19 Best Gym Workout Shoes for Men

How is it possible for a pair of shoes to do all that? The answer is that an incredible amount of technology and scientific testing goes into a quality pair of athletic shoes. That’s because the market is extraordinarily competitive, and the players are always looking for ways to one-up the competition. Fortunately, the consumer wins in this scenario. You have tons of great workout shoes from which to choose.

How to Pick a Workout Shoe for Men

Of course, you can’t just buy the first pair of shoes that look good or are the right size. A great deal of design thought and innovation has gone into each pair, so it makes sense that you should do your research too. You’ll discover along the way that the best men’s workout shoes for one guy aren’t necessarily the same shoe for another. Our feet are unique, which is just one more reason why being spoiled for choice is a good thing.

Get Familiar With Your Foot

Remember how I said that each one of us has unique feet? One of the keys to getting the right workout shoes is knowing what kind of foot you have. A trusted way to do this is by wetting your foot, and then stepping down on a piece of brown paper. Use a pencil to trace the wet marks made by your foot before they fade.

If you can see nearly the entire sole of your foot on the paper, then you may have flat feet which may make your feet tend to overpronate or roll inward. If you see only your forefoot and heel with a slender connection between the two, then you have a high arch and may be more susceptible to underpronation, which means that your feet roll outward.

Workout shoes can help you to address these issues so that they don’t affect the quality of your workout. For instance, someone who overpronates needs a shoe with tons of support while someone who underpronates should look for a shoe with a soft midsole, all this depending on the activity you want to do, like running or hiking, if you’re into doing hiking walks outside you should also get the best waterproof hiking shoes so you can exercise comfortably.

Don’t Expect Shoes to “Break In”

Today’s best workout shoes for men don’t require a period of breaking in. They should be optimally comfortable from the first moment you wear them. If they are not, then they are not the right shoe for your foot.

Look for Cushioning

This is particularly critical for people who will be running, but also may apply to men who participate in diverse activities. These days, you can find shoes that have gel cushioning, features that look like rubber springs or air pockets. If you tend to feel heel pain during or after a workout, then cushioning is super-important to you. You should also take into consideration the type of socks you’ll be wearing. Sports socks like Athletic Crew Socks should be able to provide additional cushioning and prevent you from getting blisters.

Weight Matters

Today’s best men’s workout shoes are lighter than ever. They deliver incredible performance but hardly weigh a few ounces. There are distinct advantages to this, especially in the midst of a ridiculously tough workout in which your legs feel heavier and heavier. The lighter your shoes are, the less they’ll weigh down your movements.

Check for Breathability

Many of the best workout shoe makers today spend millions of dollars researching unique fabrics that wick sweat away from your foot to prevent that unpleasant “damp” feeling that comes with a long workout. Additionally, more air is able to circulate within the shoe, another plus for when temperatures rise. Essentially, these special fabrics keep your feet cooler and drier, which means you can focus on exercising.

Stability and Security

When you’re moving fast and making quick direction changes, you need to know that your shoes are supporting you. There should be no heel slippage, nor should your foot be sliding around inside the shoe. What’s more, look for a shoe that has the proper amount of traction for your activity. You don’t want to be slipping when your shoes should be gripping the floor.

Don’t Assume You Know Your Size

The size of a person’s foot changes with the years. What’s more, shoe sizes vary considerably between manufacturers. You may think that you wear a nine and a half, but discover that a nine feels pretty good in one shoe while you have to go up to a 10 to feel comfortable in another. Be willing to try different sizes in your mission to find the perfect shoe.

Let’s take a look at some of the best men’s workout shoes that are on the market today. Any one of them could be the right one for you.

What are gym workout shoes?

Gym workout shoes are also called training shoes or cross-trainers. They support a variety of movements, including forward and lateral movements. Training shoes are meant to facilitate moves such as stopping, cutting, jumping, braking, and changing direction quickly. Choose cross-trainers when you perform a variety of gym workouts like high-intensity gym classes and boot camps, weightlifting, strength training, agility training, and even short distances on a treadmill. These versatile workout shoes have heel support to allow you to go deeper into squats along with grooves and patterns on the exterior portion of the soles for traction during plyometric and multi-directional movements.

