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Molly Calhoun Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
Becky Eaton Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
Most of us want a fresh start at some point. The best workout shoes for women lay the foundation to help you meet—and exceed—your fitness goals, and ultimately create better habits. My top picks include Nobull’s Gum Trainer, which is extremely comfortable and designed for multiple sports, and On’s Cloud X3 for gym-specific workouts, including cross training and weight lifting. All my winners are stylish and supportive, and keep your feet and joints healthy for light to intense sweat sessions.
If you’re wondering if you need specific shoes for different activities, the fitness experts I spoke with pointed out that certain features are more important depending on the sport. Whether you’re doing HIIT sessions or long runs, your movements and level of impact often dictate the ideal shoe for you. Below, all the best workout shoes for women to help you achieve your personal best.
For more on women’s fitness gear, check out our stories on the best walking shoes for women, the best workout leggings for women and and the best women’s tennis shoes.
- Best Workout Shoes For Women Overall: Nobull Gum Trainer
- Best Gym Shoes For Women: On Cloud X3
- Best Affordable Workout Shoes For Women: Under Armour Charged Assert
- Best Cross Training Shoes For Women: Nike Metcon 8
- Best Walking Shoes For Women: Hoka Clifton 9
- Best HIIT Shoes For Women: Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
- Best Running Shoes For Women: Brooks Ghost 15
- Best Tennis Shoes For Women: Asics Gel Resolution 8
- Best Training Shoes For Women: Reebok Nano X2
- Best Aerobics Shoes For Women: Adidas Edge Lux
- Best Dance Cardio Shoes For Women: Ryka Vivid RZX
Best Workout Shoes For Women Overall
Nobull: Top-Rated Pick You'll Get The Most Mileage Out Of
MOST POPULAR
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 4 total, including Black Heather Granite and Light Blue Heather | Weight: 11 ounces
What’s notable:
- Abrasion-resistant upper and durable outsole
- Extra stability and supportive design
What could be better:
- Runs small; consider ordering a half size up
- Popular colors have restocking delays
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Nobull has been in business since 2014 but recently became buzzworthy, thanks to their bestselling Gum Trainer, which has a low heel stack that keeps you closer to the ground and a supportive structure that adds extra stability. The flat sole helps guide your foot so you have the ideal lift-off from heel to toe, and the upper is water-resistant and built to withstand intense workouts. Also great: The anatomical insole molds to your foot and the toe box is wide to keep you comfortable as your feet swell during exercise.
What the reviews say: Some wearers love these for their durability and comfort in the gym, one calling them “the best training shoes ever. I feel stable on my feet. They don’t come loose,” and others note initial fit issues, saying “the shoes overall feel shorter” and “they were stiff in the beginning…took a bit to break in.”
Best Gym Shoes For Women
On: Ultra-Lightweight Training Versatility
On Cloud X3
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 11 total, including Fawn and Rose | Weight: 7.05 ounces
What’s notable:
- Lightweight cushioning cradles foot
- Speed lacing system
What could be better:
- Arch support might not be adequate for long hours on your feet
- Might fit narrower than previous versions
Swiss-engineered and designed On has skyrocketed to popularity since the company’s founding in 2010 due to their like-walking-on-air running shoes—which provide a firm takeoff and cushioned landing. The On Cloud X3 offers stability and cushioning, and it’s extremely lightweight, so it’s basically the holy grail for everything from lunges to squats to burpees to interval runs on the treadmill. While this model is more minimalist than some of the other super-springy Ons, it offers stability for varied workouts.
What the reviews say: While many are fans of this cross trainer, saying they’re “a pleasure to run with” and that they love “the no slip laces and how the shoes really hold my foot in place while exercising,” a few reviewers say they “have no support” and “the shoe has no stretch whatsoever.”
Best Affordable Workout Shoes For Women
Under Armour: A Great Basic At A Great Price
Under Armour Charged Assert 9
Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Standard, Wide | Colors: 22 total, including Black and Halo Grey | Weight: 8.15 ounces
What’s notable:
- Breathable upper and soft sock liner
- Affordable price and comes in two widths
What could be better:
- Quality and fit might vary from previous versions of this style
- Stiff upper fabric might be uncomfortable in the ankle for some
For a springy model with out-of-the-box comfiness, this all-around shoe comes at an affordable price point. It features a lightweight, breathable upper, a soft sock liner for a snug fit, and a cushiony foam midsole that’s forgiving on joints. Reviewers love this pair for everything from running to interval training to providing support during long days standing at work. Many even say they’re deep enough to accommodate an orthotic—although some comment they run slightly wide.
