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What type of trainers are best for the gym?
It honestly comes down to preference. Take note of what you look for when you’re doing your usual workout — do you need additional support to keep you stable, or is it flexibility in your shoes you’re after so you can work out without restriction? There are plenty of shoes on the market that can suit your specific needs, and some lucky few who claim to do it all!
What’s the difference between running trainers and gym trainers?
Unlike running shoes that propel you forward, gym shoes are designed for side-to-side movement with a flatter base and solid heel support for exercises like squats and lunges. They offer multi-directional support for lateral moves, jumps, and quick direction changes, with a lower heel drop for stability during lifting.
How to pick gym trainers
There are a couple of things to look for when you’re shopping for gym trainers:
- Know your workout: Think about how you train. Are you into heavy lifting, or do you prefer HIIT and cardio? Different workouts need different shoes, so check out the cushioning, grip, and stability that’ll keep you on your game.
- Fit is everything: When it comes to gym shoes, the right fit is everything! Take your time to find a size that feels great. Read some reviews for sizing tips, and if they don’t feel right, don’t be shy about returning them. Your feet will thank you!
- Durability matters: Let’s be real, gym shoes can be a bit pricey, so you want a pair that lasts. Look for something tough enough to hold up to your workouts and won’t need replacing in just a few months. Go for quality!
How we tested
I’ve been hitting the gym across several months, putting these shoes through their paces as I try out every kind of workout. My routine includes a mix of cardio on the treadmill and stationary bike, along with boxing classes and strength training — I really love using weights. As much as I like running (she says reluctantly), cross-training is my true preference. With a background in dance, I often incorporate HIIT workouts, Pilates, and dance classes into my regimen as well.
Who I am: As an active woman in my late twenties, I go to the gym 5-6 times a week and have plenty of experience trying out new trainers. I also have wider feet with high arches, which plays a significant role in how I select shoes, so keep that in mind if your foot shape differs.
The best gym trainers for every kind of workout in 2026
Without further ado, below are the editor-approved gym trainers that will work with you in the gym for every kind of workout you might be sweating it out to this year.
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Cons
- Runs small
- Not ideal for long runs
- Not ideal for super heavy weight lifting
- Reviews cite the narrow opening can make them hard to put on
I – shockingly – have never tried Nike trainers before for the gym, so these were at the top of my list when it came to testing the waters.I had heard a lot about the Metcon 5, so I was endlessly curious about their latest variation—and boy, was I impressed.
If you’re looking for a super versatile shoe that can take you through an entire workout, from cardio warm-up to weight training and strength exercises, these are perfect. They provide a medium level of cushioning and support for cardio and HIIT, but the stability and grip for weight training is impressive. They’re also very flexible—because there’s nothing worse than feeling restricted by your shoes during planks, burpees, agility training, etc.—while still holding your foot comfortably in place.
While some reviews mentioned these aren’t ideal for those with wide feet, I found them very comfortable. They offered enough room without being too loose, preventing any slipping or sliding. They’re not the most stunning shoes in the world, but they sure are comfortable.
| Sizes | UK 2.5 – 9.5 |
|---|---|
| Colours | Burgundy Crush, Black/White, Racer Blue and customisable |
| Weight | 274 g |
| Heel drop | 7.2 mm |
An underrated aspect of a great gym shoe is flexibility—you need to be able to move your feet comfortably through various activities, from planks and the stationary bike to lifting and the rowing machine. If flexibility is your priority, the Cloud X 4 is one to watch.
From the beloved Swiss brand On, these trainers are perfect for hybrid training, allowing you to seamlessly transition from plyometrics and strength work to cardio and weights. They move with you, rather than forcing you to adapt to them.
I’d consider these a fantastic all-around shoe. If you’re looking for something versatile that can handle a variety of workouts and don’t mind a bit of a splurge, they’re a worthy investment.
| Sizes | UK 3 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Colours | Ivory, Black, Feather and Ivory/Black |
| Weight | 360 g |
| Heel drop | 7mm |
If you’re after a gym shoe that can handle everything from heavy lifts to fast-paced circuits, the Under Armour UA Reign 6 is a standout all-rounder worth considering. Built with some serious strength training in mind, its low-to-the-ground design delivers excellent ground feel and power transfer, ideal for squats, deadlifts and plyometrics.
