MUCH LIKE any menswear staple, finding the right pair of workout shoes depends on the occasion. Sure, you can get by wearing whatever’s allowed on the gym floor for general strength training, interval workouts, and studio classes. But if you want to make the most of your workouts, you’ll use trainers that are designed for the type of exercise you’re doing.
If you’re training for a half marathon, then consider investing in running shoes featuring plenty of cushions that can handle lots of mileage. A group HIIT class calls for a cross trainer with a larger base and secure fit to get you through a variety of workouts. Meanwhile, for weightlifting, you’ll probably need athletic sneakers with a restrictive material and a harder sole to help maintain proper form and reduce lower back strain, especially for squats and deadlifts.
Ready to shop for a new pair of cross-trainers to be your go-to workout shoes? We reached out to fitness experts to help us curate the 14 best workout shoes for all types of activity.
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Best for Most Workouts: Mizuno TC-11
Best for Most Workouts
Mizuno Men’s TC-11 Training Shoe
Best for Most Workouts
Mizuno Men’s TC-11 Training Shoe
Pros
- Incredibly stable
- Knit design is sleek and comfortable
- Low design is ideal for multiple types of workouts
- Secure lacing
- Easy to get on and off
Cons
- Those with high arches might want to consider a different option
If you need a do-it-all pair of trainers, go for Mizuno’s marquee trainers. The TC 11 is designed with Mizuno’s C.O.B. technology, a patent-pending design featuring sensor pod clusters that enable enhanced feedback from the feet to aid in balance and, ultimately, allow you to pursue improved athletic performance. Their low design allows the foot to sit more naturally with the ground, which makes it ideal for any type of activity with weights involved. However, the downside to the low design is the shoe caters to individuals with low arches rather than high. So if you have high arches, it might be worth examining what type of inserts you can add or find a more cushioned trainer on this list with ample support to keep a proper balance.
Overall, we found the TC 11 to be incredibly well-balanced and worthy of our top pick. You can wear these for cross-training, weightlifting, cardio and body weight training classes, and more.
Also Versatile: Altra Solstice XT 2
Pros
- Ideal blend of stability and cushion
- Toe protection adds extra durability
- Great pick for those who have wider feet
Cons
- Shoe may wear out faster when used for high intensity training
The beauty of Altra’s remodeled Solstice is its goldilocks design, which strikes the perfect balance between stability and cushion, so you can wear this for quick runs and cross-training. Just like its OG model, these Altras have a reinforced cage and toe box, plus a full rubber outsole for added durability. While we didn’t have any problems with the durability of the Solstice XT 2, it’s worth mentioning some reviewers had qualms about the shoe breaking down quicker than expected. Most of these instances seemed to come with high-intensity training and lifting, where scuffing and abrasion can occur. Nevertheless, the Solstice XT2 is a solid workout shoe pick, especially if you lean towards a wider foot than a narrow one.
Best for HIIT Training: Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3
Best for HIIT Training
Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3
Best for HIIT Training
Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Lightest version yet
- Ample cushion while still offering a secure fit
- Great style
- Design allows you to power through your lifts
Cons
- Individuals with wide feet might want to look for a better option (shoe fits more narrow)
A HIIT shoe needs to have ample cushion to absorb shock during jumps and sprints while offering stability for quick lifts. The Air Zoom SuperRep 3 checks both boxes, while being its lightest model yet, for added mobility. Customers also love its roomier design for extra comfort, while still keeping a secure fit. The SuperRep 3 might also be the most stylish workout shoe on this list, especially when you veer from the traditional all-black color. If you want a bit more power—and swagger—in your cross-training workouts, then this is the one.
Best for Running: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Best for Running Workouts
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Best for Running Workouts
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Pros
- Adequate support and cushioning
- Offers a smooth ride
- Several different width options available
- Wide array of colors available
Cons
- Not ideal for lifting weights in
Podiatrist Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, FACFAS, swears by this bestseller from Brooks for most runs. “It provides the perfect amount of support and cushioning,” he says. “As most feet style falls into this category.” He also notes the smooth ride it provides, thanks to its proprietary cushion midsole that’s extra soft. What’s great about the GTS series is they always come with a wide array of colors to choose from. The GTS 22 also is available in four different widths: B (Narrow), D (Medium), EE (Wide), and 4E (X-Wide). The only downside is the upper is thin and breathable, which is great for running but cancels it out for any type of weightlifting or high-intensity training. Stick to the running workouts and sprints in these bad boys.
Best General Weight Room Shoe: GORUCK Ballistic Trainers
Best General Use Weight Room Shoe
Goruck Ballistic Trainers
Best General Use Weight Room Shoe
Goruck Ballistic Trainers
Pros
- Maximum support
- Extra durable build that’s still lightweight
- Secure lacing for locked-in feel
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Not ideal for running long distances
These GORUCK trainers have 3X Support™ and 3X Stability for all three (3) of your arches (the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch, and the anterior transverse arch). Squat, lunge, or ruck, they’re designed to take a beating. Featuring a streamlined, minimalist design, these trainers are easy on the eyes and feet. Another excellent feature they have is a secure lacing system, which can make a huge difference when trying to max out—weightlifters all know how frustrating it can be when your shoe laces keep stretching and loosening up. But the best aspect about these shoes is their lifespan. It’s going to be a while before they truly break down and need replacing.
More Versatile Workout Shoes We Love
Under Armour Project Rock BSR
These Project Rock trainers, designed and approved by Dwayne Johnson, have a 3D molded midfoot panel that provides added structure and support perfect for cross-training. Plus, it has an extra grippy rubber outsole to provide ample traction during weightlifting.
Under Armour HOVR Rise 3
These UA shoes are great for cross-training thanks to their TriBase™, which maximizes ground contact, promotes natural motion, and provides flexibility to grip during lifts.
Reebok Nano X2
Reebok’s latest CrossFit-centric Nano X model is perfect for cross-trainers (and CrossFitters) alike thanks to Floatride Energy Foam cushioning.
Reebok J.J. IV
These Reeboks were specifically designed for NFL great J.J. Watt’s cross-training sessions. If they’re good enough for him, they’re definitely good enough for us mere mortals.
Nike Free Metcon 4
Nike’s Metcon line has long been a favorite in CrossFit boxes, and the Free line is a versatile trainer that’s just as good for your set of squats as it is for short runs.
NOBULL Trainer
NOBULL is a CrossFit-first company, and these trainers have high carbon lateral and medial guards for added protection on sidewalls perfect for cross-training.
Adidas Dropset Trainers
Adidas’ new trainers are incredibly versatile. Made with a dual-intensity midsole and a stiff heel, it’s both supportive and comfortable, and works double duty for interval training and cardio workouts. Plus, half of its upper is made with recycled goods.
New Balance Minimus TR
These New Balance Minimus TRs have an underfoot rubber for extra traction and a stable base.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s Fitness editors and writers on the top workout shoes for men. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless men’s workout shoes in a variety of exercises to evaluate their fit, support, and effectiveness. We also considered top-reviewed men’s workout shoes that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.
Brett Williams, a fitness editor at Men’s Health, is a NASM-CPT certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts, and running. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.
Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
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