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The right shoes are extremely important when exercising, regardless of the type of sport you practice. Yet the importance of good footwear during sports or fitness training is often underestimated, resulting in annoying injuries.
Fitness has been a popular exercise activity for many years. If you provide the right fitness shoes, you will not only train more safely, but you will also be able to move much more effectively.
Fitness includes a lot of different forms of exercise, so each form requires a different type of shoe.
To save you a lot of searching, I have made a list for you with the best fitness shoes, divided by activity.
In my list you will find the best fitness shoe for cardio fitness, cross-training and weightlifting.
I will review each choice extensively, so that you can make the right choice.
Before I show you all my top picks, let me quickly introduce you to my absolute favorite fitness shoe, which is this Reebok Nano X, which is available for both men and women (see table).
The shoe has come out as the best for cardio fitness, but because the shoe has excellent support and cushioning, it is just as much a perfect all-round fitness shoe.
So if you don't necessarily want to focus on one type of fitness - and if you don't want to buy a separate shoe for every activity - but if you prefer to do a little bit of everything, then this could be the ideal shoe for you.
Best shoe for cardio fitness
You can count on a responsive and flexible footbed with this shoe and the shoe closes with the help of the laces.
Best shoe for balanced strength training
The Artin Athletics shoes are specifically designed for fitness and strength training with a low heel lift (heel to toe drop) and thin soles.
Best shoe for pure weightlifting/powerlifting
The shoes are stable, have a narrow fit, a wedge-shaped midsole and a wide instep strap that ensures complete anchorage.
Best shoe for cross training
Whether you're a Crossfitter, sprinter vals, circuit training, or HIIT; the Nike METCON fitness shoe is a fantastic choice.
Best budget fitness shoes
For a quality budget fitness shoe, Asics is here for you. They have a separate Gel Venture model for men and women with the same properties.
Best fitness shoe for running
For runners looking for fitness shoes to enable comfortable running. The ON Running Cloud are striking and feel like clouds!
Best shoe for dance workouts
Do you especially like active dance workouts, such as Zumba? Even then it is useful to purchase the right pair of fitness sneakers.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
What should you pay attention to when buying fitness shoes?
What requirements should a good fitness shoe meet? It is advisable to take into account a number of factors when choosing.
I will explain some important points below.
Damping
This is especially important for cardio fitness shoes, especially if you want to wear the shoes go for a run.
However, if you need shoes for strength training, then damping is not necessary again. Damping will detract from the effectiveness of your exercises.
So decide for yourself what exactly you will use your shoes for.
Stability and support
A good all-round fitness shoe should be able to offer stability and support.
Whether you do cardio or strength training; stability and support ensure that you can always exercise safely. Ideally, the shoe will also provide stability to your ankle, reducing the chance of you going through your ankle.
The most important thing in strength training is the support at the mid-arch and the possibility for your toes to spread (toe-spread).
The brand
The brand is certainly not everything, but do know that there can be quite a lot of difference in the fitness shoes of the different brands.
A number of well-known and good brands that you certainly know are, for example, Nike, Adidas and Reebok.
Also keep in mind that the size can be different with each brand.
Always try on your favorite models before purchasing them. Especially if you have never bought shoes from the brand in question before.
The design
Well, the eye also wants something!
Functionality is everything when choosing the best fitness shoe, but you also have to like the shoes you're going to wear. Otherwise you probably won't wear them.
The price
If you want to go for a good fitness shoe, it will also be a bit more expensive than the average shoe.
The range is so wide that there are many different price ranges to choose from. A good fitness shoe can easily cost between 50 and 150 euros.
Which fitness shoe suits you?
Figuring out which (sports) shoe is best for you and your body can be tricky, especially since your needs can change over time. They can even change over the course of a day.
Fit is key. The one chosen by you sports shoe should be tailored to your needs.
For example, runners need a different type of shoe than those who cycle or lift weights. The same applies to the different types of fitness activities.
