10 Best Gym Shoes for Men (2024): Our Picks for the Top Kicks

There are so many things you can do in a gym—and so many shoes to do those things in—that the decision-making process on which shoe is best suited for the job can be exhausting. You want comfort, but you also want functionality. As a competitive weightlifter, I want something solid that lets me lift heavy weight over my head, but what if you’d prefer to jog on the treadmill instead?

Because of the versatility of a gym setting and the diversity of gym shoes for men on the market, deciding what gym shoe is best for you is stressful to say the least. Should you get a sneaker? Or maybe a lifting shoe or running shoe? Perhaps some cross-training shoes? You can exhale a sigh of relief though, reader, as we have compiled a list of some of our favorite gym shoes for men.

The Garage Gym Reviews team tested out dozens of shoes across multiple brands to bring you our picks for the best gym shoes for men. Read on to see which pair best suits your needs.

10 Best Gym Shoes for Men 

• Best Overall Gym Shoes for Men: Nike Metcon 9
• Best Minimal Gym Shoes for Men: NOBULL Outwork
• Best Gym Shoes for CrossFit: Reebok Nano Gym Shoe
• Best Gym Shoes for Everyday Use: NOBULL AllDay Ripstop
• Best Running Gym Shoes for Men: Altra Rivera 4
• Best Outdoor Gym Shoes for Men: Asics Gel-Venture 8
• Best Walking Shoes for Men: Lululemon Beyondfeel Men’s Running Shoe
• Best Gym Shoes for Weightlifting: Reebok Nano X4
• Best Budget Gym Shoes for Men: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars
• Best Cross Trainers for Men: TYR CXT-1 Trainers

Best Overall Gym Shoes for Men: Nike Metcon 9

Good for: People needing a reliable cross-training shoe with lots of customization

Best Overall

Nike Metcon 9

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Released August 2023
• Versatile, durable training shoe
• Meant for CrossFit workouts and training
• Enhanced rope guard
• Larger Hyperlift crash pad
• 11 colorways available at launch

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile training shoe
• Rope guard wrap-around
• Rigid heel great for stability
• Multiple colorways to choose from
• Lace locking system
• High-traction outsole
• Durable upper
• Breathable woven textile upper
• Wide toe box

Cons

• Not great for running or WODs with longer run intervals
• Some people may find them too rigid
• Expensive at $150 a pair

Bottom Line

The Nike Metcon 9 training shoes were released in August 2023 and build upon the Nike Metcon 8s with an enhanced rope guar wrap-around, plus a larger and more rigid crash pad. They feature a tightly woven and durable, but breathable, upper. The patterned, grooved outsole provides great traction during most weather conditions.

Our pick for best overall gym shoes for men gets the stamp of approval from GGR founder and lifelong Nike fan, Coop Mitchell, who tested and reviewed the Nike Metcon 9s. The main takeaway he had from these shoes is that they are stable…like, stable.

The latest Metcons are built with a solid heel. Coop said these shoes a great for weightlifting, though says people who do more cardio-based workout may not be a big fan of them. “This is 100% a shoe that has been designed primarily for lifting,” Coop says. “I see it being the best fit for someone who, for instance, mostly lifts and does a bit of running or cross-training on the side.” He says they could stand up to a 400- or 800-meter run. For that reason, we rate it a 3 out of 5 for versatility.

We wouldn’t recommend wearing this as an everyday shoe, though, as the heel isn’t flexible enough to give you the comfort needed for being on your feet more than a couple hours—long enough for a workout. There is also a rope guard to protect the shoe during rope climbs.

The Metcon 9s are incredibly similar to the previous Metcons. If your Metcon 7s or 8s are in decent shape, we recommend waiting until you need a new pair of training shoes.

The Metcon 9 is a great cross-training shoe, which is a positive or negative depending on your needs. It’s a fantastic all-around shoe for the gym and will help you do many workouts well, but it won’t be better than a dedicated weightlifting shoe or running shoe for those workouts. 

However, if you’re looking for one pair of shoes that handle it all, the Metcon 9s are a great choice.

