If you want to improve your fitness routine or start one from scratch, having comfortable, well-designed equipment is a surefire way to ensure you never miss a workout, and there’s no There’s nothing more essential in this regard than the right sneakers. “When it comes to hitting the gym, having the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. Not only can they help prevent injuries, but they can also provide the support and comfort needed to get through a tough workout. Stephanie Holbrook, Level 1 American Triathlon Coach, tells us.
To find the best athletic shoes for women, we spoke with fitness experts and trainers and tapped our own team of shopping experts to find the best options for every type of workout. Whether you’re looking for a feather-light pair of joggers, supportive sneakers for high-impact activities, or a sturdy pair of workout shoes, we’ve done our homework and have the recommendations.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Rubber, plastic| Weight: 9.1 ounces
While most athletic shoes are designed for a particular activity, if you’re looking for a well-rounded pair that can handle everything from running to weightlifting, Julie Lohre, women’s fitness expert, IFBB professional athlete and certified personal trainer, recommends this pair of Brooks. “These are my favorite shoes because they offer the perfect balance of support and responsiveness. They give me a stable base for heavy lifting and enough padding for cardio sessions, making them incredibly versatile. The fit is snug and comfortable, making me feel secure no matter the workout,” she tells us.
The knit upper is stretchy and breathable, while the arrowhead pattern in the rubber outsole provides enough traction to keep you from slipping on wet gym surfaces and outdoor courts. The insole is ultra-cushioning and elastic and overall feels incredibly lightweight. Plus, they’re made from recycled materials equivalent to seven plastic water bottles, so you can feel environmentally good about your purchase. One potential caveat: Some buyers noted that they only lasted about a year and hoped they could have gotten a little more use out of them.
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Support
- Good for multiple types of activities
- Sensitive
- Some buyers say they didn’t last as long as they hoped.
Sizes: 5 to 15 | Materials: Rubber, mesh | Weight: 13.33 ounces
Both Lohre and Holbrook are fans of these Nikes for workouts like CrossFit. “I love the Nike Metcon 9 for its absurdly good stability during strength training. The flat, wide sole provides excellent support, which is crucial for lifting heavy weights,” says Lohre. The hyperlift plate in the heel adds extra stability – essential for avoiding rolling while you lift weights – while a flexible sole makes it a winner for jumping and running. It even has a lace lock system that attaches to the tongue, so you don’t have to worry about them coming undone or…
