10 Best Gym Shoes for Men (2025): Our Picks for the Top Kicks

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 are great for weightlifting, though he says people who do more cardio-based workouts 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, and the Metcon 9s earn a 4 out of 5 for versatility.

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.

Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, has also owned a pair for several years and gives them a 5 out of 5 for durability.

“I regularly wear these several times a week, and they still look great with hardly any wear and tear. I mostly use them indoors, but these are the still most durable Nikes I’ve ever owned.”

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.

If you’re looking for a similar option that’s a bit more cardio-friendly and easier on the feet, we recommend the Reebok Nano X5.

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 clean, simple design is available in a variety of colorways and earns 4 out of 5 for the appearance.

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. The Outworks earn 4.5 out of 5 for durability.

“When I initially put these on, I didn’t like the feel,” says Kate. “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.”

Kate gave these shoes 4.5 out of 5 stars for ergonomics.

The seamless SuperFabric upper is a little rigid at first but will break in after a few uses. They are extremely durable shoes and quite comfortable once broken in, and Kate said, “They’re shockingly comfortable once you get moving in them.”

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, and we still give them 4 out of 5 stars for value. 

To read more, check out our full NOBULL Outwork Review.

For a more affordable minimalist shoe, be sure to check out Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars.

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.

Not only do the shoes work well in the gym, but they’re stylish enough to wear throughout the day. Stephen gave them 4.5 out of 5 for their appearance, saying, “I would definitely feel comfortable wearing these in non-training situations and think they’re a very attractive training shoe.”

If you do want something with a bit more support and stability for your heavy lifts, we recommend the Nike Metcon 9.

The NOBULL AllDay Ripstop is our pick for a gym shoe you can use all day long. While we haven’t actually tested this shoe yet, we’ve tried other NOBULL shoes and have been very impressed with the style, comfort, and durability.

While many lifting shoes are designed specifically to be used in the gym, and they look like it, the AllDay Ripstops are versatile enough to be worn all day long. They sport a clean, simple design that would work well in nearly any setting.

The shoes have EVA foam cushioning in the soles, so they may not be quite as stable as a dedicated lifting shoe, but the result is a shoe that should be comfortable to wear all day. For those who don’t want to carry around a separate pair of training shoes, these are a great choice.

NOBULL claims these shoes are nearly indestructible given the ripstop material that wraps the upper of the shoe, and given how durable other NOBULL shoes are, we believe them.

They aren’t cheap, but if you’re looking for a versatile all-day shoe, the NOBULL AllDay Ripstops are a great choice.

If you want something that’s still versatile but a bit more gym-oriented, we love the Reebok Nano X5.

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, giving them 4 out of 5 for versatility.

We admit that we haven’t gotten to test the Altra Rivera 4s 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 that earns 4 out of 5 for the appearance. 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. 

In our original testing of the Rivera 2, our tester gave it 4.5 out of 5 for durability, and we expect the Rivera 4 to be just as durable. Our tester said, “These shoes seem more geared toward indoor runners OR those who need a lot of breathability. The rest of the shoe feels durable – they certainly don’t feel cheap!”

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 overheatin,g whether working out indoors or out.

Amber says that the moderate cushioning provides enough comfort for treadmill running, or down and back in the gym, but does not feel like there is 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 rowing machine quickly, and when doing lunges, she felt plenty of stability.

If running isn’t your thing, we recommend the Reebok Nano X5 to power your gym sessions.

The Asics Gel-Venture 10 is a great value shoe that has 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.

We haven’t tested the Gel-Venture 10s yet, but Rob Davis, husband of GGR Senior Editor Nicole Davis, tried the Gel-Venture 8s, and he was happy with them overall. As the 10s are an upgrade from the 8s, we expect they’ll be even better than the 8s.

Outdoor shoes should be durable, and Rob gave the Gel-Ventures 4 out of 5 for construction and durability. Not only was he impressed by the durability, but he found them to be very comfortable.

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 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, which earns a 3 out of 5 for the appearance. Nicole said, “They’re not the coolest-looking shoes, but they do offer a lot of color options.”

While they’re not the most stylish training shoes, if you’re able to look beyond the look of the shoe, you’ll see a good value and super comfortable shoe that could double as a trail running shoe. They’re also very affordable for the quality they provide and earn 4.5 out of 5 for value.