Best Minimalist Gym Shoes for Men: NOBULL Outwork

Good for: Those looking for a simple design in their gym shoes

Best Minimal Shoes

NOBULL Outwork

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• 4mm heel-to-toe drop
• Stylish looks
• Versatile
• Durable
• Great for CrossFit

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Performs well across a variety of exercises
• Stylish look
• Durable
• Several height levels

Cons

• Expensive
• Takes a while to break in
• 4mm heel-to-toe-drop may not be good for some movements (such as squats)

Bottom Line

A versatile and durable cross-training shoe with some unique colorways.

Head of Content for Garage Gym Reviews, Kate Meier, was able to test the NOBULL Outworks, formerly called the NOBULL Trainers, and we think it’s one of the best minimalist gym shoes out there for men (honestly, for both men and women). Designed similar to a Chuck Taylor, the NOBULLs are made with a low heel-to-toe drop to provide a minimal design and feel.

The cushioning is minimal on these Outworks, so it can have a flat foot feel at first. The lack of cushioning provides a stable base for lifting and weight training, but the sole is flexible enough for dynamic movements and some running as well. 

Kate says on her experience working out in them that, “When I initially put these on, I didn’t like the feel. The bottom felt hard, and I’m used to weightlifting shoes. However, once I got to working out with them, I really liked them. I did workouts that included running, jumping and squat cleans, and I never felt uncomfortable in the shoes.”

The seamless SuperFabric upper is a little rigid at first, but will break in after a few uses. They are extremely durable shoes. However, their minimalist design may not make them most people’s choice for running, or even for everyday wear. Out of the three testers who had their hands on NOBULLs—Coop, Kate, and Amanda—no one recommends the NOBULL Outworks for simply running. WIth that said, NOBULL does make running shoes if you would like a running shoe from the brand.

There are many colorways for the NOBULLs, but Kate noted they are a little bland looking. Also, the price point is a bit high for a minimal design, starting at $130. But for what they are, the NOBULLs are a great cross-trainer for people looking for a solid, durable minimalist shoe. 

Best Gym Shoes for CrossFit for Men: Reebok Nano Gym Shoe

Good for: CrossFitters wanting an all-around good training shoe

Best Gym Shoes For CrossFit

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

GGR Score: 4.43

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Product Highlights

• Cross-training shoe
• Meant for running, weight training, and fitness classes
• Mesh upper and cushioned EVA midsole
• TPU cradle for lateral support
• 8 mm drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile shoe
• Good value
• Comfortable
• Multiple colorways available

Cons

• Reviewers say they run a bit snug
• Not great for heavy lifting

Bottom Line

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes are meant to be the jack-of-all trades for your gym workouts. They provide enough support for short bouts of running, but enough stability for weight training. Reviewers say sizing one half of a size up is the way to go.

Our tester for the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes was certified personal trainer and former rugby player Stephen Sheehan, who says the newest iteration of the iconic Nano shoe line is “comfortable/supportive due to the cushioned heel.” He loved them so much, he might replace his beloved Nike Metcons for non-weightlifting workouts, such as a CrossFit workout of the day.

“I feel a little more stable in the Metcons for lifting but think the Nanos are a better shoe in terms of versatility and support,” he says in his Reebok Nano Gym Shoes review.

Previous Nano shoes were designed more for cardio-centric workouts, and Stephen says that’s still true for the Nano Gym Shoes but they’re a little better for deadlifts and squats than their older siblings.

 “I actually enjoyed running in the Nanos and still felt like they were stable to squat,” he says. “I still felt stable enough to perform these exercises, along with box jumps.” He gave the overall stability a 4 out of 5.

The upper is constructed with a lightweight mesh, which has been the standard for Nanos. Stephen has only had his shoes for about three weeks, and he says they feel durable for a lightweight shoe (a size 9 weighs 12 ounces). “I was surprised at how lightweight these were but they still feel well made and durable. They provide much more cushion/support than Metcons, which can be quite unforgiving,” Stephen says.

The outsole is made of a thick EVA/rubber material that Stephen says has “great traction,” earning the shoes a 4.5 out of 5 rating in that category.