However, some variables remain unchanged. Good sneakers should be sturdy but flexible, offer support but allow your foot to function.
They should also allow you to maintain good posture.
The 'right' shoe must also be durable, comfortable and, of course, preferably not very expensive. You should also invest in a pair of shoes that provide adequate cushioning and traction.
However, these variables are subjective and the best way to pick the right pair is to try them out for yourself.
Top 7 fitness shoes reviewed
Now let's take a closer look at my top picks. What makes these fitness shoes so good?
Reebok Nano X
- Minimal height difference gives extra stability
- Good all-round fitness shoe
- Not the best for running
Finding the right shoe for cardio fitness can be a long quest if you don't know where to start. That's why I'm here for you!
I picked the Reebok Nano X as the best for this category, which is available for both men and women.
I've already briefly told you about this fitness shoe before, and now I'll go a little deeper into the great details.
The Reebok Nano X is an iconic shoe that gives you a pleasant and supportive feeling.
The footwear features a soft, durable woven textile upper (Flexweave) for extra ventilation.
Overheated feet during exercise is therefore a thing of the past! The collar of the shoe is equipped with double light foam that improves the overall comfort.
For stability and shock absorption, the midsole is made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). The outsole is made of rubber and also has a supportive EVA edge.
The sole has a minimal height difference which ensures firmness and ultimate stability.
You can count on a responsive and flexible footbed with this shoe and the shoe closes with the help of the laces.
The Reebok Nano X has a cool design and is available in 15 different colors! Unfortunately, the fitness shoe is less suitable if you have wide feet.
Are you curious what exactly the difference is between the Reebok Nano X and the Reebok Nano X1? Here it is explained (in English):
Thanks to the excellent support and cushioning, this is, as I mentioned before, a perfect all-round fitness shoe.
So if you want to do other fitness activities in addition to cardio, you can do so with this fitness shoe.
Artin Athletics Mesh Trainer
- Small heel lift and thin sole perfect for strength training
- Wide toe box allows ample spread
- Less cushioning makes it less suitable for intense cardio sessions
Artin Athletics is a new brand on the market that saw a gap in strength training. Most shoe brands have athletic shoes, but none specifically for heavy lifting.
And if there are, they are usually not flexible enough to handle all the exercises in your workout.
The Artin Athletics shoes are specifically designed for fitness and strength training with a low heel lift (heel to toe drop) and thin soles.
They are indeed very flexible with a flat sole. You feel that your foot is well supported, but at the same time you feel the ground beneath you.
The heel lift is only 4 mm. A small lift is important to maintain good contact with the floor when lifting heavy weights.
The heel lift of the Reebok Nano X also appears to be 4 mm, but the brand has not released any official figures.
It feels like more than this one from Artin anyway.
The one in the Adidas Powerlift is more than 10mm.
The support is excellent with extra mid arch support in particular, and the forefoot is made extra wide to allow for toe spread when lifting heavy weights where you want your feet firmly flat on the ground.
I could clearly feel that my feet were given ample opportunity to settle down flat.
Most shoes, including those on this list, are less suitable for heavy weights because the front pinches your toes a lot.
The upper is made of mesh and breathes well. The design seems a bit odd to me. There are no laces over the top of the shoe.
I find it strange when I look at it, or maybe it takes some getting used to. But it feels really good indeed.
The cushioning is not very great, but that is because they are made to feel the ground when lifting.
A little cardio is possible, but for intense cardio sessions I would choose a different pair, such as perhaps the Nike Metcon or the On Running shoes.
But it's balanced enough to do the edge exercises that come with a full workout so you don't have to change shoes.
Adidas power lift
- Higher heel perfect for squatting
- Sturdy rubber sole
- Not great for deadlifts
When lifting weights or powerlifting, it is important to go for a shoe that you can tighten around your ankle.
Strength training and power lifts are completely different forms of fitness, where you move in a different way than with cardio, for example. Of course, this also includes a specific fitness shoe.
