If “get in shape” sounds like something you’ve tossed around in your mind or planning your first marathon because it looked like a good idea when you signed up, well, it’s worth taking a look at the best workout shoes. So often, worn-in soles and broken laces can not only decrease your motivation to work out but can also turn into a gym hazard. And with brands coming out with new styles every week, sneaker shopping can be a bit overwhelming. To top it off, most sports used to have their own shoes (running sneakers, tennis shoes, golf cleats, etc.). These days, brands have shoes that combine features like breathable uppers, lightweight construction, and outsoles that offer both traction and comfort. So, where do you even start? Well, that’s where we come in. Some standout picks are worth considering adding to your collection; they are bound to make your exercise routine that much more enjoyable. We’ve selected trusted shoes that perform well for all your workout activities to help you find the perfect pair of workout sneakers and achieve your goals. Check out our FAQ on finding the right fit for your specific needs. Best Workout Shoes For Men Best for HIIT: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 With updated dynamic cushioning and the signature GuideRails support system, this shoe helps reduce excess motion, keeping you locked in for lifting and running, a good shoe for those that love a HIIT workout. New York Post Review: Barret Wertz, our commerce editorial director, shares his review below. They are very comfortable and supportive without feeling like I am wearing some sort of Kangoo shoes. I have fairly standard arches — not too high, not too flat — and I have always felt like these were the best shoes for me time and time again. I have tried other brands with success including Hoka and Nike, and other Brooks styles including Ghost and Glycerin, but I always find myself returning to the Adrenaline or the Adrenaline GTS because I know it fits, feels good, and won’t ever rub me the wrong way. I am standard size 10 in sneakers, and a 10.5 in athletic shoes. I know if either of these sizes don’t work, the shoes just weren’t built for my feet. All of Brooks Adrenaline styles have always fit straight from the website. Size Options: 7-15 | Color Options: 15 Materials: DNA Loft v3 foam, some recycled materials | Special Features: GuideRails Support Best Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 9 With the new Clifton 9, you’re stepping into a whole new level of comfort and performance. This lightweight, eco-friendly workout sneaker has been engineered for those who value foot health and sustainability using a minimum of twenty percent recycled material. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), it’s designed with a breathable engineered knit upper, responsive foam, and added cushioning in the heel for a plush yet stable experience. The Cliftons are available in a variety of colors that you’re bound to love. Want more options? Check out our expert advised best men’s running shoes to find what works best for you. Size Options: 7-16 | Color Options: 28 Materials | The primary materials that compose this product contain a minimum of 20 percent recycled content | Special Features: APMA Approved: The American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance Best for Lifting and Training: adidas Ultraboost Shoes The Ultraboost adapts to the unique shape of your foot for a personalized, secure fit that’ll have you excited to hit the pavement. The special adidas flexible stretchweb outsole was designed to create excellent traction in wet and dry conditions so you can feel confident indoors and out. With a stable platform for lifting, it still provides a responsive boost, making it perfect for a variety of activities like running, HIIT, and walking. Size Options: 4-18 | Color Options: 1 | Materials: adidas Primeknit textile upper with rubber flexible stretchweb outsole |Special Features: Energized push-off with each footstrike Best Workout Shoes For Women Best Walking Workout Shoes: Alo Runner The Alo Runner is a worthy choice for a workout shoe that stabilizes and provides to your arches. It’s also a great way to run errands bout town. New York Post Review: “I’ll start by saying I’m not a runner, but I love a hot girl walk around NYC. If you rack up tons of steps daily like I do, these are the best shoes to keep that pep in your step. When picking an athletic shoe, I shamelessly had style in mind (especially since so many supportive shoes are a bit ugly), but these have it all. The Alo Runners have a simple, sleek design and are incredibly lightweight and breathable for those hot summer walks (though they might not keep your feet super warm in the winter). They provide great support and are unbelievably comfortable.” – Brooke Matalon, social media marketing manager Want something for running? Check out our expert-advice on the best running shoes for women but if you enjoy walking, we have an expert on walking shoes, too. Size Options: 4.5-16.5 | Color Options: 4 | Materials: Mesh upper is made with 70% recycled materials | Special Features: N/A