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Gym shoes aren’t just comfortable and durable—they help you move better, train harder and recover faster. I took a closer look at some of the best-selling athletic shoes and surveyed Forbes Vetted staffers to round up an assortment of the best workout shoes for men that meet different needs in and out the gym. The most versatile shoe of the bunch is the Reebok Nano 2.0, which I like for its stability and spacious toe box. It’s an ideal option for weightlifting, HIIT workouts and cross-training alike.
The best gym shoes for men can help you reach a new personal record.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
There was a time not long ago when you did just about everything in a single pair of shoes—running, biking, lifting and so on. But as we’ve learned more about movement and performance over the years, our footwear has evolved to meet the needs of different activities. That’s why I evaluated the following workout shoes based on what they’re designed to do, how they fit and the kind of support they offer. Below, the best workout and gym shoes for men, and what you need to know to find a solid pair.
Reebok launched the Nano in 2011 when it became the official footwear brand of CrossFit, and a year later, the Nano 2.0 hit shelves, quickly becoming a staple in the cross-training community. With a 4mm 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 over a decade old, Reebok continues to refine the design, keeping it as lightweight (around 10 ounces per shoe), breathable and grippy as its newer cross-training counterparts. It’s a true do-it-all shoe, built for a wide range of workouts.
With that said, the Nano 2.0 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 2.0 is more than up to the task.
You can think of the Metcon as Nike’s answer to the Reebok Nano and 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 during box jumps or jump roping. 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 is a shoe that’s built to perform.
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is a bread-and-butter trail shoe, much like the Brooks Ghost 17 is for the road—reliable, versatile and a great fit for most runners. Built on the wildly popular Pegasus platform, it delivers the same dependable feel that’s won over countless road runners, but with a few trail-ready tweaks. Nike gives it a slightly more aggressive tread pattern that wraps around the toe for added durability, making it better suited for dirt and gravel, and ReactX foam makes it more responsive for those quick movements on the trail.
It’s also surprisingly plush, which some runners might find a little too soft and unsteady for technical terrain—it mutes ground feel, making the trail experience a bit less precise. And while the outsole is fine for dry or mostly dry trails, I can’t help but wish for better traction via a Vibram outsole, like on Nike’s trail racer, the Ultrafly. Still, if you’re new to trail running or already love the Pegasus on the road, this is an easy shoe to reach for.
Take a quick scan around your local gym, and you’ll likely see NoBull Impact cross-trainers at least once. 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. Similar to the Reebok Nano 2.0, they feature a 4mm heel drop to provide a secure, grounded feel for recreational weightlifting. They also have a grippy sole to tackle quick, multidirectional movements, rope climbing and a variety of CrossFit exercises.
But the NoBull Impact design sets itself apart from the Nano 2.0 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, they 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, as well as improved breathability to limit foot sweats, like the Brooks Ghost 16 or Nike Pegasus Trail 5.
The Brooks Ghost 17 is about as straightforward as running shoes get, in the best possible way. With balanced support, a touch of extra cushioning to take the edge off long runs and a breathable upper to keep your feet cool, it’s an easy-to-wear option for most runners. And, with four widths to choose from, it accommodates just about any foot shape.
With that in mind, the Ghost 17 isn’t the most aggressive running shoe out there, so if you’re looking for a pair to help you through tempo runs, I suggest something a bit more responsive, like the Hoka Mach 6. And as someone with slightly wide feet, I’d prefer a roomier toe box for added comfort, but it does fit true to size. If you’re looking for a versatile, comfort-first trainer that checks all the basic boxes, the Ghost 17 is a solid place to start. Read my review of the Ghost 17 for more insights.
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.
The Rogue Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes are a solid choice if your training revolves around squats, presses and Olympic lifts. With a 19mm (o.75-inch) heel, they provide an aggressive drop that encourages a deeper, more upright squat position, which is exactly what you want when chasing big numbers. The hard plastic heel is the preferred height for Olympic weightlifting, offering the stability and support needed to move heavy loads with confidence.
The leather upper isn’t as breathable as a typical athletic shoe, but you’re not logging miles in these anyway, so it’s not a big deal. Plus, with two foot straps on each shoe, you get a locked-in fit that reduces any chance of slipping when you’re under load. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you could go for another tried-and-true option like the Adidas Powerlift 5, but if you’re new to lifting or just looking for a wallet-friendly, no-nonsense lifting shoe, the Do-Win is a great addition to your gym bag.
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 I 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.
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.
Author of this guide and 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.
This guide was reviewed by Forbes Vetted editorial director Brinda Ayer, who’s a seasoned runner and fitness advocate, and has over a decade of experience in lifestyle journalism.
We tapped staffers to share their insights on the gym shoes that they’ve tried. Vigliotta has worn the Nike Pegasus Trail 5, Hoka Ora Recovery Slide and Brooks Ghost 17.
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. In August 2025, it was updated by Vigliotta, who replaced the Nike Metcon 9 with the Metcon 10, the Brooks Ghost 16 with the Ghost 17, and named the Hoka Rocket X 3 the best racing shoe for men.
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. Costigan, 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.
