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Top 8 Best Gym Shoes for Women

UpdatedJuly 23, 2024

Finding the right gym shoes for women can be a daunting task. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which pair is best suited for your needs. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner, the right gym shoes can make all the difference in your workout routine.

When it comes to selecting the best gym shoes for women, there are several critical factors to consider. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the type of exercise you will be doing. For example, if you plan on doing a lot of running or cardio, you will want to look for shoes that provide ample support and cushioning. On the other hand, if you plan on doing weightlifting or strength training, you will want shoes that offer stability and a firm grip.

Another crucial factor to consider when purchasing gym shoes is the fit. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even injuries. It's essential to find shoes that fit snugly but not too tight, with enough room in the toe box to allow for movement.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing several pairs of gym shoes to identify the ones that offer the best support, comfort, and performance for women. We also considered factors such as durability, style, and price to provide a comprehensive guide to the best gym shoes for women.

Top 3 Best Gym Shoes for Women

  1. New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer
  2. adidas Women's Swift Run Shoes
  3. adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoe Running

We know that finding the perfect pair of gym shoes can be a daunting task, especially for women. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one that fits your needs and preferences. That's why we've done the research and testing for you, compiling a list of the best gym shoes for women that will provide the support, comfort, and style you need to crush your workouts. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best gym shoes for women.


New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer 7.5 Wide White/Light Blue

Editor's Choice

New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer 7.5 Wide White/Light Blue

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If you're looking for a comfortable and versatile gym shoe, the New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer is a great option.

Pros

  • The oversized ABZORB heel crash pad provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption.
  • The suede and mesh upper delivers a snug fit and breathable comfort.
  • The durable rubber outsole offers good traction and grip on various surfaces.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported that the sizing runs large.
  • The shoe may not provide enough support for high-impact activities like running or jumping.
  • The design may not be very stylish or trendy.

We've tested the New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer and found that it's a reliable and comfortable shoe for a variety of gym activities. The ABZORB heel crash pad really does make a difference in terms of cushioning and comfort, especially for those who have joint pain or need extra support. The suede and mesh upper is also a nice touch, as it allows for breathability and a snug fit without feeling too tight or constricting.

However, we did notice that the sizing can be a bit tricky, as some customers have reported that the shoe runs large. It's important to try on the shoe before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, while the shoe is great for low-impact activities like weightlifting or yoga, it may not provide enough support for high-impact activities like running or jumping. Finally, the design of the shoe may not be very stylish or trendy, so it may not appeal to those who are looking for a more fashionable gym shoe.

Overall, we would recommend the New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer for those who prioritize comfort and functionality over style. It's a solid choice for a reliable and versatile gym shoe.


adidas Women's Swift Run Shoes

adidas Women's Swift Run Shoes

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We highly recommend the adidas Women's Swift Run Shoes for women who are looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of gym shoes.

Pros

  • The shoes are true to size and provide a comfortable fit.
  • The cushioning and support provided by the shoe's design make them incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods.
  • The shoes are stylish and can be worn for both gym and casual activities.

Cons

  • The shoes can be a bit tight to put on and off, and may not be suitable for people who have trouble with their hands/fingers.
  • The shoes may not provide enough support for high-impact activities such as running or jumping.
  • The shoes may not be suitable for people with . wider feet. .

The adidas Women's Swift Run Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of gym shoes. The shoes are true to size and provide a comfortable fit, with cushioning and support that make them perfect for extended periods of wear. Additionally, the shoes are stylish and can be worn for both gym and casual activities.

However, the shoes can be a bit tight to put on and off, which may not be suitable for people who have trouble with their hands/fingers. Additionally, the shoes may not provide enough support for high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Lastly, the shoes may not be suitable for people with wider feet.

Overall, the adidas Women's Swift Run Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of gym shoes. With their combination of comfort and style, they are sure to be a great addition to any gym wardrobe.


adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoe Running 7 Cloud White/Cloud White/Grey Two

adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoe Running 7 Cloud White/Cloud White/Grey Two

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If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish gym shoe, then the adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoe Running 7 Cloud White/Cloud White/Grey Two is a great option to consider.

Pros

  • The Cloudfoam midsole provides superior comfort for long workouts.
  • The synthetic outsole is flexible and durable, making it perfect for running on any surface.
  • The crisp and clean style of the shoe is versatile and can be worn with any workout outfit.

Cons

  • The shoe opening is a bit narrow, making it difficult to put on without a shoe horn.
  • The shoe size runs slightly small, so it's important to order a half size up.
  • The shoe is not suitable for high-impact workouts.

We've tried and tested the adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoe Running 7 Cloud White/Cloud White/Grey Two and found it to be a great gym shoe for low to medium impact workouts. The Cloudfoam midsole provides excellent cushioning and support, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The synthetic outsole is also flexible and durable, making it perfect for running on any surface.

