Best shoes for weight training and cardio

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

No matter how you fit in your fitness, wearing shoes designed for the kind of workout you love is essential to keeping you comfy, stable and performing your best. That’s because the right sneakers provide workout-specific support, including cushioning and stability to protect your feet and joints from any possible impact. 

Get deals and shopping advice delivered straight to your phone. Sign up for text message alerts from the experts at Reviewed.

Finding the right pair of gym shoes can be tricky, so we’ve rounded up 11 tried-and-true classics including walking shoes, running sneakers and HIIT-friendly cross-trainers so you can focus on what matters: getting your sweat on.

1. For an all-purpose training shoe: Reebok NanoX2 

The Reebok NanoX2 is a great training shoe for any kind of workout as it offers stability plus comfort and style. Reviewers praise the NanoX2 for providing secure footing during strength training sessions and say these shoes feel lightweight and require almost no breaking in. However, they run large, so reviewers recommend going down a half size for the best fit.

The Reebok Nano X2 sneakers come in men’s full and half sizes 7 to 14 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 11. They’re available in a variety of color combinations including muted gray hues and bright orange and teal color blocks, so you’ll find something that coordinates with any workout gear and to give your fitness routine a visual energy boost.

$135 at Reebok

2. For a classic CrossFit shoe: Nike Metcon 7

The Metcon 7s are the latest upgrade to the Nike shoe made popular by CrossFit athletes for its versatility to go from heavy lifts to plyometrics. The wide, flat heel contains an inner plate that helps distribute weight evenly while remaining flexible during cardio intervals, and the rubber soles cradle the inside and outside of your arch, ensuring a no-slip grip on the floor. 

Reviewers say these sneakers are ultra supportive and praise the flat sole for offering superior stability during strength training. Many who wore previous models of the Metcon say they much prefer the improved quality of the Metcon 7s when compared with previous iterations. 

The Nike Metcon 7 sneakers come in men’s full and half sizes 3½ to 22 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 23½. They’re available in both neutral and bright hues, as well as Nike’s “design your own” option where you can customize your sneakers’ colorway. 

$130 at Nike

3. For maximum stability while lifting weights: Nike Romaleos 4

A staple in any gym rat’s closet, weightlifting shoes have flatter soles with a more generous surface area, so you can firmly plant your feet into the ground when executing heavy lifts. The Nike Romaleos 4 ticks those boxes, with a wide heel and durable rubber sole to help you plant your feet firmly as you lift. It also has velcro straps covering the laces to prevent tripping over loose ends. Reviewers praise the shoe for its stability and say the toe box offers plenty of wiggle room. 

The Romaleos sneakers come in men’s full and half sizes 3½ to 22 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 23½ and two basic color options, black and white. 

$200 at Nike

4. For multifaceted workouts: NoBull trainers

Founded in 2014, NoBull is a brand that’s taken off in recent years, thanks to its high quality lifting, cross-training and running shoes. If you’re looking for a sneaker to wear for resistance training, cardio and HIIT sessions alike, try the NoBull Trainer+. These sneakers combine the grounded stability of a lifting shoe with the flexibility and arch support of a running shoe to create a versatile cross-trainer that’s well suited for many types of workouts. The Trainer+ has a seamless mesh upper for breathability, a cushioned foam midsole and an oversized rubber outsole for stability and traction. 

Reviewers on NoBull’s site give these shoes 5 stars and praise their quality construction and comfort for HIIT and CrossFit-style workouts and say the shoes are even a decent option for walking and running. 

The NoBull Trainer+ comes in men’s sizes 8 to 16 and women’s sizes 5 to 11. You can find it in solid colors like black, white and coral as well as colorful patterns.

Starting at $140 at NoBull

5. For a cross-trainer made for women’s feet: lululemon Chargefeel Low  

You may know lululemon for its luxurious Align leggings or other quality athleisure offerings, but the brand has recently ventured into designing workout shoes for women. The lululemon Chargefeel Low shoe is the brand’s cross-trainer intended for use during a host of activities, from running and HIIT to dancing and boxing. 

