From professional athletes to those about to start their training journey, everyone can feel the improved form and performance that correct footwear gives them. But footwear that really supports your workouts is often overlooked to the detriment of the wearer.
Running shoes are a popular choice, but they’re not made for strength training, with their materials and shape not optimized for strength-based workouts. Unlike running, training requires stability, as your feet are the foundation for your strength. Therefore, a shoe with a flat sole improves performance, stabilizing your feet and helping you press into the floor with maximum power, engaging the right muscles as you lift.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT GYM SHOES
Specific shoe choice varies based on your workout, so consider the type of exercise you'll be doing. Check out our guide to find the right shoe for your needs – select between Strength Training, HIIT workouts or heavy weightlifting.
SHOES FOR STRENGTH TRAINING
The best shoes for strength training support good form. They have a flat sole for controlled stability and a wide toe box for even weight distribution. High-grip rubber outsoles further stabilize, keeping feet in the lifting position whilst breathable materials keep your feet cool and comfortable for longer.
DROPSET 3 TRAINER
The Dropset 3 strengthens your foundation to level up your training. It helps you feel your strength from the ground up, with dual-density foam midsoles adding controlled stability and comfort. Added to this, a Traxion outsole grips feet on the floor. A HEAT.Rdy knitted mesh upper and an airflow window creates unrestricted breathability that lasts throughout your workout.
EVERYSET TRAINER
The Everyset is a great workout shoe if you like to mix it up in the gym, from weights to bodyweight workouts to cardio machines. They feature a soft and breathable knit upper and a dual-density midsole to add steady balance without sacrificing comfort. The overall flatter shape creates a grounded and secure feeling, so you can focus on your form.
SHOES FOR HIIT WORKOUTS
For HIIT or bodyweight workouts, pick a shoe that provides dynamic stability and checks the boxes for multi-directional movements such as jumps, burpees or mountain climbers. Here are our top recommendations.
RAPIDMOVE TRAINER
The dynamic, multidirectional movements of HIIT require dedicated footwear that is agile and lightweight, like the Rapidmove gym shoes. Their EVA midsole is tuned for comfort and support, and the asymmetrical Torsion System helps keep you stable during quick cuts and moves in all directions.
AMPLIMOVE TRAINER
If you just started your training journey, Amplimove is the right shoe for you. This reliable training shoe delivers stability and comfort whilst keeping you nimble and agile on your feet. Its versatility is perfect for everything from Youtube HIIT workouts to online training plans or your first workouts in the gym.
SHOES FOR HEAVY WEIGHTLIFTING
If you are into heavy weightlifting, your shoes should be designed with sturdy and stiff soles and a lift in the heel to give you more range of mobility in your calf and ankle. This helps you to squat lower and have more stability in big power lifts like the front squat, squat clean, squat snatch and more.
POWERLIFT 5 TRAINER
Whatever you're lifting, these adidas weightlifting shoes ensure you do it in comfort. With a heel lift of 16 mm, the Powerlift 5 is perfectly suitable for weightlifting, but also works for any lifting exercise in the gym. Lightweight but tough, their canvas upper includes open-mesh inserts for added breathability. A combination of strap and laces secures the midfoot, and the midsole wedge provides rock-solid stability under heavy loads. Underneath, a rubber outsole grips the mat to keep you planted.
ADIPOWER WEIGHTLIFTING 3 TRAINER
The ultimate platform for heavy lifting. With a 22 mm heel lift and a high-density midsole, the Adipower Weightlifting 3 helps to keep you stable under heavy loads. Its tough-as-nails canvas upper uses a lace-and-strap combo to keep you firmly locked in. The grippy, low-profile rubber outsole is specifically designed to plant your feet on the mat.
THE TOTAL TRAINER
Inspired by gym culture. Ideal for deadlifting. Designed with a ZERO heel lift, The Total weightlifting shoe helps to create the perfect low-to-the-ground stance favored by many deadlifters. The wide toe box also contributes to helping you find a stable stance. Displaying gym-inspired design details, the textile upper uses a strap and laces to keep you firmly locked in.
CARING FOR YOUR GYM SHOES
No matter which shoes fit your workout style, it’s important to take care of them to help them last longer. How often you replace your gym shoes depends on how often and how heavily you use them. If the heel, outsole or cushioning is wearing down, or if you’re feeling pain during or after wearing them, then it’s probably time to switch to a new pair.
If your shoes feel fine but are just a bit dirty, giving them a wash will liven them back up. Read more of our articles to learn how to clean your shoes and how to lace them back up.