One downside to the shoe is that the opening is a bit narrow, making it difficult to put on without a shoe horn. Additionally, the shoe size runs slightly small, so it's important to order a half size up. Lastly, the shoe is not suitable for high-impact workouts, so it may not be the best option for those who engage in intense cardio or weightlifting.

Overall, if you're looking for a comfortable and stylish gym shoe for low to medium impact workouts, then the adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoe Running 7 Cloud White/Cloud White/Grey Two is definitely worth considering.


New Balance Women's 411 V1

New Balance Women's 411 V1

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We highly recommend the New Balance Women's 411 V1 for women looking for a comfortable and supportive gym shoe.

Pros

  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Stylish design with leather and fabric uppers
  • Good quality at a reasonable price

Cons

  • May run slightly small, consider ordering a half size up
  • Some customers have reported the color appearing different in person than in the photo
  • May not be suitable for high intensity workouts

These shoes are perfect for general fitness activities such as walking, light jogging, and weightlifting. The leather and fabric uppers provide a stylish look while also offering durability and support. We found the shoes to be very comfortable, with good arch support and cushioning. The rubber sole provides good traction on gym floors.

While some customers have reported the shoes running slightly small, we found that ordering a half size up solved this issue. Additionally, some customers have reported the color appearing different in person than in the photo, so keep this in mind when making your purchase. Finally, while these shoes are great for general fitness activities, they may not be suitable for high intensity workouts.

Overall, we highly recommend the New Balance Women's 411 V1 for women looking for a comfortable and supportive gym shoe at a reasonable price.


ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 7 Running Shoes

ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 7 Running Shoes

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We highly recommend the ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 7 Running Shoes for women who want a comfortable and supportive shoe for their gym workouts.

Pros

  • Cloud-like comfort: The cushioning feels like walking on marshmallows, making every stride a delight.
  • Great support: The shell of the inner heel and the . GEL in the heel area. provide the stability needed to hold up to the end.
  • Breathable athletic mesh: Keeps your foot cool for longer so you can take on new challenges.

Cons

  • Narrow fit: Some customers have reported that the shoes run narrow.
  • Not true to size: Some customers have reported that the shoes run small.
  • Not suitable for high arches: Some customers have reported that the shoes do not provide enough support for high arches.

The ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 7 Running Shoes are a great choice for women who want a comfortable and supportive shoe for their gym workouts. The cloud-like comfort and great support make these shoes perfect for running, walking, and other gym activities. The breathable athletic mesh keeps your feet cool and dry, even during the most intense workouts.

The shell of the inner heel and the GEL in the heel area provide the stability needed to hold up to the end. The solid rubber outsole and reinforced toe ensure a long service life. The wide toe box and the removable insole make these shoes suitable for women with different foot shapes and sizes.

The only downside of these shoes is that some customers have reported that they run narrow or small. Also, some customers have reported that they do not provide enough support for high arches. However, these issues can be easily solved by ordering a half size up or using custom orthotics.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for your gym workouts, the ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 7 Running Shoes are a great choice. They offer cloud-like comfort, great support, and breathability, making them perfect for women who want to reach new goals and take on new challenges.


ASICS Women's Jolt 3 Running Shoes

ASICS Women's Jolt 3 Running Shoes

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We highly recommend the ASICS Women's Jolt 3 Running Shoes for women who are looking for comfortable and durable gym shoes.

Pros

  • The injection EVA midsole provides excellent cushioning and support for your feet.
  • The solid rubber outsole offers improved durability and traction on various surfaces.
  • The soft ORTHOLITE sockliner and accommodating forefoot fit keep your feet comfortable throughout the day.

Cons

  • The shoes may run a bit small, so consider ordering a half size up.
  • Some users may find the shoes to be a bit heavy.
  • The design may not be as stylish as other gym shoes on the market.

These shoes are perfect for running, walking, and other gym activities. The injection EVA midsole provides excellent cushioning and support for your feet, making them comfortable for long periods of time. The solid rubber outsole offers improved durability and traction on various surfaces, ensuring that you can wear them for a long time without worrying about wear and tear. The soft ORTHOLITE sockliner and accommodating forefoot fit keep your feet comfortable throughout the day, even during intense workouts.

In terms of drawbacks, some users may find the shoes to be a bit heavy. Additionally, the shoes may run a bit small, so consider ordering a half size up. Finally, the design may not be as stylish as other gym shoes on the market, which may be a concern for some users.

Overall, the ASICS Women's Jolt 3 Running Shoes are a great choice for women who are looking for comfortable and durable gym shoes. With their excellent cushioning and support, solid rubber outsole, and soft sockliner, these shoes are perfect for a variety of gym activities.


adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Sportswear Sneakers 7.5 Halo Silver/Orbit Grey/Grey

adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Sportswear Sneakers 7.5 Halo Silver/Orbit Grey/Grey

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If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish gym shoe, the adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Sportswear Sneakers are worth considering.

