The BEST gym shoes

The process of finding the best gym shoes can be both overwhelming and exciting. There are countless gym shoes on the market and every gym shoe has its own list of pros and cons in regard to construction and performance. Whether you are lifting weights, or running sprints there is a shoe designed best for different exercises.

** Please note I do not have any affiliation with these companies. I am only recommending what I have used before.

The Best Shoe for Lifting, HITT, and Agility Training

The Nike Metcons are amazing. The Nike Metcon 8 are one of the best gym shoes for women. The Nike foam midsole gives this shoe a nice edge for versatility when jumping, doing explosive movements, and tackling multi-directional exercises. The outsole has a good level of traction when training on different surfaces and the medial and lateral midfoot outsole wraps boost this shoe’s overall durability and functionality for things like rope climbs, and it offers a little more midfoot support. When lifting weights, especially leg day I would recommend wearing a show that is flatter than something with a squishy sole.

The Best Shoes for Walking

Your daily hot girl walk could probably use better footwear. Walking shoes should be flexible, not rigid, and offer a good amount of stability in your forefoot and heel. Some great recommendations would be Hoka Bondi, On Cloud, New Balance Fresh Foam, and Dansko.

The Best Shoes for Running

One of the most critical factors as to how a pair of running shoes will feel during the run, and how your feet, ankles, shins feel after the run- is the cushion. Are your feeling shin splints when you are running? If so, perhaps it is time for a new shoe. The cushioning in the midsole, which cradles your foot and absorbs the shock generates each time your foot hits the ground. If you want a foamy, cloudlike run, On Cloudmonster, Cloudrunner or Hoka’s Clifton 8 are all very popular. Another two very popular brands for running are Saucony and Brooks Ghost. You’ll also want to consider the drop, or the heel height, of your potential picks. Something too foamy may make you feel off balance when running and risk tripping and falling.

The Best Hiking Boot

Hitting the trails? I would recommend something that may have supreme grip for rocky, slippery terrain, plus extra ankle support through higher laces. Also finding a shoe that has water-resistant outsoles in case you’re trudging through puddles, ponds, or rain is best too. If you love long-distance trails I would use a lighter pair like Columbia’s Newton Ridge. Kodiak’s durable yet lightweight boots are excellent for hiking in all kinds of weather, and if you want the feel of a sneaker with the traction of a boot, go for Columbia’s Montrail Trinity trail-running shoe.

The Best Shoe for Strength Training

In my younger days of lifting, I never focused on having a shoe to help push me through my workouts. If anything, I chose the cutest, most trendy shoe available. When I say strength training, my main focus is on leg day ladies. We all love a good leg and booty workout, but don't skip out on the shoes. We need STABILITY. When it comes to lower body strength training, I would recommend Metcons, Vans, NOBULL, or Converse. Some even choose to go barefoot, however you are taking a risk of dropping a weight on your toe or stubbing your foot on accident. Give one of these shoes a try on your next lower body lift, and I promise you will thank me.

Whether you are going for a walk, running a race, taking a fitness class at the gym, climbing a mountain with your family and friends or building your glutes I hope you find a shoe that works best for your feet. After all, your feet have to hold you up all day. Be kind to them.

Be sure to tag me in your next shoe purchase. I cannot wait to see what you choose!!