However, be aware that also within strength training a distinction can be made between various fitness shoes.
For example, there are powerlift shoes that have a raised heel. These are mainly intended to squat with.
The increase in the heel ensures that you can sink deeper while squatting.
When performing the deadlift, it is important that the shoes are flat, so there are also special fitness shoes for that type of exercise.
I also understand that you don't want and can't buy a pair of fitness shoes separately for every exercise.
That is why I have selected the best all-round strength training fitness shoe for you, namely the Artin Athletics shoe.
These shoes have some of the same features. But the Adidas Powerlift is a great shoe for powerlifters and weight training freaks.
The Adidas Powerlift is a design that ensures confident weightlifting. If you want to take your strength training to the next level, these are the best fitness shoes to achieve that.
The shoes are stable, have a narrow fit, a wedge-shaped midsole and a wide instep strap that ensures complete anchorage.
Thanks to the rubber outsole, you always stand firmly on the ground while lifting.
The lightweight upper of the shoe is made of robust canvas and the shoe has a lace-up closure with Velcro.
The sports shoe also has an open forefoot and a flexible nose for breathable comfort.
The shoe helps your body stay properly aligned while lifting: your ankles, knees and hips will be brought into an optimal position.
The Adidas powerlift shoes are great for your body and budget. Because the shoe has a narrow design, it may be less suitable for athletes with wide feet.
Nike METHCON
- Wide arch support provides stability
- Removable hyperlift insert for squats
- Very manoeuvrable with sufficient support
- Fits very small
Whether you're a Crossfitter, sprinter vals, circuit training, or HIIT; the Nike METCON fitness shoe is a fantastic choice.
The shoes are robust yet flexible, breathable and have a wide arch support for improved stability and support.
You can also wear this shoe perfectly during strength training, except for heavy lifts. The shoe can withstand most intensive fitness workouts.
The Nike METCON is another fitness shoe that has a separate model for men and women.
The shoe keeps your feet fresh, even when you're pushing hard, and can withstand pressure and pull during the most grueling workouts.
With these shoes you have a good grip and a lot of maneuverability.
The Nike METCON fitness shoes are also equipped with a removable Hyperlift insert for squats, which also makes the shoe suitable for strength training.
Also read: Best shin guards for crossfit | compression and protection
The only drawback of the shoe is that it is a bit smaller. So always take a half to full size larger than you are used to.
Nike has now released several editions of the METCON and because the shoe is so popular, a new variant is always appearing.
Nike aims to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete and help the world move forward through the power of sport-breaking barriers.
Just like the Reebok Nano X (category 'best shoe for cardio fitness'), a CrossFit shoe is also ideal if you do a combination of cardio and lifts.
At CrossFit you do many different workouts at a high pace.
You want to be agile, have enough cushioning for jumping, but you also want to have enough stability and support during weightlifting.
Asics Gel Venture
- Sturdy shoe with sufficient support
- Very suitable for cardio
- Less suitable for heavier strength exercises
Do you have little to spend or are you just starting your good fitness goals? Then you probably don't want to buy an expensive shoe right away, and you prefer to go for a cheaper model first.
For a budget fitness shoe that is still of good quality, Asics is there for you. They have a separate Gel Venture model for men and women with the same properties.
These fitness shoes are perfect for people who are just starting out with fitness. The shoes are flexible, light and have good shock absorption.
The shoes are also flexible in all directions thanks to the HX flex system. This also allows you to quickly change direction.
Because there is a higher midsole on the side and reinforcement at the heel, the shoe also ensures position retention. Thanks to the thick sole, your body is protected against shocks during exercise.
The shoes are also easy to put on and are just as comfortable as slippers. Thanks to the reinforced nose you can safely make lateral movements.
They are especially made for running, so they are best suited if you do a lot of cardio. They do offer good support because they are usually outside shoes.
This makes them suitable for many different exercises that you encounter in the gym.
