Your gym trainers could be working harder. It’s a conclusion we’ve reached after years of testing out running shoes, trail running shoes, and training footwear – all of which have been precisely engineered for their individual pursuits. In short, if you’ll be getting in 5kms, treadmill dashes and marathons, you’ll be needing one of the best running trainers. If it’s dumbbell lifts, box jumps and CrossFit sessions you need shoes for, however, this is the compendium for you.
While many gym regulars remove their shoes when dipping down to complete a set of deadlifts, there are plenty of options available to turbo-boost your lifting sessions. The right gym shoe will support your heavy lifting aims, and make sure your feet are locked in place, no matter how abruptly you switch direction in your next Hyrox competition.
If you’re on a strict no-cardio regime, there are shoes built for lifting only, but if you want to throw in a spot of cross trainer action or even some light runs on the gym treadmill, there are also gym trainers that have been optimised for every area of your local. Ever in development, the best gym trainers are also pretty fly, too: no need to compromise on looks for the sake of a perfect sumo squat. They come from a diverse range of brands, too, including On Running and Inov8.
If your existing gym kicks are looking a little worn out, or not fit-for-purpose, it’s definitely time to treat yourself to a new pair. Read on to find your favourite among our picks of the best gym trainers available today.
What’s the best gym trainer to buy?
Best all-round gym shoe: On Cloud X Shift 3
On Cloud X Shift 3
£150 £90
On Running
Those cloud-like sole bubbles don’t just make these kicks some of the best-looking shoes available right now: On Running’s gym training hero is ideal for flitting between the weight room, the treadmill and the HIIT class.
Best sustainable gym trainer: Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Flyknit
Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Flyknit
£99.95
Nike
Ticking sustainability boxes as well as style and substance ones, Nike’s SuperRep Go 3 is crafted from recycled materials that are bolstered against even the heaviest of lifts.
Best cheap gym trainers: Reebok Flexagon Force 4
Reebok Flexagon Force 4
£45 £31.99
Reebok
With a pinch of late ‘80s and early ’90s gymwear stylings, these Reebok trainers have got the build and stamina to go through even the most punishing of gym sessions.
GQ’s best gym trainers at a glance…
- Best gym shoes: On Cloud X Shift 3, £150 at on-running.com
- Best sustainable gym shoes: Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Flyknit, £99.95 at nike.com
- Best cheap gym shoes: Reebok Flexagon Force 4,
£45£31.99 at sportsdirect.com - Best running shoe for the gym: Hoka Kawana, £125 at hoka.com
- Best barefoot gym shoes: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III, £130 at vivobarefoot.com
- Best gym shoes for weightlifting: Adidas Powerlift Weightlifting Shoes, £90 at adidas.co.uk
SKIP TO: How we test the best gym trainers | Are trainers at the gym worth it? | What sneakers should I wear to the gym? | Is it fine to wear running shoes for gym workouts? | What are some of the most popular brands making gym shoes?
How we test the best gym trainers
Where feasible, we prefer to personally wear each pair of gym trainers we recommend in order to gather real-world experience on them. That means wearing them several times to the gym over at least one month, trying them out in the weight room, on the treadmill and in HIIT and CrossFit-associated movements. Elsewhere, we use anecdotal advice, customer reviews and specification — particularly spaciousness, comfort, versatility, weight, cushioning and looks — in order to choose the gym trainers we think are worth your hard-earned cash.
Are trainers at the gym worth it?
“Yes, 100 per cent,” says Eliot Simmonds, a CrossFit Games Athlete and Nobull Athlete. “The shoe you wear to workout can dictate the success of your workout, and therefore the progress that you make in the gym. Plus, the better the shoe, the longer it’s going to last you.
“If you want to get the most out of your workout, you should invest in shoes that support that modality,” adds Gus Vaz Tostes, a trainer on fitness app Fiit. “When it comes to training shoes, they are now not only designed to support your feet, but also to respond to particular ways of training.”
