Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Training Shoes

Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Training Shoes

Unlike your gym clothes, the shoes you put on for a workout may very well be an afterthought. The shoes you lace up before your trail run might have been the best-looking pair on the rack, and the sneakers you put on for your weightlifting session might be the same pair you wear for your lunchtime walks. NBD? Not exactly. The possible result: sore arches, blisters galore, and subpar performance.

To give your feet the support they need during every workout, stock up on the best workout shoes of the year, as determined by Shape's panel of experts and editors.

Best trail running shoes: NoBull Graphite Matryx Trail Runner

The NoBull Matryx Trail Runners get the nod for their seamless, one-piece construction and durable, abrasion-resistant material (read: tough enough for the trails). They also feature reflective details and an outer lug sole optimized for maximum traction to protect you from falls.

Not a bull
Graphite Matryx Trail Runner
$179.00

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Expert Rating:"These are very comfortable, lightweight sneakers. They offer great support and the material is great for dirty trails because it's so easy to clean. They also have reflectors on the seams so when it gets dark they can be used as a safety measure." — Noelle Lambert, Paralympic athlete

Best road running shoes: Asics NOVABLAST 3

These running sneakers from Asics feature a trampoline-inspired outsole design that can almost guarantee you'll add a little spring to your step. They provide maximum cushioning, so every step feels like you're walking on air instead of hitting the hard asphalt. The mesh upper provides both breathability and flexibility without losing the supportive, locked-in feel.

Asics
NOVABLAST 3
$140.00

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Expert Rating:"I can't stand the thought of running without wearing Asics sneakers. They have just the right amount of cushioning, but don't feel bulky or heavy. I also have wide feet, which can make it difficult to find a pair of running sneakers that don't hurt my feet over time - but not these. The Asics NOVABLAST 3 will be in my rotation for many miles to come." — Alyssa Sparacino, ACE certified personal trainer and Shape Editorial Director

Best cross-training shoes: Reebok Nano X1

These versatile kicks feature flexible foam under the forefoot, a lightweight heel clip to promote stability, and a breathable yet durable upper to keep your feet cool during exercise. These features make the sneakers suitable for HIIT workouts, jogging, weight lifting and more.

Reebok
NanoX1
$135.00

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Expert Rating:"I love the Nanos! They have a wider toe box than most sports brands, which is great if you have wider feet. Super sturdy and solid sole that is great for lifting." — Laura Su, NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist and strength coach

Best hands-free shoes: Kizik Madrid Eco Knit for women

These stretchy sneakers are designed with a sturdy yet springy heel that allows you to easily slip your foot right into the shoe - no bending or lacing required. The responsive cushioning feels like you're walking on a marshmallow, and the breathable knit upper is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

Kizik
Madrid eco-knit for women
$99.00

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Expert Rating:"My mom is so obsessed with these sneakers that she bought a second pair after buying her first one. She loves slipping on the shoes and walking right out the door when her hands are full. Knee pain that she has had for nearly three decades disappears when she wears them out and about." — Megan Falk, Shape deputy editor

Best Sneakers for Hiking: Hoka Bondi 8

Not only do these sneakers come in many stylish color combinations, but they also have an impressive construction. The foam supports the ankles and helps your foot spring into the next step, while the rear design provides a soft landing cushion for the transition from heel to forefoot. The symmetrical cushion is designed as a neutral shoe with a low heel-to-toe drop to distribute load evenly across the foot, ideal for walking.

Hoka
Bondi 8
$165.00

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Expert review: "My boyfriend and I have a tradition of taking an epic walk around Manhattan every summer - 10 to 14 miles, depending on the route - and every year I've worn Hoka Bondi sneakers. The mesh construction and lightweight design means my feet never feel stuck and I survive with minimal pain the next day." —Shannon Bauer, Senior Commerce Editor at Shape and InStyle

Best Sneakers for Flat Feet: Women's UA Surge 3 Running Shoes

These running shoes are not just for people with flat feet. Thanks to their lightweight, breathable design, they are universally comfortable and are perfect for running, hiking or walking. A cushion around the ankle provides additional support and helps reduce break-in time.

UnderArmour
Women's UA Surge 3 Running Shoes
$65.00

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Expert review: "My mom and I both have pretty flat feet, and we love these shoes for any activity. Their arch support is some of the best I've tried and they're so comfortable for running. I occasionally run distance and these are the only shoes I wear for that." — Christina Oehler, beauty commerce editor at Shape

Best Cushioned Running Shoes: On Cloudstratus

Ideal for long outdoor runs, these On running shoes are highly cushioned yet lightweight. The rubber grip on the outsole provides traction, and 75 percent of the polyester used in the shoes comes from recycled materials.