Best Gym Shoes for Men for Everyday Use: Nike MC Trainer 2

Good for: Anyone needing a versatile, stable shoe that can be used all day long

Best for Everyday Use

Nike MC Trainer 2

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Multi-purpose training shoe designed to support a versatile training program
• Flat base with wider heel to promote stability
• Lateral support wraps from the heel to keep the foot secure
• Soft foam cushioning braces the foot on lateral moves
• Rubber tread is thicker at the heels to support weight training and thinner in front for flexibility when running

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Breathable
• Versatile
• Flexible midsole and forefoot
• Supportive
• Durable
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• May not fit wide feet
• Reports of heel slipping

Bottom Line

Nike’s MC Trainer 2 is a budget-friendly multipurpose training shoe designed to support a versatile training program.

The Nike MC Trainer 2 is our pick for a gym shoe you can use all day long. While we haven’t actually tested this shoe (they were out of stock in the proper size), we feel the shoe provides versatility in the gym, and a good amount of comfort outside of the gym, all for a budget friendly price under $100.

The heel is thicker and extended and solid for strength training, but the midsole and forefoot remain thinner and flexible to allow for a diverse range of workouts and exercises. Soft foam cushioning braces the foot on lateral movements, and lateral support wraps help keep the foot secure during training. Nike doesn’t disclose the heel-to-toe drop, but it looks like it is a more modest drop than a lifter.

RELATED: Strength Training for Runners

The shoes may not fit wide feet, and some reviews have reported that the heels may slip. Other reviews question the durability of the upper mesh, as it is pretty thin. For its price point, though, it provides pretty good value as an all around trainer that can be comfortable in and out of the gym.

Best Running Gym Shoes For Men: Altra Rivera 4

Good for: Anyone wanting a solid shoe for running and strength training, both inside of the gym and out

Best Running Gym Shoes

Altra Rivera 4

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Minimalist running shoe features a zero drop from heel-to-toe
• Revamped heel collar and engineered mesh upper for a secure fit
• Responsive cushioning and flexible midsole with grid-like grooves
• Wide toe box for extra wiggle room
• 3 color options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide toe box, added comfort
• Comfortable, moderately cushion midsole
• Minimalist design, promotes natural gait
• Sleek and versatile enough to be worn in the gym or as casual sneaker

Cons

• Lacing system isn't very secure
• Limited color options

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a moderately cushioned running shoe that has minimalist feel and is versatile, the Rivera 4 is a great choice.

We chose the Altra Rivera 4 as the best running gym shoes for men because of its versatility and comfort. This shoe will protect you from the pounding of running both on the treadmill or roads, yet allows you to seamlessly transition from sprints to box jumpovers or lunges.

We may be talking about the best gym shoes for men but our female tester and certified running coach, Amber Nelson, is a big fan and we know the men’s shoes will be just as loved. Amber says that these shoes are her favorite for hybrid style workouts. “These shoes are perfect for workouts that require you to transition from a run to a functional movement repeatedly,” she says.

We admit that we haven’t gotten to test the Altra Rivera 4’s just yet, but the differences between the 2 and 4 are subtle. The main differences are a 1.2 ounce increase in weight, the addition of 2 millimeters to stack height, and a revamped heel collar for a more secure fit.  

The Altra Rivera 4 is a stylish and versatile running shoe. While fun colors are available, there are also white and black options and can be easily paired with your favorite gym get up. This shoe is zero-drop so the toe is the same height as the heel, giving you a more barefoot feel. When wearing a shoe like this, your foot will follow more natural positioning which increases stability and encourages your natural gait when running. 

The Altra Rivera 4 is a great running shoe thanks to the moderate cushioning that provides a soft and responsive ride. The midsole of this shoe has a special groove system that promotes flexibility so you won’t feel restricted when running, doing agility work, or moving weights. With a breathable upper mesh, you won’t need to worry about your feet overheating whether working out indoors or out.

Amber says that the moderate cushioning provides enough comfort for treadmill running or down and backs in the gym but does not feel like too much cushioning when she transitions into squats or deadlifts. There is just enough spring for running but not so much that you will feel unstable when doing heavier lifts. 

The Altra Rivera 4 is also a great shoe if you want to transition from run, to row, to lunges. Some running shoes are bulky and make it hard to squeeze your feet into the straps of a rowing machine but Amber said she was able to get off and on the row machine quickly and when doing lunges she felt plenty of stability.