“Choosing the correct shoe for your needs will support your performance and prevent injury,” says Emily Hall, Head of Performance at Sports Direct. “Training shoes tend to have more surface area compared to running shoes. This means there’s more floor contact, making them sturdier and help with balance when doing things such as weight-lifting.”
What sneakers should I wear to the gym?
“This depends on the individual as everyone has different feet, but comfort should be a must for everyone,” says Simmonds. “For training specifically, you should look for stability and support so your foot feels secure when you’re moving around. A gym shoe should also be versatile, allowing you to perform different exercises. For example, a good training shoe should be sturdy enough to keep you steady whilst lifting, but breathable and flexible enough for you to move around in.”
“The most important thing to look for is whether the shoes have specific features that support the stimulus or activity you’re using the shoes for,” says Tostes. “If lifting a heavy barbell, I’d suggest investing in weightlifting shoes. Often with an added toe strap, they will ‘lock’ your foot in position, giving you added support with minimal cushioning.
“If your session is more functional, you need a more versatile shoe; one that is stable enough to offer support in certain lifts, whilst also slightly cushioned if you’re incorporating any jumping or small amounts of running.”
Is it fine to wear running shoes for gym workouts? If not, why?
“In general, no,” says Tostes. “Depending on how you train, you should be looking for shoes that support you in those movements, allowing you to optimise that session. Just as there is a shoe for every type of runner, whether it’s long or short-distance runners, there is a shoe for every type of training.
“A running shoe will not give you the added stability and support you need when lifting heavy. Nor will it translate to a multidimensional functional training session where you can change direction quickly, mixing between cardio and dumbbell conditioning elements.”
What are some of the most popular brands making gym shoes?
“There are some amazing training shoes in the market, which support your fitness needs,” says Emily Hall, Head of Performance at Sports Direct. “Nike has a great selection from its Metcon and SuperRep franchises, and both Reebok and Under Armour have a strong roster to support your performance.”
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Shop GQ’s pick of the best gym trainers you can buy right now…
Metcon number nine is all about bolstering its abilities to handle regular jaunts to the gym. Featuring a bigger version of the Hyperlift plate, the upgraded Nike gym shoe fave is now optimised to help you better power through squats and lifts from a stronger base. The side wraps meanwhile, have been boosted to make it better equipped to tackle rope climbs, while the same full rubber outsole keeps you well grounded. The mesh upper comes in colourways aplenty and stays light so you can too, with a lacing system that gives you one less thing to think about.
2/19
Adidas Dropset
£110
Adidas
Pros: Cross-training friendly design | versatile grip
Cons: Not for weightlifting
- Best for: Cross-functional training
- Weight: 391g
- Cushioning: Dual-Density Foam midsole
The Dropset suggests this is a shoe that’s for big lifts, but it’s more at home steering clear of the weights section and you want to break up treadmill and bike time with some high intensity workout time. A dual-density midsole keeps you close to the ground when you do want to reach for the weights and there’s an outsole that’ll hold firm on mats and floors even when the sweat comes pouring and comfortably handle some short, light running time. The partly recycled upper makes comfort a priority with padding in key areas and makes sure there’s both breathable and durable sections, to give you a mix of protection and ventilation to make this cross-training shoe a strong all-rounder.
3/19
Hoka Kawana
£125
Hoka
Pros: Comfortable upper | Cushioning is a good fit for HIIT | Can handle plenty of running time
Cons: Not the lightest
- Best for: Running-focused gym time
- Weight: 288g
- Cushioning: CMEVA
Hoka stacks the Kawana with a big hit of its CMEVA cushioning spread over a wide base and mixes in some of its running shoe traits to ensure you can move from the weights section to the treadmill and back again. An engineered jacquard mesh upper uses a mix of recycled and non-recycled material to offer support in the right places and deliver breathable surroundings for your feet. Its running credentials are chiefly delivered by an early stage meta-rocker and a crash pad to absorb that pavement pounding time. In the meantime, that stack of EVA foam means it doesn’t feel out of place for more explosive workouts and can withstand longer spells on your feet when you want to stroll out in them.