On
Cloudstratus
$170.00

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Expert Rating:"These running shoes offer plenty of cushioning. They're a little chunkier than other options, but they're great for long runs outside." – Christie Calucchia, Shape news editor

Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Revel 5

Brooks Revel 5 lives up to the brand's reputation. They're incredibly comfortable, require no break-in time, and have a sole that rolls with every step. They are the ideal running shoes and offer the perfect balance of comfort and support with every step.

Streams
Revel 5
$100.00

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Expert review: "I wear these shoes everywhere, not just for working out. I have a pair in black and they look elegant with any athleisure outfit I wear. They are my favorite travel shoes because they are roomy inside when my feet swell from the plane." — Oehler

Best everyday slip-on sneakers: APL TechLoom Bliss

Cool looking slip-on sneakers are hard to come by, but APL pulls it off with this pair. They come in a variety of elegant colors and offer the brand's signature comfort and performance features.

APL
TechLoom luck
$220.00

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Expert Rating:"Not only do they look cool, they're so comfortable and really easy to put on and take off. They're great with a stylish athleisure outfit, but I also wear them for a walk or a light workout." — Caluchia

Best Shower Shoes or Flip Flips for the Locker Room: Nike Benassi JDI Women's Slides

Simple and streamlined, the Nike Benassi JDI Women's Slides are light enough to fit in your gym bag, with a soft, supportive midsole for ultimate comfort. The textured pattern on the upper provides a premium feel.

Nike
Benassi JDI women's slides
$25.00

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Expert Rating:"I love the ease and comfort of my Nike flip flops. I'm always on the pool deck and they are so easy to put on and really grip the floor. They look so cute too." — Anastasia Pagonis, gold and bronze medal-winning Paralympic swimmer

Best Cycling Shoes: Peloton Cycling Shoes

Peloton's cycling shoes won in this category for their breathable, ventilated upper and three straps for an ultra-secure fit. You also get points for being true to size and including Delta cleats that you can wear on non-Peloton, Delta-compatible bikes (making them a great choice for beginner cyclists or anyone who enjoys using non-Peloton bikes at the gym or while traveling).

Peloton
Cycling shoes
$125.00

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Expert Rating:"I've worn these shoes three times a week for the past two years and they have held up incredibly well. I found them to fit true to size and I appreciate how easily they can be adjusted for the perfect fit." - Cool

Best Sneakers for HIIT: Lululemon Strongfeel

For CrossFit, HIIT, and other workouts that involve a lot of jumping and lateral movements, Lululemon Strongfeel shoes feature a lightweight, supportive upper that keeps your feet in place (i.e., you're less likely to stumble). Low-profile cushioning makes this shoe ideal for transitioning between strength and cardio exercises.

Lululemon
Strong feeling
$128.00

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Expert Rating:"There's a lot to love about these shoes (the easy on and off, the lug sole for extra traction, the retro-inspired colorways), but my favorite has to be that they're designed specifically for women's feet to give them a much better fit than the HIIT shoes I've worn in the past." - Cool

Best Weightlifting Shoes: Nike Metcon 8

The Nike Metcon 8 sneakers are designed to take your strength training to the next level - safely and securely. The wide, flat heel has an internal plate that distributes weight evenly across the foot, meaning you can lift with confidence and stability. But these weightlifting shoes are also flexible enough to ensure you can comfortably tackle a HIIT class or boot camp workout.

Nike
Metkon 8
$130.00

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Expert Rating:"When I'm not strength training barefoot, these are the only shoes I wear. The ability to truly feel the contact of my feet with the ground is crucial to my mind-body connection during workouts. Plus, the Metcons have a sturdy, flat support base, which is essential when lifting heavy weights - wobbling around on cushioned running shoes is asking for trouble (aka injury). — Sparacino

Best Eco-Friendly Sneakers: Lane Eight Women’s Trainer AD 1

The barely firm cushioning in the midsoles of these sneakers is made from harvested toxic algae blooms that pollute waterways and harm wildlife. The stretchy knit upper is made from recycled plastic yarn, giving the shoes a suede-like feel.

Lane eight
Women's coach AD 1
$130.00

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Expert Rating:"I love wearing these lightweight sneakers during HIIT workouts with lots of plyometric moves. The upper has a sock-like fit around my ankles so I don't have to worry about them slipping off my feet in the middle of a burpee. Plus, they absorb shock so well that my neighbors have no idea how hard (read: loud) I'm jumping." – Falk