16 Best Workout Shoes for Every Type of Activity

According to the Cut’s resident gym girlie, fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware, these are the most comfortable workout sneakers on the market. They have what the brand describes as “snappy and responsive” cushioning, as well as mesh panels and ventilation ports for maximum breathability and a lightweight feel. “I wear them for everything from running to doing HIIT workouts,” Ware says. “They’re comfortable and have great cushioning, which is always important for me because I’m injury prone. They’re also so stylish, and I love not having to compromise on style while working out.”

Cushion: Features FuelCell foam that delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward | Colors: 5

For those who are planning to go the distance (pun absolutely intended, sorry), these super-shoes are definitely worth looking into. Mia Lardiere, emerging platforms director at Cosmopolitan, says they’re worth the investment to get you through longer slogs. She’s completed two half-marathons and one full, so she knows how important extra cushion is. “In my mind, I am supermodel height when I wear them. The FuelCell foam combined with a carbon plate helps drive you forward, even when you’re feeling fatigued.” She does specify that carbon plates aren’t for everyone, so make sure to rotate into your running shoe gradually to make sure that they work well with your feet. Lardiere also says she goes up a half-size because your feet swell while running. Cute!

Cushion: Low-profile cushioning and multidirectional traction, specifically designed to fit and support the female foot | Colors: 4

Lardiere’s favorite gym sneakers are these Lululemon ones. “I was skeptical about Lululemon’s line of sneakers at first, but I am pleasantly surprised by the Strongfeels. They’re so soft and light that you feel gently held. They’re the friend that quietly likes all your Instagram Stories but never texts.” They run true to size and her only complaint is that the laces sometimes loosen up. Lululemon does offer a 30-day free trial to test them out, and you can get a full refund if you’re less than satisfied.

Cushion: Flexible, soft foam core that cushions your foot with a firm outer layer that provides stability, molded heel clip | Colors: 6

Kirsty Godso raves about the Nike Free Metcon 5. The Nike Master Trainer and founder of Made Of says it’s the most versatile sneaker for any activity, whether you’re doing HIIT and circuit workouts, strength training, running intervals, and even hiking. “Honestly this shoe has never not handled any exercise I’ve thrown at them.”

Godso says it’s lightweight yet has enough support for jumping, squatting, and lifting — especially for those with higher arches like herself. The Free Metcon 5 has a different tongue design than its previous versions, which makes it easier to get into, and the toe box is slightly wider in its most current iteration for extra comfort. “It’s the perfect mix of performance, style, freedom, and durability that you want in a training shoe.”

Cushion: New Balance’s signature impact-resistant ABZORB cushioning | Colors: 2

Even as a frequent traveler, the category that remains a packing pain point for me is footwear. I want shoes that can be worn as a fashion sneaker and a workout sneaker because packing multiple pairs feels frivolous — especially for a short trip. Enter the New Balance 530. They’re durable enough for a hotel-gym workout or a quick run and cute enough to wear during the daytime while exploring a new city.

Cushion: Lightweight, smooth midsole features Swiss-engineered Helion superfoam for excellent energy return and comfort | Colors: 5

There’s a reason On sneakers are so popular. They’re incredibly cushioned, lightweight, and flexible, so they’re an excellent choice for intense training sessions and for people with foot or joint pain. If long walks are part of your workout routine, you’ll love the Cloudtilts because their CloudTec Phase technology helps them roll forward with ease in one smooth motion. The no-tie laces and socklike fit let you slip them on and off in no time.

Cushion: Optimal cushioning that absorbs high-impact movement, features a padded heel, collar, and tongue, and a molded anatomical insole | Colors: 12

If you’re a lifter, you want a shoe that gives you the necessary stability. Toby Massenburg, who is the group fitness manager at buzzy new L.A. gym Heimat, recommends these NoBull squat shoes. “The wide soles of these shoes allow me to plant my feet firmly during lifts, preventing any slipping or sliding that could compromise my form or safety,” he says. “Additionally, the shoes are designed with durability in mind, ensuring that they can withstand the wear and tear of regular weight training sessions.”

If you want a bolder color, there are so many to choose from like neon pink and swirly patterns, or you can always stick to black or navy. Massenburg says these are an essential part of his weight training routine, and from the 4,500+ reviews, others would strongly agree.

Cushion: Two-piece APL FutureFoam midsole (specifically designed for running), 3D molded heel padding | Colors: 30

Alexis Fischer, a Pilates instructor and the founder of MOVE by lexfish, turns to this lightweight pair for high-intensity sessions. “You don’t want a shoe to weigh you down or interfere with your balance or form, and the Streamlines feel like you aren’t wearing a shoe at all.” The “FutureFoam” midsole gives you all the bounce needed for explosive movements, and the “AeroLux” knit upper is made of a fabric that reduces drag and makes it breathable.