4/19
On Cloud X Shift 3
£150 £90
On Running
Pros: Looks great in and outside of the gym | Versatile | Light and spacious
Cons: Firm for longer distance runs | Better suited to light to moderate lifting
- Best for: HIIT workouts and short treadmill runs
- Weight: 240g
- Cushioning: CloudTec
On’s Cloud X Shift 3 wants to live comfortably in all sections of the gym. Step on the treadmill and you’ll find its signature Cloudtec midsole and Speedboard come to life, but when it’s time to slow things down and swap speed for building your strength, there’s a light mesh upper to provide ample room and stable lifting foundations. When you need to blast out sets of squats and burpees, On’s cushioning tech is there to absorb those more explosive moves; when it’s time to shift from workout to recovery mode, you can trust that the Swiss running brand’s on-trend colourways also have you covered in the style department. In short, this is the Swiss army knife of gym trainers.
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Nike’s planet-friendly version of its SuperRep training shoe is built from recycled materials and doesn’t neglect its duties to help you explode into burpees. The recycled Crater foam with hollowed-out portions packed into the midsole is soft and light to work its cushioning magic on and off the gym floor. Nike’s signature Flyknit upper provides a stretch to hug feet in the right places and support when you need it most during training sessions. Down below is a rubber outsole with flex grooves to promote natural movement and extra rubber in key places that take the most pounding during that workout time. In true Nike style, you’ve got strong colourway options to make sure you’re styling it out as you work out.
6/19
Reebok Nano X3 Varsity
£110
Reebok
Pros: That varsity jacket-inspired look | Works for lifts | Can handle some short running time
Cons: Don’t run a marathon in them
- Best for: Living in and out of the gym
- Weight: N/A
- Cushioning: Floatride Energy Foam
Full marks to Reebok for the clear nod to the jock’s favoured attire (the varsity jacket) for its new edition of the Nano X3. Understated white and chalk look aside, this is still one that will effortlessly handle a CrossFit class — or jumping from strength session to HIIT. Reebok uses its Floatride Energy Foam to provide ample cushioning for more dynamic workouts in this one, and its Lift and Run chassis system is in place for when you need to slow things down and head for the weights section or want to pick up the pace for a run. A Flexweave textile upper puts support before breathability with an outsole that goes to gripping work on the ground. The Nano X3 ticks a lot of boxes…and that includes more than just looking slicker than your average gym shoe.
7/19
Hylo Light
£115
Hylo
Pros: Plenty of colourway options | Sustainable design
Cons: Firm ride | Made for runs and moderate gym work
- Best for: Running-focused gym time
- Weight: 215g
- Cushioning: EVA
Hylo’s mission is to put more sustainably made shoes for training on your feet, so the Light goes heavy on planet-friendly materials, including natural rubber, algae bloom and organic cotton that make it both a vegan-friendly and fully recyclable shoe to own. The best part is that these materials combine to make something that’s primarily made for running, but can also handle some time away from the pavements and treadmill and inside the gym.
There’s a single-layer knit upper fit to keep things light and cool and it uses a midsole built from corn spring to deliver that cushioned feel for gym sessions and gentle stroll outs. Hylo also hits double digit numbers on colourways, so you’ve got plenty of options to lace up here too.
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The PWR Nitro SQD is all about powering you through your lateral lunges and side planks thanks to Puma’s nitrogen-infused, dual-density midsole: the key ingredient to making sure you can handle moving side to side energetically. Up top, Puma employs one of its PWRTAPE uppers — which also features on its latest road running shoes — mixing textile and synthetic materials to make sure both comfort and support boxes are ticked. Puma’s PUMAGRIP rubber outsole meanwhile, will keep you stable and grip strongly inside and outside. That completes a shoe that won’t falter when it’s time to really get a sweat on and you’re not moving in just the one direction.
