shoe, you might think they are alarmingly firm. But for keeping you grounded and stable while lifting heavy, this firmness is necessary. They also have great floor grip, helpful for lots of things but particularly jump roping.

Nano lovers have mixed reviews on this new iteration, though. There aren’t a ton of colors available, and some guys are finding the unisex sizing means they’re running more narrow than versions past.

On is everrryyywhere right now, but the Cloudultra 2 has been a particular standout for guys who do a lot of HIIT workouts. That’s because you get the airy, bounciness from On’s Cloudtec cushioning—plus protection from harsh landings—but it’s not quite as high as some of the more traditional runners specific aesthetic

They run a bit snug, which is great for secure support but less great if your feet run wider. We also appreciate the soft tongue and nice pull tabs that make getting the sneakers on easy, minimal heel-crushing required. They are, however, a very specific aesthetic and one of the pricier gym shoes you’ll find.

Adidas has been making some really great heavy lifting sneakers that don’t garner the same hype as some of the brand’s lifestyle shoes. But if you’re Olympic lifting, power lifting, or just a big barbell boy, don’t sleep on these. They are heavy, yes—we don’t recommend for running or anyone looking for a lightweight shoe. But for a shoe that squats and deadlifts well, these put your feet in an optimal position. The heel support is elite.

One reviewer says: “Perfect for lifting, not good to walk in long distance. Was really comfy to lift in, the back heel does arch a bit too high up though cause it too rub on my Achilles. Good to wear in the gym and around, but not to be used walking to the gym.”

While these have more support than a barefoot sneaker, Under Armour’s Reign 6 shoes take some inspiration from the super minimal movement. These are super low to the ground, wrapped in rubber for abrasion-resistance—excellent for sled-pushing, pivoting, and other probably-on-turf movements. They are super stable: this version has a triangular plate built into the base to keep the foot as stable as possible. However, there’s not a ton of cushion and they tend to run narrow.

For a workout sneaker you don’t have to think too much about—or spend too much on—New Balance’s FuelCell gets the job done. It has a nice EVA foam cushioning, some heel stabilizing, and a stretchy upper. We particularly like how it feels light and flexible to put on, the exact opposite of a super-stable, heavier lifting shoe. However, they are a bit basic. They’re not super specialized in any single workout style. If you tend to need that range, then it’s great. But if you’re looking for a really specific kind of support, you won’t necessarily find it here.

Hokas, forever the most controversial shoe in the gym. The Solimars are cushioned, of course, but with a reasonable 6-mm heel-to-toe drop. That cushion is low for Hokas, but still might be too much for some heavy lifts.

For HIIT, plyometrics, and cardio, we like them, though. They are stretchy, flexible, and cushioned. They are also extremely lightweight at 8.5oz. We’re also partial to that extended heel pull for higher support and cushion.

When in doubt, go for Asics. The Gel-Kayano is a perennial favorite, especially anyone who wants to also use them to run. They are a running shoe, after all, and are built for long miles with a soft landing but bouncy response. Because of that, we also love them for plyometrics and jumping—anything where we want to land softly.

Gym aside, we also love these for walking long miles, for exercise or not. They’re roomy, the knit upper is soft, and they won’t let your feet slide into pronation when you get tired. That said, the lighter colors are super hard to keep clean because of that knit—my cream-collared knit collar looks a whole lot older than it is.