What the reviews say: Many say these provide “instant comfort when I put them on,” and “I liked them so much I bought a second pair of the exact same ones for when these get finished,” while multiple wearers note sizing inconsistencies and a small fit.
Best Cross Training Shoes For Women
Nike: A Game-Changing, Multi-Purpose Shoe
Nike Metcon 8
Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 10 total, including Barely Rose and Light Silver | Weight: Not listed
What’s notable:
- Provides balance for lifting weights
- Feet won’t slip during squats and leg work
What could be better:
- Shoelaces are shorter than previous versions
- Runs small; consider sizing up
The Nike Metcon is one of those shoes that has a cult following—many users are on their third or fourth pair—because they’re an all-around popular fit for HIIT, weightlifting, CrossFit and more. This shoe has a wide and flat heel that’s great for maintaining balance while lifting, a durable mesh upper with plastic overlays for stability and a handy lace lock system to keep laces from tripping you up mid-workout. Reviewers say these prevent stress injuries and offer cushioning during cross training, but they’re not great for long runs.
What the reviews say: One reviewer calls these “a true sock-like experience that enhances comfort during workouts” with added “stability which is great for lunges, deadlifts, etc.” and others note fit issues, saying “they are definitely narrow shoes” and a bit stiff at first.
Best Walking Shoes For Women
Hoka: Extreme Cushioning For A Smooth Ride
Hoka Clifton 9
Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Medium, Wide | Colors: 21 total, including Evening Sky and Swim Day | Weight: 7.3 ounces
What’s notable:
- It has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Slightly less chunky than other Hoka styles
What could be better:
- Some say the sole wears out after several wears
- Runs wide
In our tested review of the best walking shoes for women, Hoka’s Clifton 9 scored the highest on cushioning. If you’re a fan of a rocker shoe—which has a thicker sole that creates a smooth transition from heel strike to toe off—the Clifton has an extremely lightweight EVA foam midsole that won’t weigh you down. The outsole is durable but flexible, the padded, extended heel collar holds your foot in place, and it’s got a breathable mesh upper to keep feet cool.
What the reviews say: One wearer calls these the “best shoes I have ever owned,” while another says “they’re incredibly comfortable for exercising, running errands and every day life.” Meanwhile, other reviewers note the Clifton 9s have a different fit from the previous versions of the style, saying “they are not [as] comfortable as the Clifton 8s” and cited issues with the sole wearing out eventually.
Best HIIT Shoes For Women
Asics: Lightweight, Nimble And Cushioned
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
Sizes: 5-13 | Widths: Standard, Wide | Colors: 19 total, including French Blue and Black | Weight: 8.7 ounces
What’s notable:
- Upper is made of recycled materials
- Gel cushioning absorbs shock
What could be better:
- Standard width runs narrow
- Not water-resistant
No workout shoe is perfect for every single person and choosing the best fit is incredibly personal, but this top-rated sneaker has been consistently popular since 1999 for a reason. It offers superior cushioning and stability, and while it’s technically a running shoe, it’s versatile enough for everything from to burpees to lunges to incline treadmill sprints. Reviewers like this version of the Nimbus for its thinner tongue, although some say it runs narrow in the toe box.
What the reviews say: Runners and other fitness enthusiasts like these shoes for their cushioning and support, one saying “it was like walking on air” and “comfort[able] right out of the box.” A few reviewers prefer older versions of the Nimbus and feel the updated design is not as high quality as previous models.
Best Running Shoes For Women
Brooks: A Shock Absorber With High Energy Return
Brooks Ghost 15
Sizes: 5-13 | Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide | Colors: 24 total, including Black and Dark Navy Blue | Weight: 8.8 ounces
What’s notable:
- It has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Lightweight, supportive and stable
What could be better:
- Fit is larger than previous versions of this style
- Might not provide proper support for flat feet
Brooks has been in business since 1914, but in 2001 they decided to focus strictly on producing running shoes, and they do it really well. Their foam midsoles are notoriously adaptive and bouncy, offering runners both shock absorption and rebound. This neutral running shoe—the latest version of the Ghost, which was first introduced in 2008—is beloved for its cushioning and stability that can handle both shorter runs and long hauls.