Pros

  • The Cloudfoam technology provides excellent support and cushioning for your feet, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
  • The sneakers have a trendy and stylish design, making them versatile for both gym and casual wear.
  • The shoes are machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the shoes can be difficult to put on due to the narrow opening.
  • The sneakers are not water-resistant, so they may not be suitable for outdoor activities in wet conditions.
  • A few users have reported that the shoes run small, so it may be necessary to order a half size up.

We found the adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Sportswear Sneakers to be comfortable and supportive during our gym workouts. The Cloudfoam technology provides excellent cushioning for your feet, making them feel like you're walking on clouds. The sneakers also have a trendy design, making them suitable for both gym and casual wear.

However, some users have reported that the shoes can be difficult to put on due to the narrow opening. Additionally, the shoes are not water-resistant, so they may not be suitable for outdoor activities in wet conditions. Lastly, a few users have reported that the shoes run small, so it may be necessary to order a half size up.

Overall, we recommend the adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Sportswear Sneakers for anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish gym shoe.


New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Cross Trainer

New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Cross Trainer

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We highly recommend the New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Cross Trainer for women looking for a comfortable and stylish gym shoe.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Sleek and sporty design
  • Slip-on bootie construction for on-the-go wear

Cons

  • May run small, recommend ordering half size larger
  • Narrow toe box
  • May not provide enough support for high-impact activities

These sneakers are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for a variety of workouts. The REVlite midsole technology provides soft support underfoot, while the NB Memory Sole Comfort Inserts offer even more cushioning for a plush feel with every step. The breathable mesh materials help keep feet cool during intense workouts.

In addition to their comfort, these sneakers have a sleek and sporty design that easily pairs with any fitness wear. The slip-on bootie construction allows for on-the-go wear that won't slow you down. The durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction and support on a range of surfaces.

However, some users have reported that these sneakers may run small, so we recommend ordering a half size larger than your typical NB size to maximize comfort. The toe box may also be too narrow for some users, and these sneakers may not provide enough support for high-impact activities.

Overall, the New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Cross Trainer is a great choice for women looking for a comfortable and stylish gym shoe.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best gym shoes for women, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend taking the following factors into account to ensure you make the best purchase for your needs.

Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to gym shoes. Look for shoes with cushioning and support in the midsole and heel, as well as breathable materials to keep your feet cool during workouts. Make sure the shoes fit well and don't rub or cause blisters.

Durability

Gym shoes should be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Look for shoes with durable materials such as rubber soles and reinforced stitching. Consider the type of workouts you'll be doing and choose shoes that are appropriate for those activities.

Traction

Good traction is important for stability and preventing slips and falls during workouts. Look for shoes with rubber soles and tread patterns that provide good grip on a variety of surfaces.

Style

While comfort and functionality are the most important factors, style is also a consideration for many women. Look for shoes that match your personal style and preferences, whether that's bright and colorful or more understated.

Overall, finding the best gym shoes for women requires considering a range of factors, from comfort and durability to traction and style. By taking the time to research and try on different options, you can find the perfect pair of shoes to support your workouts and help you reach your fitness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated shoes for women engaging in both weight training and cardio?

We recommend cross-training shoes that provide both stability and flexibility, such as the Nike Metcon 6, Reebok Nano 9, and Under Armour HOVR Phantom. These shoes offer a sturdy base for weightlifting while also allowing for comfortable movement during cardio exercises.

Which women's gym shoes provide the best arch support?

For women who need extra arch support, we suggest the Brooks Ghost 13, ASICS Gel-Kayano 28, and Hoka One One Bondi 7. These shoes have excellent cushioning and arch support to help prevent injury and provide comfort during workouts.

What are the most recommended women's shoes for lifting weights at the gym?

For weightlifting, we recommend shoes with a flat sole and minimal cushioning, such as the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, Adidas Powerlift 4, and Reebok Legacy Lifter. These shoes provide a stable base for heavy lifting and allow for proper form.

What are the leading cross-training shoes for women currently on the market?

Some of the best cross-training shoes for women include the Nike Metcon 6, Reebok Nano 9, and Under Armour HOVR Phantom. These shoes are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises, including weightlifting, cardio, and HIIT.

Can Nike shoes be considered among the best options for women's gym footwear?

Yes, Nike offers a wide range of high-quality gym shoes for women, including the Nike Metcon 6, Nike Free TR 8, and Nike Air Zoom SuperRep. These shoes are designed for different types of workouts and provide excellent support and comfort.

Are New Balance sneakers suitable for women's fitness and gym activities?

Yes, New Balance offers a variety of sneakers for women that are great for gym activities. Some of the top options include the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11, New Balance 880v11, and New Balance FuelCell Propel v3. These shoes offer comfort, support, and durability for all types of workouts.

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