Best Outdoor Gym Shoes for Men: Asics Gel-Venture 8

Good for: Those wanting a budget-friendly shoe with good tread to use on trails and hikes

Best Outdoor Gym Shoes

ASICS Gel-Venture 8

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Trail shoe with re-engineered outsole lugs for improved traction
• Recommended for train runs, light hiking, and walking
• GEL technology offers moderate cushioning
• Available in 21 colors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable
• Comparably inexpensive
• Multiple color options
• Versatile
• Little to no break-in needed

Cons

• Runs small
• Narrow toe box

Bottom Line

Designed for trail runs, hiking, and walking, ASICS Gel-Venture 8 is an affordable and versatile choice for mid-distances.

The Asics Gel-Venture 8 are a great value shoe that have nice rubber lugs on the outsole to provide extra traction on rougher terrain, making them a great pick for the best outdoor gym shoes for men. Rob Davis, husband of GGR Senior Editor Nicole Davis, tried the Gel-Venture 8s and he was happy with them overall.

The main thing he noted was the comfort of the shoes. As Nicole recalled, “My husband thinks these shoes are super comfy—he wears them quite a bit despite not being crazy about the look, which tells me he really likes how they feel!” We’ll touch on the look of the shoes in a little bit, but part of the comfort comes from the GEL Tech cushioning on the inside.

The outsole has a good amount of tread and rubber lugs, to provide a grippy traction on just about all surfaces. Rob has been wearing these shoes outside in the winter because of their great traction, in fact. The upper is thicker than most shoes, but still pretty breathable according to Rob. With a price point under $100, this shoe also provides good value.

The main drawback is the look of the shoe. These shoes are not as stylish as a lot of other training shoes. Asics tries to make up for it with 21 different colorway options, but the look is still not the coolest. If you are able to look beyond the look of the shoe, however, then you will see a good value and super comfortable shoe that could double as a trail running shoe.

Best Walking Shoes for Men: Lululemon Beyondfeel Men’s Running Shoe

Good for: Anyone wanting a good walking shoe that will also work great in the gym

Best Walking Shoes

Lululemon Beyondfeel Men’s Running Shoe

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Product Highlights

• Lululemon maximum cushion everyday running shoe 
• Features seamless mesh upper, Supercritical foam cushioning, high traction outsole, and flex grooves to mirror natural footstrike 
• 7 colorways in both men and women’s sizing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30 day trial
• Also available in trail version
• Customer reviews found them very comfortable
• Customers liked the design of the shoe

Cons

• More expensive than competitors
• No wide sizes available
• Customers noted shoes aren’t durable

Bottom Line

The BeyondFeel shoe is Lululemon’s maximum cushioning running shoe. The customer reviews for this shoe found the shoe very comfortable. However, they also noted the shoes were not very durable. Customers shared that the shoes were very worn after a few months particularly the sole and the padding around the achilles.

Our best walking shoe for men is the Lululemon Beyondfeel Men’s Running Shoe, a responsive shoe with foam cushioning, a lugged outsole, and a seamless mesh upper for breathability and durability.

These shoes come with a 10 millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which refers to the difference between the height of your shoe’s heel and forefoot. This helps ensure you achieve a heel strike while running, instead of hitting the ground with your forefoot. This not only encourages proper running form and protects your tendons from taking too much impact.

RELATED: Best running shoes

While we haven’t tried these shoes for ourselves just yet, there is a 30-day trial so you can return them if they’re not the right fit for you.

Customer reviewers said these shoes were great for those who walk, run, or stand on their feet all day though they said they weren’t the best for strength training workouts (you can wear them while bench pressing, but we’d recommend a more stable pair if you’re going to finally hit a leg day).