What the reviews say: Reviewers praise these for their support and comfort as a running shoe, saying “my ankles are supported, I have more pep in my run, and I can run longer than I ever have” and “my foot lands how it is supposed to!”Many, however, say older versions of the shoe is better: “I have bought Ghost 14s for years due to plantar fasciitis and loved that shoe. Ghost 15 [doesn’t offer] the same support.”
Best Tennis Shoes For Women
Asics: Ideal For Fast-Paced Direction Changing On The Court
Women's Gel-Resolution 8
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Standard | Colors: 13 total, including Smoke Blue and Peacoat | Weight: 11.99 ounces
What’s notable:
- Supportive gel footbed mold to your foot
- Sockliner is removable if you prefer to add an orthotic insole
What could be better:
- Runs narrow and tight; consider sizing up
- Sizing is inconsistent with other Asics styles
Whether you’re ripping groundstrokes or smashing overheads, this shoe is consistently a court favorite for support and durability. It has a supportive gel footbed that molds to the foot, it offers lateral stability for side-to-side movements across the baseline and users report it gives a locked-in feeling that allows you to change directions and recover quickly. Many have even adopted this as a pickleball shoe. One downside to this model, though: While it’s great for narrower feet, some say this shoe is too snug in the toe box.
What the reviews say: One wearer says the fit is supportive for tennis, saying they “thought they felt much too tight at first, but once I starting playing, realized that was the lateral supports in action,” and they have the “perfect sole pattern for hardcourts.” Others note the fit isn’t the same as other Asics versions, saying “something seems uber stiff in this shoe.”
Best Training Shoes For Women
Reebok: The Perfect Fit For Explosive Interval Training
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 26 total, including Seaside Grey and Vector Blue | Weight: Not listed
What’s notable:
- Wide heel base for stability
- Roomy toe box
What could be better:
- Footbed might feel too flat for some
- Runs large; consider sizing down
When you’re doing high intensity interval training, you’ll need a responsive cross-training shoe that’s breathable and doesn’t make you overheat. This top-rated, lightweight and airy model has a slim heel for stability, a high-traction outsole that’s grippy for both indoor and outdoor, and a springy forefoot which will make transitions from mountain climbers to split squat jumps a breeze. Users also say these can accommodate a wider foot.
What the reviews say: Many like the toe box fit, saying “I love the width at the top of my toes. It helps with weight trainings, sleigh pushes and some cardio.” As a downside, some wearers say the shoe doesn’t hold up for certain exercises: “three rope climbs later, the sole is already coming off,” and wish for more stability.
Best Aerobics Shoes For Women
Adidas: Bouncy With A Snug, Supportive Fit
Adidas Edge Lux Shoes
Sizes: 5-11 | Width: Standard | Colors: 6 total, including Cloud White and Carbon | Weight: Not listed
What’s notable:
- Upper is made of recycled materials
- Extra cushioning in back collar provides ankle and heel comfort
What could be better:
- It might crease in the toe area
- Arch support might be inadequate for some
If studio classes with choreography are your thing, this pair is ideal for a variety of heart-pumping moves—from jumping to squats to dance. Reviewers says they’ve got the perfect degree of cushioning to prevent excess stress on joints, but they’re not clunky so they don’t inhibit different movements. The molded sock liner helps them stay in place on your foot, they come at a wallet-friendly price point and they transition well from studio workouts to errands around town.
What the reviews say: Many reviewers like these for their comfort, one even saying “walking is a new experience now,” while some say they’re “hard to break in” and experienced some discomfort in the front of the ankle.
Best Dance Cardio Shoes For Women
Ryka: A Shock Absorbing Shoe With Flexible Cushioning
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium, Wide | Colors: 3 total, including Grey and Raspberry | Weight: 8.2 ounces
What’s notable:
- Designed specifically for a woman’s foot
- Flexible design with good arch and ankle support
What could be better:
- Back collar might rub the ankle
- Runs small; consider sizing up
Zumba and hip-hop classes require lots of footwork, and this pair offers just the right amount of flexibility along with arch and ankle support for lateral movements, pivoting and jumping. It’s narrow through the heel and roomier in the forefoot to let your toes spread out and give more stability and it has a pivot point on the ball of your foot that allows you to turn and spin easily without putting extra pressure on your knees.
