From strong-and-stable lifters to lighter trainers for HIIT workouts, here’s our pick of the best gym shoes on the market right now.
If you’re serious about the time you spend in the gym in 2024, a battered old pair of trainers just aren’t going to cut it. For dynamic, high-intensity movements, you need a pair of the best gym shoes for men that are lightweight and responsive and can handle quick changes of direction.
By contrast, heavy lifting – particularly squats and deadlifts – calls for a robust, flat-bottomed shoe that grips the ground and allows you to drive through your heels.
Then there are hybrid shoes – the jacks-of-all-trades – which offer stability, grip and lateral support. They may not excel at any one discipline but offer decent performance across the board.
To help you make the best decision for your workout needs, we’ve pulled together the following buyer’s guide, featuring the very best gym shoes for 2024.
Why you can trust Men’s Fitness
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Our team of bike reviewers included experienced product testers, journalists and fitness writers – as well as the core MF team – who know exactly what sets the best products apart from the rest. Find out more about how we test.
The best gym shoes for men overall
If you want one pair of gym shoes that can do it all, we’d recommend the inov8 Bare-XF. If you’re a gym-goer who likes to mix up their routines and do a bit of everything – including bigger lifting – you’ll appreciate the shoe’s unrivaled versatility. The lack of cushioning may take a bit of getting used to, but it’s well worth it.
Other gym shoe recommendations
| Best gym shoes for heavy lifting | The Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 tops the bill here, offering the blend of stability and locked-in fit you need for heavy lifting. The impressively breathable upper comes into its own when you turn up the heat too. |
| Best gym shoes for HIIT workouts | The Nike Metcon 8 combines is not only the best-looking shoe on this list; it’s also got a nice level of cushioning for high-impact movements and intense conditioning workouts. |
1. inov8 Bare-XF
Men’s Fitness verdict
Minimal design meets outstanding performance. With a wide toe box and zero drop, it’s a solid choice for both minimalist shoe enthusiasts and those transitioning from more traditional trainers.- Zero drop positions your foot close to the ground for optimal lifting form
- Wide toe box for natural foot and toe splay, promoting proprioception and healthy feet
- Super lightweight and very comfortable
- That zero drop can make squatting and Olympic lifting harder if you have limited ankle range
- Slightly dull appearance; not the prettiest shoe
| Features | 3D air mesh upper; Meta-Flex technology; Adapterweb Cradle lacing system; EHC heel system |
| Weight | 7.4oz / 210g |
| Color | Black / gum |
Reviewed by James Hudson
Despite its unassuming appearance, this shoe is a powerhouse of performance. Boasting Boomerang technology and a wide toe box, it offers the perfect blend of bounce and natural movement. The lightweight design feels like a breeze during workouts, while the stretchy laces add an unexpected level of comfort.
Transitioning to minimalist shoes has transformed not only my workouts but also my perspective on footwear. The Bare-XF’s wide fit option accommodates my broad feet comfortably, reflecting its thoughtful design. The zero drop, meanwhile, promotes better form and proprioception, enhancing my connection to the ground during lifts and dynamic movements.
For anyone seeking a shoe that marries minimalism with top-tier performance, the Bare-XF is a great choice. From enhancing running efficiency to powering through lifting sessions, these shoes have become an integral bit of kit in my fitness arsenal.
- Read our full inov8 Bare-XF review
2. Reebok Nano X3
Men’s Fitness verdict
These versatile shoes are stable and secure, able to handle multiple movements as well as the strain put on by heavy lifting. A quality all-rounder and some of the best we’ve tested.- Comfortable, with plenty of cushioning
- Stylish design
- Laces a little short
- All-rounder rather than specialist design
| Features | Flexweave™ knit upper; Floatride Energy Foam™ midsole; glow-in-the-dark rubber outsole |
| Weight | 10.8oz / 306g |
| Colors | 6 available |
Reviewed by Laurence McJannet
The Reebok Nano X3 is a superb all-around gym shoe, and one of the the most versatile trainers on this list. It features excellent lateral support, plus good grip and traction from the shoe’s rubber outsole. In testing, I found that it could also handle multiple movements, as well as the strain put on it by heavy lifting, making it perfect for cross-training. Its heel has a good spring to it, and its breathable upper kept my feet from becoming too hot and stuffy.