For another great shoe that’s quite durable and built to last, though they have a bit less traction, the NOBULL AllDay Ripstop is worth considering.

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).

For those leg day training shoes with plenty of support and stability, you can’t go wrong with the Nike Metcon 9.

The Reebok Nano X5 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.

Ben Emminger, CNC, CSNC, our resident shoe expert, enjoyed these shoes, saying, “The Reebok Nano X5s are some of the most versatile Nanos I’ve laced up in recent years.”

According to Ben, the Nano X5 works best for high-intensity training with multiple compound movements. You can squat, jump, and sprint, and they’re even comfortable for walking around, and they earn 4.5 out of 5 for versatility.

That wider toe box is one of the things that makes it 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. The heel lift helps with Olympic weightlifting, but those who specialize in lifting may want something with a higher heel. Overall, we give these 4 out of 5 for ergonomics.

Similar to the X4, the Nano X5s can be used for running, but if you’re training for longer distances, you may want to choose one of the best running shoes instead. Ben noted that these are better than the Nano X4s for running, saying, “The major upgrade, though, is their ability to handle more cardio-focused workouts without leaving your feet in pain and discomfort.”

That said, we still recommend these for those who spend most of their time in the gym rather than hitting the trails or going for a longer run outside.

Even though the shoes look great, Ben docked a point and gave them a 4 out of 5 for the appearance. “The Nano X5s come with longer laces that can give your setup that bunny-eared look if you aren’t careful,” says Ben. “Thankfully, Reebok does have an extra eyelet at the top of the ankle collar, so you can adjust your lacing accordingly. The fact that this needs to be done after unboxing your new shoes is a bit of a letdown, though.”

For more, check out our comprehensive Reebok Nano X5 Review.

If you’re looking for a pure running shoe, we recommend the Altra Rivera 4.

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. They only cost about $65 when not on sale, earning a 5 out of 5 for value.

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.

However, the canvas fabric can also wear out after a while, and we give these 3 out of 5 for durability.

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, like Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, who also uses these for deadlift sessions and gives them 4 out of 5 for ergonomics.

Matt said, “They’re not the most comfortable shoes for all-day walking around due to the lack of cushioning, but these have been, and always will be some of my favorite gym shoes.”

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. Matt also added, “I love that you can get these shoes in nearly any color imaginable, as well as both low and high-top options. It’s super versatile and easy to grab a few pairs in multiple colors.”

We also give these 4 out of 5 for the style. The Chuck Taylor is an iconic, immediately recognizable shoe that’s loved by many both in and out of the gym, but we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and we couldn’t give it the full 5-star rating.

To learn more, read our Converse Chuck Taylor All Star review.

For another shoe with a bit more cushion that won’t break the bank, we recommend checking out the Reebok Nano Gym Shoe.

TYR has made a big splash in the CrossFit world last year, with many competitors at the CrossFit Games wearing the TYR CXT-2 Trainers. And we’ve liked them enough to place them on our list as the best cross-training shoes for men.

We’ve only spent a few weeks with the CXT-2s, but our tester gave them a 4 out of 5 for durability, saying, “They seem pretty durable. I’ve also had the CXT-1s for about a year, and there is no fraying on those, and I’m not particularly careful with my shoes.

Compared to the CXT-1, the upgraded CXT-2s feature a fit that’s 4mm wider than the previous model, enhancing the fit for more users. This makes them quite comfortable, and we give them 4 out of 5 stars for the ergonomics.

However, they’re still not great for running long distances. According to our tester, “For any type of long-distance running, I’d always recommend a true running shoe. I will say though, that out of NoBull, Reebok, Nike, and TYR, if I had to pick a CrossFit shoe for running, TYR would win every time.”

The appearance also earns 4 out of 5 stars, as they’re available in a variety of interesting colorways. Our tester said, “TYR has a mixture of neutral and bright colors and even a zebra-printed colorway. I received the all-red ones. When I wear black/white/gray clothes, the pop of red does look really cool.”

Overall, these shoes are versatile enough to handle nearly any sort of training, but like most multi-purpose shoes, they’re not ideal for long-distance running. Those looking for a new gym shoe will love these, however, especially if you do any type of Olympic weightlifting.

For another versatile shoe that’s a little more affordable, we recommend the Nike Metcon 9.