What the reviews say: Many say these are “supportive with a low profile” and a “flexible shoe for dance classes and strength workouts.” A few point out that these have a “wide heel” and stretched out after over time.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
To find the best workout shoes for women, the Forbes Vetted team has spent many months researching the top footwear brands, considering factors such as the overall quality, range of styles, customer service, shipping and return policies and other services that guarantee an excellent shopping experience.
At Forbes Vetted, we have published numerous articles on athletic shoes, including guides to the best walking shoes and the most comfortable sneakers for women. Our writers and contributors regularly interview fitness and sports experts to get their insights and advice on choosing sneakers—along with other types of shoes—for a variety of styles and budgets. Our expertise also extends to men’s footwear, with guides to the best walking shoes for men and most comfortable dress shoes.
My Expertise
For this story, I spoke with three top workout professionals: Christine Burke, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Runner Products at New York Road Runners; Kate Lamere, chief instructor at Barry’s Chicago; and New York City-based personal trainer and running coach Elizabeth Corkum. They discussed key factors to look for when shopping for women’s workout shoes, how the right shoe can bolster your workouts and practical advice on how to care for your sneakers.
How I Chose The Best Women’s Workout Shoes
To determine the best women’s workout shoes, I first spoke with the above experts for guidance and considered shoes highly rated by professionals. I pored through hundreds of product reviews and evaluated shoe models from both veteran athletic brands and buzzworthy, newer-to-market companies.
I ultimately chose the best workout shoes for women by determining if they were consistently top rated, had a high degree of cushioning and if they received excellent marks for comfort, support and injury prevention. I also considered if the shoes were available in a wide range of sizes, widths and colors, and price levels.
What To Consider When Buying Workout Shoes
The best shoes for you depends on your workouts, your anatomy and the way you move. “The proper footwear is the foundation of your form when training, regardless of modality,” says Kate Lamere, chief instructor at Barry’s Chicago. “The shoes you wear will impact your foot health and balance, help you stay injury-free, prioritize your form, and make your session as impactful as possible.” Below, the top things to keep in mind when shopping for the best women’s workout shoes:
What You’ll Wear Them For
- Running: “A running or walking shoe is unique to the individual and should enhance your foot anatomy, running economy and hip alignment,” says Lamere. Consider getting fitted by a professional when buying running shoes for the first time and having your gait analyzed regularly so you can find a running shoe that complements your stride. “Just because a shoe works well for a friend doesn’t mean it will work well for you, since everyone’s foot anatomy is different,” says Christine Burke, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Runner Products at New York Road Runners. Also consider what type of surface you plan to run on, whether it be a treadmill, a track, a trail or asphalt, as this may determine the best sole and upper material for your needs.
- HIIT: “HIIT workouts require agility, balance and often lateral movements,” says Lamere. “You want to look for a sole with a minimal shape that's flexible with cushioned support. The laces should tighten around the entire foot for a movable but supportive feel, and then finally, the sole should offer traction and stability to avoid slipping on polished surfaces.”
- Weight Training: “Strength training is best performed with a shoe with a flat and hard sole and a wide heel to ensure your weight can be distributed from edge to edge,” says Lamere. “When lifting, you want your feet to be as close to the ground as possible and next to no shape on the bottom of the shoe.”
Size And Width
Most women’s workout shoes come in medium widths, but some brands—such as New Balance, Brooks, and Hoka—also come in narrow or wide widths so you can choose what works best for you depending on your foot anatomy. Experts says it’s fairly typical to size up a half or full size in a workout shoe so feet have room to spread out and swell when you sweat. “Shoes that are too large or too small can cause issues like blisters and black toenails,” says Burke.
For runners, “the width of the foot, length of the toes, height of the arch and width of the heel are all very important and personal factors for what will or won't fit that runner,” says New York City-based personal trainer and running coach Elizabeth Corkum. “Most runners will be best suited in a neutral shoe, which tends to have less ‘spring’ or material than a stability shoe or super shoe.” A neutral shoe is designed to be neutral across the entire shoe, while a stability shoe will control a runner’s movement and address structural concerns like pronation or supination. A super shoe combines a lightweight midsole foam with a carbon fiber plate, which improves running economy—so the runner doesn’t have to do as much work—and makes the shoe springy. Super shoes tend to be more expensive than typical workout shoes by $100-$200.
