The 10 Best Men's Gym Shoes of 2024 for Men, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes

View On Amazon $130 View On Roadrunnersports.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5

Reebok's Nano X2 is consistently recommended by fitness professionals and gym buffs as an excellent all-around gym shoe, and it definitely lived up to its reputation during our test. We found that these sneakers were incredibly stable, lightweight, and comfortable, making them a clear choice for our top overall pick.

The breathable upper provides good ventilation but still feels durable enough for tough workouts. The rubber outsole offers secure traction on gym flooring and would be ideal for using cardio equipment, like an elliptical. We also appreciate the shoe’s wide toe box and minimal drop, which provides a very stable base for lifting weights. Additionally, Reebok's Nano X2 has just the right amount of responsive cushioning to absorb shock.

What impresses us the most is the shoe’s versatility, as it works well for CrossFit, lifting, and cardio workouts (although we recommend using an actual running shoe for any run longer than 1 mile), so you can easily transition between exercises. They have a wide toe box, too, making them an ideal choice if you have wide feet.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 9 ounces | Materials: Textile upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Responsive foam}

Best Budget

Nike MC Trainer

View On Kohls.com $53

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Responsiveness
  4/5
• Stability
  4.5/5

When it comes to gym shoes, the price often indicates the shoe’s quality and performance—but that’s not the case with Nike's budget-friendly MC Trainer. During our test, it held its own against the higher-priced gym shoes and proved to be a durable, versatile option.

We like the shoe’s fit, which feels snug and secure but comfortable. The shoe’s rubber tread feels thick under our heels and provides excellent stability. The forefoot is flexible, making the shoe an asset for speed runs and agility drills. The shoe’s mesh upper also adds to its lightweight feel and provides good ventilation.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Soft foam}

Best for HIIT

Altra Solstice XT 2

View On Zappos $130 View On REI $130 View On Altrarunning.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Cushioning
  3.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  4/5
• Stability
  4/5

HIIT workouts require a shoe with good stability and traction—Altra's Solstice XT checks all these boxes and more. During our test, it stood out for its exceptional fit and comfort.  The shoe’s wide toe box provides plenty of room for toes to splay, allowing good stability during lifting and other workouts.

With just the right blend of firmness and flexibility, the shoe feels supportive but not too rigid. We also appreciate the shoe’s zero heel-to-toe drop, which means the heel and forefoot are at an equal distance from the ground. The shoe’s zero drop helps promote good form, alignment, and stability.

^{Key specs:
Weight: 10 ounces | Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Thin foam}

Best for Stationary Bike

Shimano IC501 Indoor Cycling Shoe

View On Zappos $135 View On REI $135 View On Backcountry.com $135

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Blister Protection
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

For indoor cycling enthusiasts, these Shimano shoes are our top pick. They fit well and feature a breathable mesh upper. Even during long cycling workouts, our feet never feel hot or sweaty in these shoes.

The slip-on design makes them convenient for spin classes, while the dial on the upper allows us to adjust the fit quickly. Once we clip into our indoor bikes, we feel incredibly secure—our feet never slide off of the pedals or out of the shoes. After our workout, we can walk across our floors without slipping, sliding, or scratching the surface.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10.4 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: Stiff, reinforced sole}

Best for Running

Hoka One One Clifton 8

View On Zappos $112 View On REI $70 View On Dick's $140

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Well-cushioned, responsive, and stable, Hoka's Clifton 8 is our top recommendation for a running sneaker that also outperforms in the gym. While this is a running sneaker, it also propelled us forward with each step while walking on the treadmill in our Lab. The soft midsole, paired with a thick outsole, is comfortable underfoot and provides great support.

We're not alone in our love for this sneaker—the Clifton 8 has also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. This means a panel of podiatrists has decided that these sneakers promote better foot health, making it a trustworthy shoe if you often struggle to find a comfortable, supportive pair.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 8.9 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Responsive foam}

Best for Walking

Brooks Glycerin GTS 20

View On Amazon $115 View On Zappos $100 View On REI $111

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.6/5

Whether you're cross-training at the gym or walking on a treadmill desk at work, you can’t go wrong with Brooks' Glycerin 20. It made a great first impression in our Lab, with a thick, plush midsole and additional cushioning under the heel that was noticeable from our first steps. The shoe’s flexible, comfortable upper and padded collar also provide a close, comfortable fit.

The shoe offers great shock absorption and feels lightweight yet supportive. Its breathable, flexible mesh upper helps prevent irritation and also keeps our feet from sliding around inside. The Glycerin is a running shoe, but its internal design also lends itself well to walking, especially if you need more arch support than walking shoes typically offer.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10.7 ounces | Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Thick, plush foam}

Best for Gym to Outdoors

Asics Gel-Venture 8

View On Amazon $55 View On Zappos $70 View On Dick's $70

If you’re looking for a shoe that can serve double duty for both outdoor running and gym workouts, Asics' Gel-Venture 8 is our favorite, budget-friendly choice. During our test, the shoe excelled in cushioning, providing good shock absorption that can be especially beneficial if you have a history of heel pain, like plantar fasciitis.

As for fit, the shoes feel comfortable right out of the box, and the upper conforms to our feet's contours. We're also impressed by the shoe’s traction, which offers excellent grip and stability on slick gym floors, treadmills, and running trails. And despite this shoe's lightweight feel, it offers good support and stability.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 12.5 ounces | Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Thick gel}

Best for High Arches

Under Armour HOVR Rise 3 Training Shoes

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4/5
• Cushioning
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5

If you have high arches, we recommend Under Armour's HOVR Rise 3 training shoe because it provides just the right amount of support and lightweight cushioning for optimal comfort and performance in the gym. 

During our test workouts, the shoe’s foam midsole felt firm but still fairly responsive. We love that the shoe feels comfortable and supportive for a variety of workouts, including treadmill runs, HIIT, and weightlifting. Additionally, the rubber sole enhances the shoe’s overall stability, providing good traction on different surfaces.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10 ounces | Materials: Textile upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Two types of firm, responsive foam}