If you’re looking for a quality all-rounder that can handle the variety of exercises included in a multi-format routine, this is one of the very best gym shoes for men.
- Read our full Reebok Nano X3 review
3. Vivobarefoot Motus Flex
Men’s Fitness verdict
Featuring the brand’s usual wide toe box, ultra-thin soles and a flexible upper for a barefoot feel, these flat and grippy shoes are ideal for all manner of weight-lifting drills.- Wide, flat base is perfect for heavy weight lifting
- Comfortable sock-like fit
- Made from recycled materials
- Ultra-minimalist design won’t be cushioned enough for some
| Features | Breathable mesh upper; Ortholite insole; Motus Flex outsole; made from vegan materials |
| Weight | 266g (UK size 8) |
| Colors | White space dye / obsidian / bright white |
Reviewed by Isaac Williams
Vivobarefoot does things a little differently: creating feet-shaped shoes, not shoe-shaped ones. The Motus Flex is the brand’s latest barely-there training shoe, with a flat base and minimal cushioning to allow your feet to move as nature intended.
The result is an excellent lifting shoe, with a stable base that allows you to stay stable and exert maximum force with compound lifts like squats and deadlifts. While its sister shoe, the Motus Strength, is marketed more towards strength training, I appreciate the ever-so-slightly bolstered outsole (0.5mm) of the Flex, and the two-part construction couples with the trademark wide toe box to give the feet even more freedom to grip, stretch and, well, flex.
- Read our full Vivobarefoot Motus Flex review
4. Under Armour TriBase Reign 5
Men’s Fitness verdict
Combining a lightweight and breathable upper with a strong and grippy rubber build under the toe box, this shoe provides a solid base and powerful floor grip, making it well suited to heavy lifting.- Solid and sturdy
- Great all-rounder
- Thick midsole means you don’t feel close to the ground
- Heel area could be comfier
| Features | Mesh upper; Micro G™ foam midsole; UA TriBase™ outsole |
| Weight | 10.4oz / 297g |
| Colors | 7 available |
Reviewed by Laurence McJannet
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 is a solid, versatile trainer, offering stability during various cardio and weights sessions.
It features a durable base, sock-like wrap-around upper and a thick, blocky midsole that provides plenty of support. I also found it to be a highly breathable shoe, with a layered mesh material that stopped my feet from getting too sweaty during intense workouts.
Designed to maximize ground contact while promoting natural motion, on test this shoe provided a good blend of stability and movement. I also liked the strong rubber build under the toe box, which offered a solid base and powerful floor grip – helpful during weight lifting and mixed workouts. If you’re incorporating heavier weights alongside your aerobic work, this might just be the ideal gym shoe for you.
- Read our full Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 review
5. Nike Metcon 8
Men’s Fitness verdict
A wide, thick heel and solid feel combine with a springy base to make the Metcon 8 a do-it-all shoe capable of everything from compound lifts to fast-paced HIIT.- Stable and supportive
- Lace lock strap is a practical addition
- A little tight around the ankles
| Features | Mesh upper with synthetic overlays; Nike React Foam midsole; rubber outsole |
| Weight | 12.4oz / 352g |
| Colors | 6 stock designs available, each multi-colored |
Reviewed by Fred Garratt-Stanley
The Nike Metcon 8 provides plenty of stability and support during heavy lifting. But I also found it was versatile enough to allow you to perform a more mixed set of exercises. In testing, its wide, thick heel provided a strong base for deadlifts and squats, giving the shoe a solid feel with plenty of protection.
The foam midsole gave a cushioned, springy base and the shoe’s rubber tread provided ample grip. Plus, the uppers are fairly light, creating a good balance between sturdiness, flexibility and responsiveness.