Best Gym Shoes for Weightlifting: Reebok Nano X4

Good for: Those wanting a good lifting shoe that acts as a hybrid trainer as well

Best Gym Weightlifting Shoes

Reebok Nano X4

GGR Score: 4.48

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Product Highlights

• Flexweave woven upper textile for breathability
• Lift and Run chassis in the sole with Floatride Energy Foam cushioning
• 7 mm heel drop
• Available in multiple colorways for both men and women
• Durable material that’s built to last
• Best for CrossFit workouts or any type of strength training
• Not ideal for long runs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stable, supportive heel and cushioned sole
• Long-lasting and durable
• Stylish enough to wear in and out of the gym
• Versatile enough for nearly any kind of training in the gym

Cons

• Sizing runs small, and many have to order half a size up
• Not cushioned enough for long-distance running

Bottom Line

The Reebok Nano X4 is a new and improved version of the Nano X3, and a versatile training shoe that looks good in and out of the gym. It's great for strength training, explosive movements, and sprint workouts, but it's not designed for running long distances.

The Reebok Nano X4 is a great weightlifting shoe that can double as a hybrid shoe—able to lift in and able to move around in a variety of dynamic exercises. The 7-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is lower than some shoes we’ve reviewed here, but it’s at that Goldilocks level that gives it some versatility besides just lifting.

Certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele says they feels more stable while lifting than the other Reebok Nano Xs (i.e. the Reebok Nano X1, X2, and X3, all of which she’s tried). She rated the shoes a 5 out of 5 in that category. “The drop is great for the majority of us who tend to land with our heel first while running, offering better support,” she says. “They almost remind me of Nike Metcons, but with a wider toe box.”

That wider toe box is one of the things that makes them slightly better for lifting than its predecessors because it allows you to spread your toes and find your balance before hitting a squat or deadlift.

Surprisingly, Lindsay actually says these aren’t her first choice when it comes time for cardio. “I wouldn’t want to do a bunch of running in these shoes as I don’t feel like they provide much cushioning,” she says in her Reebok Nano X4 review, rating them a 3 out of 5 in that category.

Best Budget Gym Shoes for Men: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars

Good for: Anyone wanting a classic minimal shoe for deadlifts at a low price

Best Budget Gym Shoe

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Sturdy rubber outsole
• Minimal heel-to-toe drop
• Minimalist design
• Budget-friendly
• Lace closure mechanism

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flat heel is perfect for deadlifts
• Can get them in low-tops and high-tops
• Minimal midfoot cushioning won’t flex under heavy lifts

Cons

• Minimal heel-to-toe drop won’t help with back squats
• Narrow through the midfoot
• Canvas construction isn’t highly durable

Bottom Line

A classic shoe that performs well on the powerlifting platform and the streets.

Chuck Taylors have been a staple in powerlifting shoes for years, and they are a great pick if you’re looking for a budget-friendly shoe. The high-top All Stars in particular provide a good amount of ankle support, and the shoe has zero drop from heel to toe, making them an ideal option for deadlifting some heavy weights.

Converse Chuck Taylors are a very common choice in powerlifting gyms, particularly for deadlifts or bench press—although your footwear in the bench is less important. The flat, rigid outsole and minimal feel keep your feet connected to the ground. Additionally, the canvas fabric upper allows for the shoes to breathe some, and gives your toes and feet plenty of room to splay out, to properly drive into the ground as you pull on a heavy barbell.

I myself like to use Converse Chuck Taylors for deadlifts and heavy pulls, if I’m not pulling barefoot. The Chuck Taylors help me stay low to the ground and drive through the lift; my feet almost feel like part of the ground. Many other GGR testers have also used these shoes during their strength training sessions. You can check out what they had to say in our Converse Chuck Taylor All Star review.

Although these are solid deadlift shoes, the low heel is not ideal for other strength exercises, notably squats. I prefer weightlifting shoes like the Nike Romaleo 4s for squatting movements. Furthermore, they do not have the cushioning to be a good running shoe either.

For its price point at $65, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars are a great value gym shoe that can double for everyday wear as well. It does not have the versatility of other gym shoes, but what it does, it does well.

Best Cross-Training Shoes for Men: TYR CXT-1 Trainer

Good for: Those looking for a good gym shoe for multiple modes of fitness

Best Cross-Trainers

TYR CXT-1 Training Shoes

GGR Score: 4.15

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Product Highlights

• Features a patent-pending stability platform, wrap-around side gripper, and extended toe guard
• 9 mm heel-to-toe drop 
• Surge NRG foam midsole with flexible forefoot
• Mesh upper for ultimate breathability

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Larger than typical heel-to-toe drop
• Foam midsole
• Stability platform
• Good arch support

Cons

• Not a good choice if you don’t like a big heel-to-toe drop
• Mesh may potentially fray with rope climbs

Bottom Line

The TYR CXT-1 features a large 9-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, mesh upper, foamed midsole, and notable arch support.