Cushion: Soft, lightweight, and resilient, features full-length EVA foam midsole | Colors: 20

Fischer also recommends this pair for any outdoorsy activity like walking, running, or hiking. She says the heel cushion is great for those who are more flat footed, so if you have super-high arches, you might want something that conforms more to your foot shape. If the all-terrain capabilities don’t convince you, the eye-catching color combinations will.

Cushion: Thin foam cushioning | Colors: 6

Designed by women, for women — and founded by 11-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix — Saysh is on a mission to create sneakers that address women’s specific footwear needs. This lightweight style is ideal for low-impact workouts and people with narrow feet. It’s made from breathable, supersoft microsuede and jacquard material, and it has foam cushioning on the tongue to minimize pressure on the top of the foot.

Cushion: Features Asics’ signature FF BLAST PLUS cushioning, which create a lighter and more responsive feel | Colors: 24

Fitness instructor and run coach Ceren Kalyon uses these Asics for runs from three to five miles to runs for half-marathon training and everything in between. She’s logged 150 miles on them and they still feel fresh and light on her toes as the day she got them. As someone who has completed four half-marathons, she turns to this pair for their unparalleled fit and support — and the cute color options, of course.

Cushion: Two layers of Lightstrike Pro foam cushioning for maximum comfort and energy return | Colors: 3

Another avid runner is Savannah Sachdev, who just completed the London marathon and has run more than 650 days in a row. Did you know about streak running? Neither did I. She opts for the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3. “I love this shoe, and I also think that it screams speed and style,” she says. “My brother doesn’t give me many compliments, but one of the first things he gruffly mumbled post me finishing the London Marathon was, ‘Shoes look cool.’”

The day of the marathon was an especially soggy one, but Sachdev says the grip on these shoes never failed her on slick surfaces. Another bonus was that the laces never budged, so there was no need for adjustments mid-race. She warns that they do run small, but once you find a size that fits, you’ll fly forward and notice how the bounce increases as you quicken your pace. “I will definitely be relying on these for future races.”

Cushion: Soft cushioning support foam, Adidas’ signature Dreamstrike+ technology | Colors: 6

Our senior shopping editor, Bianca Nieves, got to test Adidas’s latest running sneaker: the Supernova Risa. Made with comfort in mind, Nieves can attest the reformulated design featuring the Support Rod System and Comfort Heel Fit is great for running a hilly 5k upstate New York route or walking 45 minutes a day on a treadmill.

Cushion: Dual-density EVA foam cushioning, also features full-foot stabilizing technology| Colors: 7

It’s been quite the year for French footwear brand Salomon. First Rihanna wore a pair at the Super Bowl, and now designer Sandy Liang launched a collab with the label. Georgia Wood Murphy, founder of New York–based TERA Studio & Pilates Club, dubs the XT-6 Expanses the ultimate intersection of fashion and function. “From teaching Pilates at my studio, to walking to meetings, to drinking a spritz with friends at Sartiano’s, I live in these sneakers, as anyone that knows me knows, due to not only the chicness but also the comfort and support,” says Wood Murphy. Plus Ryan Norville, founder of Oat Cinnamon Studio and new resident of Paris, grabs these for her endless walking. “I spend long days buried in flowers at my studio and early mornings stepping in mystery puddles at the flower market and walk a minimum of 10,000 steps going around Paris, so I need a shoe that is comfortable, not too precious, but also makes me feel dressed at the same time,” she says.

Cushion: Flexible, high-rebound foam insole to help with balance and support pressure points | Colors: 6

When she’s not writing, Kendall Becker teaching pilates classes around the city, and oftentimes it requires long days in the studio sans supportive footwear. If you’re like her and typically only attend workout classes that don’t require footwear, you’ll realize that you still need solid support pre- and post-class. The Alo Recovery Mode sneaker has a firm outsole for a strong foundation and is detailed with a high-rebound recovery-foam sole to soothe pressure points after a tough workout.

Cushion: GEL cushioning that provides great shock absorption | Colors: 2

Let’s face it: Half the fun of working out is testing a new activewear set or styling your look for a “hot girl walk” that actually just leads to brunch with the girls. No matter your plan of action, the Asics Gel-1130 is the perfect finishing touch and approved by Hyla Nayeri, founder of cool-girl activewear label 437. “I find the style is so classic and neutral. It’s easy to style with my athleisure looks and pairs perfectly with my new favorite Shorts Onesie from the 437 Summer Active Collection,” she says. “These sneakers are so versatile and comfortable, and transition easily from fitness outfits to day-to-day style.”