- Read our full Nike Metcon 8 review
6. Under Armour SlipSpeed
Men’s Fitness verdict
With a unique collapsible heel, which allows you to instantly transition from locked-in performance to slip-on recovery mode, this versatile shoe is a capable all-rounder. Fit could be better though.- Great versatility
- Unique collapsible heel
- Unique fit feels a bit fussy
- Foot hold lacks a little security
| Materials | UA Flow cushioning; breathable mesh uppers; Iso-Chill padded interior |
| Weight | 306g |
| Colors | Black / white / red / yellow |
| Sizes | 6 – 12 |
Reviewed by Kieran Alger
Like the mullet of men’s gym shoes, the Under Armour SlipSpeed is business in the front, party in the back. This innovative gym shoe switches effortlessly from beast mode to recovery comfort in the flick of its ‘crushable’ heel.
In training mode, the SlipSpeed is built to be a capable all-rounder, handling everything from moderate strength training to aerobic exercises and even short runs. In recovery mode, it’s designed to look sharp and deliver comfort for general kicking about.
- Read our full Under Armour SlipSpeed review
How we test the best gym shoes
Our testers have been busy putting a large number of gym shoes through their paces over the past year. The shoes featured in this list are there because our testers deem them to be the very best options for a wide range of gym-based workouts.
A good gym shoe can enhance your workout experience significantly by providing the right support, comfort, and durability. Here are some key factors our testers considered when rating their best gym shoes.
- Comfort and fit: Does the shoe fit well and is it comfortable to wear? This means there should be adequate room in the toe box, a secure fit around the heel, and enough arch support.
- Support and stability: Our testers looked for shoes that offer a stable base to prevent your feet from rolling in or out excessively. This is particularly important for weight lifting, running and fast-paced circuits.
- Cushioning: Depending on your workout, you’ll need varying levels of cushioning. Running and high-impact activities generally require more cushioning to absorb shock, whereas shoes for weight lifting should have a firmer, flatter sole.
- Breathability: Shoes with good ventilation will help keep your feet cool and dry, which can reduce the risk of blisters and other foot problems.
- Durability: The material and construction of the shoe should be durable enough to withstand regular use, especially if you’re engaging in high-intensity workouts.
- Traction: A good gym shoe should have a non-slip sole to provide adequate grip, which is essential for maintaining balance and preventing slips during exercises.
- Purpose-specific design: Some shoes are designed specifically for certain activities (e.g. running shoes, cross-trainers, weight lifting shoes), so it’s important you choose a shoe that suits the type of workouts you’ll be doing most often.
When trying on gym shoes, it’s a good idea to walk around in them and possibly do a few movements similar to those you’d perform at the gym to ensure they feel right.
What’s the difference between gym shoes and running shoes?
If your main goal at the gym is to pound the treadmill before maybe spending some time on the exercise mats, a classic running shoe will do the job. However, if your workouts extend beyond treadmill running, you’ll want to get more specific.
There are a few key differences between a gym shoe and a running shoe. Think about the type of action that a running shoe is made for: it supports forward-going, heel-to-toe movements, rather than lateral movement or upward propulsion. A higher heel-toe drop provides a running shoe with extra cushioning and shock absorption, protecting the runner’s joints and ligaments from injury.
Heel cushioning is particularly important, as is the use of lightweight mesh materials – a running shoe need to be light and breathable for those long, sweaty runs.
A gym shoe, however, is made with multidirectional and lateral movement in mind. Generally, it’ll have a lower heel-toe drop and a smaller cushion, which gives athletes a better range of motion. Typically, a wider toe box also helps to support quick directional changes.
How to make gym shoes last longer
Now you’re kitted out with some killer kicks, we’re sure you want to make them last as long as possible. While there is only so long a pair of gym shoes can last if you’re using them regularly, there are certain steps you can take to prolong their lifespan.
Firstly, to minimize the build-up of bacteria and odors, it’s always best to wear socks when exercising and to allow your shoes to dry out properly after sweaty sessions. We recommend leaving them outside in the sun to air dry, removing the insoles first if they are particularly damp. Steer clear of the radiator or tumble dryer: the heat can cause damage, warping and premature ageing.
Even with these precautions, it’s likely your shoes will need freshening up from time to time. However, you need to make sure you learn how to wash your gym shoes properly to avoid any damage (spoiler: don’t throw them in the washing machine).
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