TYR made a big splash in the CrossFIt world last year with a big chunk of competitors at the CrossFit Games wearing the TYR CXT-1 Trainers. And we’ve liked them enough to place them on our list as the best cross-training shoes for men.

Amanda was able to test the TYR CXT-1 Trainers, and she thoroughly enjoyed them in each kind of workout she took them through. In metcons, she noticed the breathable upper kept her comfortable in longer workouts, and the forefoot was flexible for dynamic movements. While lifting weights, the support in the arches made the shoes feel very stable and snug, and the slightly raised heel made squats and receiving a barbell feel natural.

While they have the feel of a minimal shoe, they are not a true minimalist shoe, so the midsole might be a little off-putting for someone expecting a true minimal shoe. Along with that, the laces seem a little bit short. They are also heavier when compared to other trainers, and Amanda worried about the mesh upper’s durability. However, this is a solid pick for a variety of gym workouts.

Other Gym Shoes for Men We Researched

Of course, these are not the only shoes we tested out and tried. Below are a few other gym shoes that vied for a spot on our list of the best gym shoes for men, but didn’t quite make the cut.

Under Armour HOVR Rise 4: We have not tried the HOVR Rise 4, but have tested the similar HOVR Phantom 2. In our experience of those shoes, we found the shoes to have really great shock absorption. We’d love to see if the HOVR Rise 4 is consistent with that.

Hoka Clifton 8: These extremely lightweight running shoes have a lighter and more responsive midsole than previous iterations of the Hoka Clifton. However, the Clifton 8 has mixed reviews; some enjoy its comfort, while others do not like changes made from the Clifton 7, and experienced discomfort. In our testing, we felt like the durability wouldn’t last very long.

Adidas Adipower 3: I’m a fan of weightlifting—call me biased…strength-biased. Having used and enjoyed the original Adipowers, I’m excited to try out the Adipower 3’s, as it looks like they have moved closer to the original design. They are a solid lifting shoe for the Olympic lifts. As of yet, however, I nor any of our testers have had a chance to try these out.

How We Picked and Tested

To compile our list of the best gym shoes for men, we researched dozens of gym shoes for different workout modes, and made a short list of our favorites. For most of these shoes, our fitness testers were sent a pair to try out, both in leisurely activity as well as in different workout situations: everything from walking, running, squatting, deadlift, and CrossFit workouts were done in these shoes.

While testing these shoes, we took notes on the grip and tread of the outsole, the cushioning of the midsole, as well as overall comfort and durability. We also looked at the value of the product. Basically, if the shoe was on the pricey side, it needed to provide enough value to be worth the price tag; on the other hand, a budget-friendly shoe would have value in providing a good-quality product at a low price point.

For some of these shoes, you can say we went the “extra mile.” I really mean it, too. One of our product testers and writers, Anthony O’Reilly, walks a lot…way more than a weightlifter like me can comprehend. 

Afterwards, if a shoe didn’t quite meet our standards, we went on to the next shoe until we narrowed down our list to the shoes you see before you now.

Benefits of Gym Shoes

A good pair of gym shoes will help you get the most out of workout. A solid, stable shoe while lifting can make or break or good lift. Long runs require a good running shoe with enough cushion and support to help you last and stay comfortable during your workout. If you are looking for something to do both decently, you’ll need a good cross-training shoe.

We think a good pair of gym shoes will help you get the most out of each and every workout you perform. However, research suggests that footwear¹ doesn’t significantly affect the biomechanical performance during a back squat. That’s not to say you shouldn’t find a great pair of training shoes.