We tested the Chargefeel and love its lightweight, breathable design. It also provides a good balance of bounce and stability for cardio workouts or resistance training. Though we couldn’t ID what made it “specifically designed for women’s feet,” the Chargefeel fit our female tester’s feet wonderfully. 

The Chargefeel sneakers come in women’s full and half sizes 5 to 11 and muted colors such as pale yellow, sage green and ivory.

$138 at lululemon

6. For comfort during studio classes: Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3  

If you’re a regular at your gym’s HIIT, circuit or kettlebell classes, the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3s are for you. Nike’s famous Zoom Air cushioning offers padding and flexibility beneath your feet while the sneaker’s slimmer design keeps your foot closer to the ground for maximum control. Reviewers say these shoes are comfortable during multiple studio classes and appropriate for various styles of circuit training.

The Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3 sneakers come in men’s full and half sizes 6 to 15 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 15. They’re available in both neutral and bright colors such as white, black and magenta. 

$120 at Nike

7. For a fan favorite among runners: Brooks Ghost 14

Running shoes are different from cross-trainers or other workout shoes, as they’re designed to help your feet absorb the impact of your foot hitting the ground with each stride in a forward trajectory. The Brooks Ghost is a well-known favorite among runners and one of Brooks’s most popular running shoe models. Reviewers say the padding is comfortable and supportive, and that the shoes are a great option for both indoor and outdoor runs.

The Brooks Ghost 14 sneakers come in men’s full and half sizes 7 to 15 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 13. They’re sold in more than 50 colorways, including vibrant pinks and purples and neutral black and white combos.

$140 at Brooks

8. For an ultra-cushioned running shoe: Hoka One One Clifton 8

Hoka One One is a running shoe brand that competes with the bigger brands thanks to its extra-cushioned ride. The Hoka One One Clifton 8s provide great arch support to keep you comfortable with every stride. Reviewers say these sneakers are lightweight and flexible, yet feel sturdy and supportive for longer runs. 

The Clifton 8 sneakers come in men’s sizes 7 to 16 and women’s sizes 5 to 12. Like many Hoka One One shoes, the Clifton 8s come in a variety of bright colors such as aqua, magenta and peach to liven up your run.

$140 at Hoka One One

9. For a tennis shoe to keep you light on your feet: NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro

If you envision yourself bouncing around the court like a pro, try the NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pros on your feet. These lightweight tennies are designed to support your feet as you change directions to return a volley without weighing you down. Reviewers say they love the stability the Vapor Pros provide without compromising on agility. 

The NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pros come in men’s full and half sizes 6 to 15 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 12. You can find them in colors such as lilac, peach and blue, as well as black and white options.

$120 at Nike

10. For a walking shoe that offers unparalleled comfort: Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Like running shoes, walking shoes are designed to help propel you forward. However, they often have a rounder, stiffer heel to cradle your foot and help you roll heel to toe through your stride. If walking is your workout of choice, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Addiction Walker 2. These shoes are designed to deliver maximum cushion and support as you get in your steps, and reviewers say they’re ultra comfortable for long walks or all-day wear. 

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 sneakers come in men’s full and half sizes 7 to 15 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 12, and two monochromatic looks in black or white. 

$130 at Brooks

11. For a supportive basketball shoe: Nike Air Jordan XXXVI

If you prefer to get your heart rate up by shooting hoops at your local basketball court, try the Nike Air Jordan XXXVI. These sneakers come in high- and low-top cuts so you can choose the style you prefer. Their lightweight, minimalist design keep you agile, and the Zoom Air cushioning put some spring in your step as you run, block and shoot. Reviewers say these shoes are breathable, durable and ultra responsive—many were so impressed by their performance that they decided to purchase multiple pairs.

The Nike Air Jordan XXXVI basketball shoes come in men’s full and half sizes 3½ to 18 and women’s full and half sizes 5 to 19½, though are typically only offered in limited colorways as they sell out quickly.

Starting at $175 at Nike

There’s a lot more where this came from. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all our reviews, expert advice, deals and more.

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Can you do cardio in weightlifting shoes?

What type of shoe is best for weightlifting?

Can training shoes be used for weightlifting?