The new year represents the perfect time to invest in a new pair of workout shoes. Whether you’re finally committing to a tough lifting regimen or just want something comfortable for everyday runs, the best workout shoes for men go a long way towards helping you reach your goals. We wore a handful of shoes and examined others to identify options for running, lifting, racing and so much more. Based on our findings, the Reebok Nano X5 stands out as a great all-around option for its stability, spacious toe box and sheer versatility. We also like the Nike Metcon 10 if you’re into CrossFit, and the Hoka Rocket X 3 for racing.
The best gym shoes for men can help you reach a new personal record.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
It used to be that you’d take on every workout in a single pair of shoes, but over the years, as we’ve learned more about movement, fitness, performance and safety, footwear has evolved to meet the specific needs of different activities. That’s why we evaluated the following workout shoes based on what they’re designed to do, how they fit and the kind of support they offer. Below, find training shoes, gym shoes and other athletic styles for men, no matter how you prefer to work up a sweat.
Reebok launched the Nano in 2025, about a decade and a half after having become the official footwear brand of CrossFit. With a 7mm drop, its low-profile design feels stable, and the wide toe box gives your forefoot room to splay with each step, improving balance and control. Despite being based on an older design, Reebok continues to refine these shoes, keeping them as lightweight (around 11 ounces per shoe), breathable, flexible and grippy as any cross-training counterparts. It’s a true do-it-all shoe, built for a wide range of workouts.
With that said, the Nano X5 doesn’t offer much in the way of cushioning, which can make repetitive jumps and long runs feel jarring—that’s the tradeoff for its stability and sheer versatility. If you’re after a cross trainer with more cushioning, the Nike Metcon or NoBull Impact might be a better fit. But if you need a tough, reliable shoe to power through varied workouts, the Nano X5 is more than up to the task.
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You can think of the Metcon as Nike’s answer to the Reebok Nano and the NoBull Impact. Released in 2015, it’s a well-rounded, versatile cross trainer designed to power you through just about any workout. Like the Nano, it has a slight 4mm drop, and a strip of sticky fabric extends from the base to the top of the shoe, adding durability for rope climbs. Underfoot, dual-density foam boosts support and responsiveness, while the grippy rubber outsole keeps you steady on different surfaces.
The main drawback is that the Metcon 10 is on the heavier side, and you’ll feel that extra weight through box jumps or jumping rope. The upper also isn’t the most breathable, though it won’t leave your feet overheating during a tough workout. And because it’s lighter than its predecessor, the Metcon 9, you’re ultimately shedding a few ounces, which never hurts. Whether you’re new to CrossFit or a HIIT veteran, the Metcon 10 will get you through tough workouts.
If you’re running on truly tough terrain, from steep, rocky trails to muddy woodland paths, then a pair of On Cloudultra 3 shoes will serve you well. Having worn these trail runners through varied conditions, the outsole’s chevron-shaped lugs are about 3.5mm deep to bite into loose surfaces and onto rocks or roots. Meanwhile, the CloudTec cushioning system delivers plenty of impact mitigation with each step, even if you’re charging downhill.
The thick soles don’t provide much meaningful ground feel, so if you prefer a more minimalist shoe that keeps you connected to the ground, look elsewhere. Otherwise, the blend of support, cushioning and traction is hard to beat.
Best Gym Shoes For Men
A Workout Shoe Fit For CrossFit, Weightlifting And More
Take a quick scan around your local gym, and you’ll likely spot a pair or two of NoBull Impact cross-trainers. This pair is very popular among athletes for good reason: Designed to be equal parts supportive and cushioned, they’re a do-it-all workhorse in the gym. They feature a 4mm heel drop to provide a secure, grounded feel for recreational weightlifting. They also have a grippy sole to tackle quick, multi-directional movements, rope climbing and a variety of CrossFit exercises.
But the NoBull Impact design sets itself apart from shoes like the Reebok Nano X5 with its added cushioning. The thick midsole excels at shock absorption, making it a more comfortable choice for jumping, walking and short sprints. In other words, it can help take the sting out of high-intensity movements, like box jumps and burpees. That said, avid long-distance runners are better off with a shoe that has a plusher and more responsive feel, like the Asics Gel-Kayano 32.