The shoe’s UA WARP upper wraps the foot in dynamic support, moving with you during agile exercises while staying breathable thanks to TPU mesh overlays. There’s a locked-in, stable feel at the heel too, with an external heel clip and internal counter to keep you firmly planted during loaded movements, which is important for injury prevention.
Cushioning is cleverly tuned with a dual-density midsole: softer in the forefoot for comfort during jumps or cardio bursts, firmer at the heel to aid stability under heavy loads. Underfoot, the updated TriBase outsole maximises ground contact and flexibility, helping you stay grippy and grounded through every lift, lunge, and rope climb.
It’s also a genuinely durable option. The full-rubber outsole wraps up the sides for added abrasion resistance and features a medial rope grip and reinforced toe rubber for stability and traction.
Sleek enough for everyday wear but engineered for high performance, the UA Reign 6 is a smart pick for anyone looking to level up their strength training footwear. Whether you’re lifting, jumping, or sprinting, it delivers the kind of support, grip and responsiveness that helps you push harder, rep after rep.
| Sizes | 2.5-9.5 |
|---|---|
| Colours | White, grey, black, ivory, blue calm, maroon mist, super pink |
| Heel drop | 2mm |
Cons
- Harder heel which can cause rubbing
- Not good for running or intense HIIT workouts
- May be less comfortable for those with flatter feet
- On the slimmer side (wide feet be warned)
This one’s for all the lifters out there: this award-winning trainer from Adidas has a loyal fan base for a reason—it’s specifically designed to support you through strength training, and it nails that brief.
The midsoles feel dense and supportive but not stiff, allowing you to push through your feet and maximise your power during lifts. The wider fit is a thoughtful touch by the brand, accommodating swollen feet—which is just *chef’s kiss*. They feel incredibly stable, and the grip on the sole ensures you can lift with total confidence.
So I actually tried on the wrong size of these, which I did not realise until I finished my workout and got home, but despite this, you can consider me a fan and I will repurchasing in my actual size ASAP.
| Colours | Pink Spark, Lucid Blue, Bright Red and Core Black |
|---|---|
| Weight | 360 g |
| Heel drop | 6mm |
Cons
- Get dirty easily
- Run very small (size up)
- Not ideal for long runs
I’m going to be honest, I was prepared to be a hater when I first tried out Alo’s inaugural performance footwear style. As much as I enjoy Alo as an athleisure brand and rate their leggings, I wasn’t sure how dependable their first pair of trainers was going to be. But hey, here I am eating my words because these are probably one of my most worn pairs of trainers.
Not everyone wants to, or can afford, to buy various pairs of shoes to suit whatever training they’re up to that day, which is why these beauties are so great. They can withstand short to medium-length runs with ample cushioning, but enough stability and support to get you through your everyday strength training. They’re a pricey purchase, but they’re a shoe that covers all of your bases for the everyday trainer.
| Sizes | US 4.5 – 16.5 |
|---|---|
| Colours | White, Black, Grey, Gravel, Espresso, Crystal Clear Blue and SMoky Quartz |
| Heel drop | 11mm |
Cons
- Not ideal for cardio such as running, excessive walking, elliptical
- Can feel tight at first before loosening with wear
- Run small
- May not be the right fit for those with feet on the wider side
When I first started researching the best gym trainers, this unusual-looking pair kept appearing. Unlike anything I had ever worn, they instantly struck me as something I had to try for myself. When I opened the box and picked them up, I was genuinely surprised by how incredibly lightweight they were—just 206 grams—and their sleek, streamlined silhouette.
When I first put them on, they felt slightly tight around the sides near the front of my foot, but by the end of my workout, they had loosened up and now feel almost sculpted to my foot. My only minor concern is that they make my feet look unbelievably small—so much so that even my partner commented on how tiny they appeared.