9/19
New Balance 624v5
£75
New Balance
Pros: Stylish trainer look | Durable design | You’ve got width options
Cons: On the heavy side for runs
- Best for: Working out and walking around town
- Weight: 337g
- Cushioning: Abzorb
The 624v5 has the look of a casual New Balance shoe with the capability to handle a bit of bulking up and cardio blasting time. It’s also one to keep on when you’re slowing things back down to a walking pace. The leather upper will handle regular workout use with New Balance’s Abzorb midsole in place to help absorb more explosive moves. That’s matched up with a rubber outsole that will grip strongly and won’t leave a trail of marks on the gym floor when you move from one weight section to the next. If you like a gym shoe that’s roomy, New Balance will go up to XX-wide in the 624v5, giving you plenty of space for those feet to spread out in.
10/19
Hoka Solimar
£105
Hoka
Pros: Can handle general training and running | Durable outsole | Stretchy upper
Cons: Firm midsole not for everyone | Not built for long running sessions
- Best for: Mixing up training time
- Weight: 240g
- Cushioning: CMEVA
The Hoka Solimar is a shoe you can lace up for runs and also keep on when it’s time to head back in for some strength and conditioning time. The mesh upper keeps your feet securely wrapped, dropping you on top of a moulded EVA sockliner and a CMEVA midsole that gives you enough cushioning to handle some smaller running time and lighter gym sessions. The rubber outsole is built to handle plenty of pavement and gym floor pounding with Hoka’s late stage Meta-Rocker there to smoothly drive you forward during treadmill and outdoor running adventures. When the sweating it out is done, grab the heel pull to whip the Solimar off until you’re ready to go again.
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The F-Lite 245 is one for mixing up that cardio and strength time, snugly wrapping your feet up with a knitted mesh upper when keeping things breathable is at the top of your wish list. Below that lies Inov-8’s Exterflow midsole: on the right side of responsiveness, it gives the 245 scope to handle some treadmill running time. Inov-8 adopts a Rope-Tec design if you want to use them to tackle rope climbs with an outsole that’s both fit to grip indoors and when you take the training outside. Inov-8 keeps things simple, but don’t mistake that simplistic approach for a shoe that can handle sprints, a round of circuit training or just grabbing a kettlebell to swing.
12/19
Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 5
£77.95
Nike
Pros: Sleek look | Suitable for lifting | Supportive upper
Cons: Not a super wide shoe | Best for general training
- Best for: Powering big reps
- Weight: 297g
- Cushioning: Micro G foam
The Alpha Trainer goes big on look while you go big on lifting the heavy stuff with five different styles to lace up and step onto the gym floor. Nike provides a welcome strong base to power through lifts and uses one of its Air Max units to provide ample cushioning back at the heel for that more supportive feel. There are rubber wraps to keep feet in prime position, with a tread pattern down below to give you plenty of grip when you need to stay firmly rooted to the ground. The mesh upper aims to keep things breathable when things get hot and sweaty and there’s a heel pull tab making it easy to slip on and off after that gym session is done.
13/19
Adidas The Total Shoes
£99.95
Adidas
Pros: Low profile and spacious design | Wide toe box
Cons: Zero drop design won’t be for everyone
- Best for: Lifting beginners
- Weight: N/A
- Cushioning: N/A
The Total shoes are for those who prefer grabbing a free barbell over jumping on a rower and on and off boxes. These weightlifting kicks combine laces and velcro straps to keep you securely locked in, with extra width up front to give toes room to spread when you need to power through deadlifts and squats. A rugged textile upper packs 50 per cent recycled materials to give it a more sustainable edge, with three colourway options up for grabs if you opt against the classic black on white Adidas look. Best of all? The minimal cushioning keeps you closely connected to the ground with a grippy outsole to stay strong and stable when you’re lifting the heavy stuff.
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The clue is in the name with this shoe: Under Armour’s UA Reign Lifter wants to be the one you reach for when it’s time to lift. There’s laces and a strap to secure your feet in place, plus a heel lift and rubber sole to boost support at the back. Its tough credentials extend to the leather upper to stand strong through lifts and squats. Under Armour isn’t as adventurous with looks here as it is with its other training shoes, but if you want a shoe that delivers when you’re slipping on the plates, the Lifter can be a very dependable weight room partner.