The latest entry in a long line of celebrated running shoes, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 offers superlative cushioning and response. Your feet will feel great even after a long run thanks to a thick layer of “PureGEL” foam, which is an extra-soft silicone-based material found under the heel. This cushioning also helps you launch into each stride, offering solid energy return. And the shape of the midsole holds your foot in place, reducing overpronation and enhancing stability.
Forbes Vetted staff writer Steven John has worn many pairs of Asics shoes and has always found that they fit true to size, though a number of online reviews suggest the Gel-Kayano 32 runs narrow. That said, the style’s breathable upper releases excess heat to keep your feet cool for miles to come.
Not suitable for daily use (less durable than other shoes)
The Hoka Rocket X 3 is built for one thing: speed. If you’re chasing a PR or trying to hit a qualifying time, this is the race shoe to have on your feet. It’s shockingly lightweight—a full pair weighs about one pound—yet it doesn’t skimp on performance. The winged carbon plate provides just the right amount of stiffness to keep your stride snappy and efficient. Meanwhile, dual-density PEBA foam, stacked in two layers, offers plush yet responsive cushioning to keep your legs feeling fresh deep into a race.
Of course, like most high-performance race shoes, all this technology doesn’t come cheap, and the foam won’t maintain its spring forever—it’s built for speed over longevity, and typically gives its best results until about the 250-mile mark. But if you’re looking for a dedicated race-day shoe that gives you every possible advantage, from a lightweight feel to energy-returning propulsion, this one delivers.
Best Lifting Shoes For Men
A Stable Platform That's Comfortable And Supportive
Nike’s Romaleos 4 weightlifting shoes are a solid choice if your training revolves around squats, presses and Olympic lifts with heavy weights. With a 20mm (o.75-inch) heel, they provide an aggressive drop that encourages a deeper, more upright squat position—exactly what you want when chasing big numbers. The large heel lift is preferred for Olympic weightlifting, offering the stability and support needed to handle heavy loads with confidence. And the treading offers excellent grip and support, which is critical when you’re lifting heavy weights.
The upper isn’t as breathable as a typical athletic shoe, but you’re not logging miles in these anyway, so it isn’t as much of a concern. The two foot straps running across the upper of each shoe delivers a locked-in fit that reduces any chance of slipping when you’re under load. And some reviews suggest the shoes run narrow, so keep that in mind if you have wider feet.
Whether or not you buy into the idea of recovery footwear, there’s no denying the comfort of slipping into a pair of soft, open-toed sandals after a tough run—and Hoka’s Ora Recovery Slide 3 delivers to hush your barking dogs. Built with a thick foam midsole for maximum cushioning, it feels like walking on a cloud, and airflow channels help keep your feet cool and comfortable (which we imagine also feels like walking on a cloud).
There’s not much to this slide, but that’s exactly the point—it’s simple, plush and designed for pure relaxation. Some reviewers mention it runs a bit large, so if you’re new to Hoka, you might want to size down. But if you already wear the brand, your usual size should be just right.
How We Chose The Best Workout Shoes For Men
We took a closer look at what goes into comfortable, durable workout shoes for men, keeping a few key factors in mind:
A reliable workout shoe should feel good from the moment you put it on. We looked for options with responsive cushioning, supportive midsoles and a secure fit that won’t cause discomfort. Breathable materials were also prioritized to keep feet cool and dry.
Workout shoes take a beating, especially if you use them every day, so we focused on well-made options that feature tough yet flexible materials. Reinforced uppers, grippy outsoles and quality stitching also earned high marks.
Whether you’re lifting, sprinting or tackling a high-intensity interval workout, you need a shoe that keeps you upright. We picked models with grippy rubber soles, lateral support and solid heels to help prevent slipping or wobbling, and provide confidence with each step.
Workout shoes aren’t all built for the same purpose. We made sure to include an assortment of running shoes, cross trainers, lifting shoes and even recovery footwear, so there’s a solid option for every discipline.
What To Consider When Shopping For Workout Shoes
When it comes to finding a pair of workout shoes, you’ll want to look beyond the brands you know and the online hype that launches styles into stardom. Here’s how to break it down:
Activity Preferences
The first step to finding the best workout shoe for you is to evaluate your preferences and consider a shoe that pairs well with your preferred workout style. Of course, not all workout shoes are created equal: Running shoes prioritize cushioning and propulsion, while cross trainers offer lateral support for side-to-side movement. They’ll also be made from slightly different materials and fit a bit differently on your feet.