Sole
In general, flatter soles work well for lifting weights as they allow for weight distribution and a connection with the ground. For cross training or running shoes, “the sole of the shoe will vary greatly depending on the type of shoe—neutral, stability, super shoe—and in stack height and heel drop,” says Corkum. The stack height refers to how much material is between your foot and the ground, and it implies how cushiony the shoe will feel. The heel drop of a shoe, which is measured in millimeters, refers to the difference between the heel and toe cushioning, and it affects the way your foot strikes the ground.
Upper Fabric
“Fabrics have evolved a lot, especially in the last 10 to 15 years,” says Corkum. “In general, most running shoes are designed to be lightweight, breathable and durable in the top of the shoe.” Many workout shoes have an upper made from engineered mesh, which is lightweight and doesn’t cause feet to sweat. Trail shoes sometimes incorporate a Gore-Tex membrane or a ripstop nylon.
How Often Should You Buy Workout Shoes?
Cushioning, traction and support are important workout shoe features, but if you wear them past their prime you risk causing pain—or even worse, an injury. Some shoes might loose their key support and function well before the upper appears to be worn out, so pay attention to how often you’re working out in them. It’s generally recommended to replace your workout sneakers after 300 hours of exercise or within six to eight months, whichever comes first. This isn’t a hard and fast rule: Your sneakers could need replacing sooner if you’re wearing them daily versus if you’re working out once or twice a week. Another tip to prolong the lifespan of your workout shoes: Try keeping a couple pairs on hand and alternating them every other workout. This gives the foam cushioning time to rest and decompress, not to mention a little extra time allows the shoe to fully dry out between workouts.
What Mistakes You I Avoid When Shopping For Workout Shoes?
While it can be fun to shop according to style, you shouldn’t buy workout shoes just for their looks. Everyone’s feet are different, plus various workouts require specific shoe features and functionality. Weight lifting, for example, requires flatter soled shoes, so we wouldn’t recommend picking out a pair of chunky running sneakers with ample arch support just because they look cool. Focus on proper fit, support and comfort first, then you can see which styles suit you best.
How Do I Choose The Best Workout Shoes?
Pay attention to what kind of workouts you’ll be doing and choose the appropriate workout shoe accordingly. Cross trainers aren’t made for running, just like running shoes likely have too much grip for tennis. Buy shoes that are made for your specific activity to achieve the best support, comfort and performance.
Sizing can also differ greatly between brands. Workout shoes require a little more breathing room than casual sneakers, especially if you’re a runner, and you might need to size up from your typical size. A roomy toe box is necessary so your toes can comfortably spread as you move and the shoe should firmly hug your heel without any slippage. If you’re ordering online, it can be helpful to buy a couple different sizes to find your ideal fit. Aim to try your shoes on later in the day, when feet naturally swell. Fit tip: Try on your workout shoes with the socks you’ll be wearing during the workout and take a few steps, jumps, squats and lunges to test them out in a variety of positions. We recommend trying sneakers on indoors to keep them in pristine condition, just in case you end wanting to return them.
Comparison Guide
In our roundup of best workout shoes for women, each shoe is intended for a specific workout. If you’re a runner—or plan on doing extensive walking—Hoka’s Clifton 9 or Brooks Ghost 15 are good options thanks to their ample cushioning, arch support and comfortable cloud-like heel padding. Another pair known for their support is the On Cloud X3, with an ultra-lightweight design that won’t weigh you down, while the Asics Gel Resolution 8 has smoother soles and mold-to-your-feet gel cushioning for comfortable agility on the tennis or pickleball court. If you’re more into cross-training, HIIT or weightlifting, a lightweight trainer like Nike’s Metcon 8, Asics’ Gel-Nimbus 24, Reebok’s Nano X2 or Under Armour’s Charged Assert—our budget pick—will give you the responsiveness you need for tackling that extra circuit. For general aerobic moves or dance cardio, a pair like Adidas’ Edge Lux or Ryka’s Vivid RZX are flexible and supportive enough to keep your ankles secure during a range of movements, but not so clunky they’ll affect your footwork. And for a general workout shoe that can perform for a variety of exercises, consider the bestselling Nobull Gum Trainer that focuses on stability, keeping you low and secure on the ground.
More Stories To Shop:
- The Best Shoes For Standing All Day Make Achy Feet A Thing Of The Past
- The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis To Ease Pain And Boost Support
- The Most Comfortable Flats You Can Walk Miles In, According To Editor Testing
David's Bridal
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