15/19
Nobull Aqua Trainer+
£130
Nobull
Pros: Made for mixed training sessions | Strong outsole grip
Cons: Not a super light shoe
- Best for: Crossfit and some lifting time
- Weight: 283g
- Cushioning: EVA
Nobull has given its Trainer+ a big splash of pastel with the Aqua, throwing some blue on a shoe that’s made for everything from lifting to bodyweight workouts. It features an EVA-based midsole to offer a good mix of cushioning and strong comfort for longer and more dynamic workouts, plus a herringbone outsole and toe bumper up front to serve plenty in the grip department. When you take the training outside, Nobull also uses its one-piece SuperFabric upper to offer a comfortable fit; it completes a shoe that has qualities to handle strength and conditioning by day, and an impromptu bootcamp class or jumping on the indoor bike at night.
16/19
UA SlipSpeed
£135
UnderArmour
Pros: Versatile training shoe | Machine washable | Everyday wear
Cons: Narrow design | Not built for big lifts
- Best for: Explosive runs and HIIT time
- Weight: 306g
- Cushioning: UA Flow
Under Armour built the SlipSpeed to handle more explosive workouts, grabbing the Flow cushioning technology from its running shoes to deliver comfort, protection and low profile grip for indoor and outdoor training time. The upper is designed to keep things cool when you start to up the intensity, with UA’s Boa Fit system in place to let you adjust the fit with a click or two and a convertible heel that lets you adjust the profile of the shoe around back.
When they do finally need a clean you can chuck the SlipSpeed into the washing machine inside of a laundry bag to get them looking as close to box fresh as possible for when it’s time to get them out again for a gym session.
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There’s more to APL than a slightly more refined aesthetic relative to its sportier counterparts and the TechLoom Tracer is living proof. Sticking with the type of materials that make its running shoes a popular option, there’s a moulded lycra collar and tongue that allows for a fuller range of motion, while the lacing system has been fine-tuned to avoid adjustments between exercises. The Propelium midsole keeps things low profile and the outsole makes sure areas that hit the ground the most get the most protection. And while you’ll find plenty of colourways that’ll integrate more seamlessly with your gym wardrobe, we’re very much here for the new animal print-accented designs to bring out that carnal instinct in your HIIT sessions.
18/19
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3
£115
Inov8
Pros: Design that’s built to last | Strong outsole grip
Cons: Barefoot style look won’t be for everyone
- Best for: Low-profile lifting
- Weight: 210g
- Cushioning: Minimalist
Inov-8 knows a thing or two about how to make standout running shoes when it’s time to dash off to the trails and it also knows how to make something you can whip on when you need to put in some strength and conditioning time. This Bare-XF 210 V3 is a more minimalist affair than most, giving your toes room to spread out, all while keeping feet closely connected to the ground for those more solid lifting foundations.
The mesh upper is in place to keep things breathable while a Rope-Tec design makes it well equipped to tackle rope climbs. An external heel cage bolsters things in the stability department and the sticky rubber outsole provides some of the best grip in the business.
19/19
Inov-8 F-Lite 300
£144.99 £79.99
Sports Shoes
Pros: Great grip | Provides strong stable foundations
Cons: Heavy shoe
- Best for: Rope climbs
- Weight: 300g
- Cushioning: ETPU Foam
Inov-8 is better known for its strong off-road running shoes,, but it also wants to bring that innovation indoors with its F-Lite G 300 shoe. It takes super tough graphene and plants it into the outsole to provide plenty of sticky grip so you stay put when you reach for those big weights. A “Rope-Tec” TPU-embedded cage provides added protection when you decide to dabble in some rope climbing and still manages to keep things light, weighing in at just 300g. The knitted upper and sock-like liner means it doesn’t shirk its responsibilities to offer a good fit that also fends off sweat whether you’re lifting, squatting or dealing with any other moves where you need those feet firmly rooted to the ground.
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