Fit And Construction
Speaking of fit, your shoes should feel good out of the box, and they should offer enough cushioning and support to maintain comfort through any workout. According to Dr. Chloe Costigan, PT, of Mobility-Doc, you’ll want to look for styles that deliver a snug feel (though it shouldn’t be too tight), breathable materials and the right arch support for your foot.
Be sure to consider how different materials support different activities. Road and trail running shoes rely on breathable uppers and supportive midsoles; cross-training shoes offer lateral support and stability; and lifting shoes feature an elevated heel that lets you fold at the knees and hips while putting less strain on your ankles.
Workout shoes take a beating, so you want something made from high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use and abuse. Reinforced stitching, strong uppers and a tough rubber outsole all make for a longer-lasting shoe.
Stability And Support
No matter the activity, a stable shoe helps prevent injuries. Whether you’re using the shoes to lift weights or get through some high-intensity interval training, you’ll want to feel steady on your feet. For cross trainers or weightlifting, find shoes with features like a firm heel counter, lateral support and a grippy outsole that provides the balance and traction you need for dynamic movements. For road running, look at shoes with ample midsole cushioning to absorb impact; and for trail runners, you’ll want something with decent cushion and good grip so you’re not sliding around on dirt and rocks.
You won’t always know if a shoe is right for you the first time you wear it—it sometimes takes a little trial and error to find a comfortable, supportive shoe. And as Dr. Costigan points out, it’s not just about how your feet feel. The wrong pair can cause discomfort in your knees and lower back too. If something feels off, it’s a sign to try something different. But when you do find the perfect pair, grab an extra set to rotate them and keep things feeling fresh.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted’s gear section includes several footwear guides, from work boots to running shoes to hiking sandals. Our approach encourages staffers with different backgrounds and abilities to share their footwear feedback, so we evaluate every shoe from a different perspective before sharing our recommendations with you.
Lead author of this guide, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, has over six years of experience testing outdoor, health and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he’s spent time with an assortment of athletes over the years who rely on athletic footwear . And when he’s not evaluating workout shoes, he wears a few select pairs to run, hike, ski, bike and travel.
Staff writer Steven John also contributed to the piece. John focuses on technology and gear for Forbes Vetted. He is an avid runner and frequently engages in HIIT and weightlifting exercise, and has relied on many different mens’ workout shoes over the years.
Because fitness and health go hand in hand, we sought advice from Dr. Chloe Costigan, PT, of Mobility-Doc, for additional insights into the qualities of a top tier gym shoe.
We routinely revisit this guide to make sure our advice is accurate and up to date. This version was published in February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Based on our research and experience, the best gym shoe for most men is the reliable and versatile Reebok Nano X5. It offers excellent stability and has a spacious toe box that allows for natural toe splay during exercise. That said, if your workouts involve lots of running, heavy lifting or other specific activities, you may want a more specialized shoe.
The right shoe for your workouts will depend on your primary gym activities, but generally speaking, podiatrists recommend gym shoes that offer good arch support, a stable heel counter and adequate cushioning that absorbs impact during activities. Most experts also suggest choosing gym shoes with a wide toe box to allow natural positioning of the feet and toes and a reduction of pressure on the forefoot.
Running shoes are designed for forward motion and typically have more cushioning to absorb repetitive impact. They also usually have an elevated heel-to-toe drop to promote a smooth stride. And running shoes are usually lighter than training shoes, the latter of which are built for multi-directional movement. They usually have a flatter sole, greater lateral support and a more stable base suitable for activities like weightlifting and HIIT workouts.
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We added the Reebok Nano X5, the Nike Romaleos 4 and the Asics Gel-Kayano 32. From there, we looked over our remaining picks and answered three FAQs.
We swapped the Nike Metcon 9 with the newer Metcon 10, the Brooks Ghost 16 with the Ghost 17, and added the Hoka Rocket X 3 as the best racing shoe for men.
We named the NoBull Impact the best gym shoe for men and adding FAQs on choosing the right workout shoe for you.