The brand promises a “barefoot, but better” feel, and they definitely delivered. With minimal cushioning on the sole, you can really feel every muscle in your feet working—and I mean that in a good way—without the bulk of chunkier shoes. I warmed up on the bike, and they were perfect for that. While I was initially hesitant to try a light jog on the treadmill since I typically prefer more cushioning when I run, these shoes truly came into their own during weightlifting and strength training. They’re incredibly responsive, allowing me to push harder into the floor for a more secure lift.
| Sizes | UK 3.5 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Colours | White/Black |
| Weight | 206 g |
Cons
- If your training is not particularly cardio heavy, they may feel a bit too cushioned for strength only days
- Run a touch small in sizing
- Pricey
While strength and weight training are often a priority when it comes to gym workouts, if you’re like me and start your session with cardio on the treadmill or elliptical before diving into more focused training, you’ll want gym shoes that provide both cushioning and stability.
The Gel-Kayano, known for being top-tier running shoes, are perfect for hard, unforgiving treadmills. They’re also flexible enough to give you a good ground feel during other types of exercises. I loved them for my daily sprints — no aching shins, which is crucial for someone prone to shin splints like me. And when I transitioned to the mat for core, leg, or arm work, they didn’t feel overly cushioned like some running shoes do.
At first glance, I was immediately a fan of these shoes. They offer a sleek, stylish design and come in a wide variety of colours without being too over-the-top.
Overall I was actually really impressed with this more running-style shoe for the gym, and they’re a pair I’ll be reaching for again.
| Sizes | UK 3 – 11 |
|---|---|
| Colours | Cool Matcha, Faded Orange, Bold Magenta, Black, Pure Silver, Purple Spectrum, Oatmeal and Cool Grey |
| Weight | 266 g |
| Heel drop | 10mm |
Cons
- Stiffer feel that loosens as worn more
- Some heel slippage
- Not the best pick for strength/weight training
- Not ideal for longer runs
If you lean towards running or class training then you’re sure to be a fan of the Deviate NITRO™ 3, they’re a great versatile trainer for the runner who likes to hit the gym to supplement their workouts but doesn’t want to purchase a whole new pair of shoes for the occasion.
These can hold up throughout your daily runs, providing ample cushioning and support whilst remaining responsive and propulsion through your stride to help you hit that PB. They’re also great for cardio or HIIT classes but can take you through some strength training for a rounded gym workout.
| Sizes | UK 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Colours | Lapis Lazuli, Pale Plum, Black Sunset and Black White |
| Weight | 265 g |
| Heel drop | 10mm |
Merrell isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when I think of gym trainers—trail and running shoes? They’re top-tier! So when I was recommended the Trail Glove 7 for gym use, I was definitely intrigued.
These shoes have a minimalist silhouette with light cushioning, truly designed as a durable alternative to barefoot running. If you’ve been exploring barefoot walking, running, or hiking, these might be your next go-to for the gym.
As expected, they’re extremely lightweight and incredibly comfortable, thanks to their breathability and flexible design. While they’re not the right fit for me when it comes to treadmill runs or HIIT workouts, they’ll easily become a new favourite for anyone into the barefoot movement.
| Sizes | UK 2.5 – 8.5 |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black, Frost Blue, Fondant, Jade, Tan, Black Multi and Oyster |
| Weight | 221 g |
| Heel drop | 0mm |
What socks should I wear with gym trainers?
It should come as no surprise that sweat-wicking is among the top concerns when it comes to choosing gym socks. Bear in mind too that most workout socks offer cushioning that might be thicker than your everyday socks, so factor that in when shopping for shoes and adjust sizes accordingly.
Otherwise, you want to look for support (most sports socks feature arch compression) and consider length too — low-cut or no-show socks are good for summer and breathability, ankle socks work well for low-impact work, while crew socks provide versatile support and are often preferred for weight training.
Among our favourites are Oner’s Crew Socks, lululemon’s Power Stride Tab Socks, Sweaty Betty’s Crew Running Socks and these Cotton Rich Striped Quarter Socks from M&S’ activewear line, Goodmove.
Isabelle Knevett is the Fashion Features Editor at Women’s Health, bringing a wealth of experience in media and fashion since 2019. She has led high-impact PR campaigns for global giants like Adidas and Reebok and has reported on everything from fashion analysis and shopping trends, to deep dive features and investigative reporting. A former professional dancer, she understands the value of quality gym and activewear, making her a true expert in the field. Her work has been featured in Marie Claire Australia, ELLE Australia, Australian Women’s Weekly, WHO and more. When she’s not buried in a fashion magazine or sweating it out the gym or dance studio, you’ll find her reading or writing about fashion, feminism and global politics.
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