ON Running Cloud X
- Superfoam outsole with raised sides gives a lot of support
- Perfect for the treadmill and other fast-paced workouts
- Not a fit for strength training
- Quite pricey
Are you a runner and are you looking for new fitness shoes that allow comfortable running? The ON Running Cloud running shoes are striking and feel like clouds!
There is a separate version for both men and women.
The shoe weighs very little and has a sturdy but breathable mesh upper.
It also features a super foam outsole and raised sidewalls that support multi-directional movements.
The shoe offers you just enough bounce to let you tear over short distances! The shoes are therefore lightweight and flexible, super comfortable, durable and with good stability.
They also offer impressive responsiveness. The shoes are ideal for tempo runs, interval training and races from the mile to the half marathon.
Reasons not to take the shoe may be related to the design, which may not be to everyone's taste.
In addition, it can feel a bit loose in places, and lacks sufficient energy return for long distances.
Runners who appreciate more cushioning and less 'feel' from the running surface may find this shoe's midsole too minimalist. Also, most people probably find the shoe too expensive.
Compared to the Nike METCON range, for example, the Cloud X may not be on the same level in terms of support and robust fit, but they excel in being light, stable and offering a balanced and natural feel.
ASICS GEL Nimbus
- Good support for lateral movements
- Strong shock absorption
- Very pricey
- Not suitable for exercises other than cardio and dance
Do you especially like active dance workouts, such as Zumba? Even then it is useful to purchase the right pair of fitness sneakers.
Happy and healthy feet are essential for dancing, and your shoes determine the condition of your feet.
The best dance fitness shoes look great and fit well, keeping your feet comfortable, while wearing the wrong shoes in your dance class can cause severe pain.
Shoes that are narrow or inflexible in the toe area can cause pinched nerve endings, calluses, blisters and toenail problems.
Larger or heavier shoes can cause leg fatigue and foot slippage, often leading to injury.
So choose a good pair of shoes that you can dance in!
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus are a fantastic choice for this and are available for men and women.
The fitness shoes are stable, extremely comfortable and have excellent responsiveness.
They also have great shock absorption for powerful movements, but are light enough that they don't feel like clunky shoes; the perfect balance for dance cardio.
However, a disadvantage of these shoes is that they are a bit on the expensive side.
Q&A fitness shoes
Can I squat with running shoes?
Do not wear running shoes during squats. The kinematics of squats are very different from running.
Wearing running shoes while squatting will leave you feeling unbalanced, which affects the amount of force you apply to the floor.
Also, running shoes can negatively affect the depth of the squat and the angle of your torso.
Does it matter which shoes you wear to the gym?
Whatever shoes suit your training style, it's important to maintain your trainers so that they last longer.
If the heel, sole or cushioning becomes worn, or if you feel pain during or after wearing it, it's probably time to switch to a new pair.
Is it bad to wear running shoes for cross training?
Theoretically, you can use running shoes for cross training, but it can be a risk to yourself.
For example, your running shoes will compress when you lift weights, which can make you unstable.
Likewise, running shoes are designed for heel-to-toe movement, not lateral movement.
How do I find the best sports shoes for me?
Shoes must provide proper support for the intended exercise and be in good condition.
Use running shoes (with cushioning) for cardio and "cross trainers" (with great stability) if you combine strength training. Think of the instep, toe depth and heel width.
Make sure they fit your feet well – but not too tight!
Ben from the SPORTJA gym here will help you on your way:
Conclusion
In this article I have given you an overview of the best fitness shoes, divided by fitness type.
When choosing the right fitness shoe, it is essential to first consider which type of workout(s) you mainly want to do with it.
If you like a combination of strength training and HIIT/cardio, then an all-round fitness shoe, such as the Reebok Nano X or the Nike METCON 6, is the best choice.
If you mainly do strength training, then powerlifter shoes are really ideal.
And you mainly do cardio on a treadmill or outside, then special running shoes with cushioning are most suitable.
Also watch: Best fitness glove | Top 5 rated for grip & wrist