Best Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 9 The Clifton 9 promises a cushier landing than its predecessor with less weight. The sneaker also has an early-stage MetarRocker that springs my foot forward, rocking my heel to toe. It’s a great option for anyone who struggles with joint pain, the shoe allieviets the pressure with its thick sole. New York Post Review: “I’ve completed three marathons and Clifton 9 has helped me cross the finish line. They are great for my long runs, workouts and lots of walking. I swap out my running shoes every 6 months and I still got pain in my knee when I ran. Not with these Hokas, I found my pain eventually went away. These are definitely worth it, especially if you’re training for a marathon.” – Emma Sutton-Williams, our commerce reporter New York Post Review: “I’ve tried a handful of different sneaker brands for working out in my day, but after trying Hokas, I’ll never go back. My workouts largely consist of walking both on a treadmill and around my neighborhood, and in the Hoka Bondi 8, I found a sneaker that’s cushioned enough to be comfortable for long walks and supportive and stable enough that my foot always feels secure in it. Despite the chunky stack height, they’re still impossibly lightweight, too.” – Angela Tricario, commerce reporter for New York Post and Decider Size Options: 5-12 | Color Options: 12 | Materials: Knit upper, fabric lining, rubber sole | Special Features: Compression-molded EVA foam midsole offers lightweight cushioning Best Retro Throwback: New Balance 740 Get into the throwback all-time fan fave of the New Balance 740. When it comes to cool kids, you can’t go wrong with this classic pair to impress your friends, whether it’s new for you or a true throwback for you. Sure, there is the working out element to all of this, but wouldn’t it be nice to have style and flex that athletic muscle? We think so. Beyond looking stylish it provides support during even the most intense workouts Size Options: 5.5-18.5 | Color Options: 3 | Materials: Mesh underlays, Synthetic overlays, Rubber outsole | Special Features: ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance Best Designer: Zappos adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost 20 New York Post Review: “I mistakenly thought that Stella McCartney for adidas would be a nice pair of sneakers, much like other adidas I’ve owned before. How wrong I was — they are in a class by themselves! As someone who has worked out for decades, these are a game changer for comfort. Not too squishy for weight-lifting and bouncy/shock-absorbing enough for the treadmill, they are a dream to wear. They are supportive, which has made my knees less prone to strains since wearing them during workouts and even hiking outdoors. They have held up very well, but I’m due for a new pair. They are a little pricey, and I wish I could get them on sale, but will buy them again either way. They did stay in good condition longer than other sneakers I’ve owned, so I’ll consider it a smart investment. Plus, I feel like I have better workouts when wearing them and they are super stylish.” – Erica Radol, Page Six commerce reporter Size Options: 5-10.5 | Color Options: 2 | Materials: Verified vegan construction and PRIMEKNIT textile upper | Special Features: Designer Collaboration How we tested We tested the best workout shoes by evaluating their comfort during HIIT, running, and walking. We tested each shoe for 6 months or more. The shoes were rated based on overall value, with feedback from testers of various fitness levels to provide a comprehensive recommendation. Choosing the right workout shoes is key to your workout plans. It could be CrossFit, hiking, lifting, or literally anything that makes you move, but the most important thing is finding shoes that mold and support your arches and joints. What are the best running workout shoes? Regarding the best running workout shoes, brands like Brooks, New Balance, and Asics stand out. Brooks’ Ghost series is known for its smooth ride and cushioning, which Emma Sutton-Williams, our commerce reporter, used to cross the finish line with ease and minimal knee pain one year at the New York Marathon. New Balance offers a variety of lightweight, stylish shoes that work well for running but we highly suggest Hokas if you have joint issues because of the extra cushion and Brooks for If Hoka or Brooks don’t suit your feet, consider Asics. It’s a good alternative if you need more support. For the best CrossFit workout shoes, Nike, Reebok, and Nobull are top choices for extreme movements. Can I find cheap workout shoes that still perform well? Brands like Puma and Under Armour have budget-friendly options that can do all the above activities. However, we’d advise checking out Zappos for hot deals and flash sales on Hokas and Brooks to help you cross the finish line. What are the best workout shoes for plantar fasciitis? If you have plantar fasciitis, look for shoes that hug your heel and provide ergonomic arch-molding support. A wide toe box is also important to alleviate pain. Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. 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