Plus, gym shoes can look cool and be pretty stylish. It’s obvious that you want to prioritize functionality over the look of a shoe, but truth be told, nothing gets me fired up quite like a stylish pair of gym shoes.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Gym Shoes for Men

There are a lot of options to consider when purchasing a pair of gym shoes— enough to make your head spin. One solution is to do what us fitness aficionados tend to do: purchase three of every type of workout shoe imaginable to where you can’t see the bottom of your closet floor anymore…still, if you’re looking to make only one purchase of a shoe (for now), here are some things to consider that’ll help you pick the best workout shoe for your needs. 

Midsole Cushioning

The midsole can have a varying amount of cushion depending on the shoes’ main purpose. Running shoes tend to have more of a thicker midsole to absorb impact over long distances, although some minimalist shoes have less cushion to naturally let the feet move and splay. 

Weightlifting shoes, on the other hand, have very little midsole and a very tough outsole to provide a stable base in your strength training. Cross-trainers usually have a midsole in between the two extremes.

Once you know what sort of shoe you want, remember that a thicker midsole typically means more cushioning in the shoe. Still, be on the lookout on the product page for words describing the type of cushion and midsole to help in your decision-making.

Outsole

Generally speaking, you’ll want good grip and traction from your gym shoes. Even for a lifting shoe, we don’t want to be sliding on the platform. However, you’ll want more traction on the outsole of a shoe if you are taking your shoes out on a trail run or hike. If that’s the case, choose a shoe with rubber lugs on the outsole that will make for a grippy shoe in rougher terrain.

Heel-to-Toe Drop

If you’re looking for a good gym shoe for running and cardio as well, the size of the heel-to-toe drop is going to be based on preference. As a rule of thumb, a higher heel-toe drop is best for runners who typically land heel first. A lower heel-toe drop—under 7 millimeters—is best for runners who land on the front or midfoot in their gait.

In lifting, a higher heel is great for squats, but powerlifters prefer a minimalist shoe for deadlifting, with little to no heel-toe drop, ensuring they are as low and connected to the ground as possible.  

Upper

For a gym shoe, we want something breathable, as you will most likely be moving around a bit with them. So many gym shoes are made with a mesh upper, to allow for a light, breathable shoe. However, if you plan on going outdoors with them, you might want your shoes to be made a bit more durable than a mesh cover.

Ankle Support

It’s important while running, jumping, squatting, and lifting in the gym that your shoes have some ankle support. This doesn’t mean you should only go with high-top sneakers (although I do love a nice high-top Chuck Taylor). Good ankle support can be on a low-top shoe in the form of cradles, which help support the lower ankle.

Aesthetics

Look, it’s probably the least important aspect of a good gym shoe, but it also isn’t: you need a shoe you won’t mind being seen in public in. There are plenty of colorful options—and some more reserved ones—to help you pick a shoe that suits your style. You’re going to want a functional shoe, but if it’s ugly, you probably won’t want to wear it.

Best Gym Shoes for Men FAQs

References

1. Sinclair, J., McCarthy, D., Bentley, I., Hurst, H. T., & Atkins, S. (2015). The influence of different footwear on 3-D kinematics and muscle activation during the barbell back squat in males. European journal of sport science, 15(7), 583–590. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2014.965752

Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

Further reading

Sole TT8 Review (2024): Solid Build and Durability That Keep Up Mile After Mile

by Stacey L. Nash, CPT

There are so many things you can do in a gym—and so many shoes to do those things in—that the decision-making process on which shoe is best suited for the job can be exhausting. You want comfort, but you also want functionality. As a competitive weightlifter, I want something solid that lets me lift heavy weight over my head, but what if you’d prefer to jog on the treadmill instead?Because of the versatility of a gym setting and the diversity of gym shoes for men on the market,  » Read more about: 10 Best Gym Shoes for Men (2024): Our Picks for the Top Kicks  » Read more

Best Back Exercises For Building Muscle and Strength

by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1

These dumbbell, barbell, and bodyweight movements are the best back exercises for increasing size and strength in your back. Read more

Myprotein The Whey Review (2024): Show Me the Way to The Whey

by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD

Is this popular protein powder worth the hype? Find out with our Myprotein The Whey Review. Read more

Schwinn Elliptical Reviews: Which Option is Best for Your Home Gym?

by Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC

Use our Schwinn elliptical reviews to help you decide which model is right for your home gym. Read more