Are gym shoes and running shoes the same?

Running shoes are a type of gym shoe. On the outside, they look the same, but the difference is primarily in interior construction. Running shoes have a structure that favors the forward and backward movement of the feet. They have a higher heel drop that facilitates toe-to-heel movement along with greater cushioning to protect your feet when running on hard pavement. The greater amount of cushioning also helps with long-distances runs over five kilometers and prevents foot pain from long workouts. When deciding if you should buy general gym shoes or running shoes, ask yourself how much you run. If it’s three times a week or more, choose running shoes.

What are the best types of shoes for the gym?

The best kinds of workout shoes for the gym will support the types of fitness activities that you do. Simple walking shoes will not provide you with the support your foot needs to work out safely. Neither will cheap, off-brand shoes. Cross-trainers provide cushioning and support for various activities while also adding the essential aspects of running shoes. Make sure that the shoes fit your foot type too. For example, if you have weak arches, find shoes with additional arch support to prevent foot pain.

How often should you replace workout shoes?

Replacement depends on your type of activity, its frequency, and its intensity. Generally, manufacturers recommend replacing running shoes every 300 to 500 miles. Cross-trainers have a useable life of five to six months. Your shoes will give you signs that they are worn out, including uneven wear on the soles, not fitting as snugly as in the past, and foot pain due to decreased cushioning.

How to clean workout shoes

Occasional cleaning will make your workout shoes look better. Always wipe off dirt as soon as you notice it. Take a soft-bristled shoe brush or a toothbrush to loosen dirt. You can also use a vacuum attachment to remove dirt. Use a mild solution of dish soap or laundry detergent and water and scrub away surface dirt with a brush. Avoid rubbing too hard as you can wear down the surface fabric.

How to wash gym shoes

You can wash gym shoes either by hand or in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Always use a mild detergent. If cleaning by hand, use a separate brush for the soles and wipe them dry with a clean cloth. If you need to clean your insoles, remove them and don’t replace them until dry. Allow your shoes to air dry completely for at least eight hours before wearing them again.

Is it ok to work out without shoes?

Some workouts don’t require shoes and are better performed barefoot. These include yoga, Pilates, and barre. Barefoot training can be beneficial to your overall strength when done in the right circumstances. Always wear shoes when performing high-impact exercises.

FAQ on Gym Workout Shoes

What are gym shoes called?

Workout shoes go by various names, primarily tailored to the type of activities they support. Among the shoe types that men can use include shoes for running, walking, and tennis, cross-trainers, shoes for weightlifting, rock climbing or basketball, and cycling shoes.

What shoes should men wear to the gym?

Choose lightweight shoes and have superior traction for use on multiple surfaces. You’ll also want to get a pair tailored for your activities and the equipment you use to maximize your workout and minimize the chance of injury.

Should workout shoes be tight or loose?

Properly fitted workout shoes should feel snug in the heel and midfoot while allowing room for your thumb to wiggle. Your workout shoes should not be tight but rather snug enough to support all areas of your feet, with little to no heel movement.

Can you put gym shoes in the washing machine?

You can wash gym shoes in the washing machine by putting them in the machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Washing time is about 30 to 40 minutes. Never place your shoes in the dryer. Instead, allow them to air dry. 

Can you wear trail running shoes in the gym?

It depends on what you’re doing. They’re fine for running on the treadmill or performing some weight training. However, if you’re planning on doing an aerobics class, they won’t work well because of the additional grip on the soles and thicker material on the upper that prevents some sideways movement.

Are canvas shoes good for the gym?

Canvas shoes are useful for certain tasks in the gym. Because of their lightweight and fitted style, they’re suitable for activities like weightlifting, squats, and deadlifts. Their flat heels help you maintain balance. Most also have rubber soles, which prevent you from slipping.

Are basketball shoes good for the gym?

You can wear basketball shoes for some but not all gym workouts. These shoes are heavier than other types of workout shoes, so they are ideal for bodybuilding and powerlifting. Avoid wearing them when running on the treadmill or a track, as they can tire you.