The 10 Best Men's Gym Shoes of 2023 for Men, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes

4.4

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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 provided good ventilation, but still felt durable enough for tough workouts. And the rubber outsole offered secure traction on the gym floor in our Lab and would be ideal for using cardio equipment, like an elliptical. We also appreciated the shoe’s wide toe box and minimal drop, which provided a very stable base for lifting weights. Additionally, we noticed that the Reebok Nano X2 has just the right amount of responsive cushioning to absorb shock.

What impressed us the most during our test 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. We noticed that they have a wide toe box, too, making them an ideal choice if you have wide feet.

While the Nano X2 is one of the most expensive sneakers on our list, we think it's worth investing in as a stylish, everyday gym shoe. It's also worth noting that we realized the laces are a little short, which some wearers may find inconvenient.

Price at time of publication: $135

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

Best Budget

Nike MC Trainer

4.7

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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, 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 liked the shoe’s fit, which felt snug and secure but comfortable. The shoe’s rubber tread felt thick under our heels and provided excellent stability. We also noted that the forefoot is flexible, making the shoe an asset for speed runs and agility drills.

During our test, the shoe’s mesh upper added to its lightweight feel and provided good ventilation. Through testing, we found that the MC Trainer is ideal for CrossFit or HIIT workouts, but we think that its versatile design also makes it suitable for walks, runs on the treadmill, and even core-training on balance boards. Just note that it runs a little narrow.

Price at time of publication: $70

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

Best for HIIT

Altra Solstice XT 2

4.6

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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 of these boxes and more. During our test, it stood out for its exceptional fit and comfort.  We found that the shoe’s wide toe box provided 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 felt supportive, but not too rigid. We also appreciated the shoe’s zero heel-to-toe drop, which means the heel and forefoot are at an equal distance from the ground. In test workouts, we found that the shoe’s zero drop helped promote good form, alignment, and stability.

While the Solstice XT doesn’t offer plush cushioning, it has just the right amount that cross-trainers need for HIIT workouts involving some jumping. We also like the shoe’s breathable mesh upper, which provided good ventilation during our test workouts. Overall, we think it's an excellent choice for mixed gym workouts, as well as comfortable, casual wear.

Price at time of publication: $130

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

Best for Stationary Bike

Shimano IC501 Indoor Cycling Shoe

5

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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. Right away, we noticed how well they fit and how breathable the mesh upper was. Even during long cycling workouts, our feet never felt hot or sweaty.

The slip-on design makes these shoes a convenient option for spin classes, while the dial on the upper allowed us to quickly adjust the fit. Once we clipped into our indoor bikes, we felt incredibly secure—our feet never slid off of the pedals or out of the shoes. And after our workout, we found we could walk across our floors without slipping, sliding, or scratching the surface.

We did have to install the two-bolt SPD cleats ourselves, but the process was fast and painless. These shoes are also on the expensive side, but if you cycle indoors regularly, we think their intuitive design and secure sole are well worth the added cost.

Price at time of publication: $135

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

Best for Running

Hoka One One Men's Clifton 8

5

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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 recommendation for a running sneaker that also outperforms in the gym. While this is a running sneaker, we found that it propelled us forward with each step while walking on the treadmill in our Lab. The soft midsole, paired with a thick outsole, was comfortable underfoot and provided 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.

We love this shoe for running, walking, and getting you to and from the gym. But we did find that the heel is fairly tall, which could cause blisters for some wearers. Although the Clifton 8 costs more than other options on our list, we strongly feel that its high-tech design takes everything into consideration, making it worth the investment.

Price at time of publication: $140

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

Best for Walking

Brooks Men's Glycerin 20 Running Shoe

4.9

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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 provided a close fit.

During our test, the shoe offered great shock absorption and felt lightweight, yet supportive. We noted that the shoe’s breathable, flexible mesh upper helped prevent irritation and also kept 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.

The shoe’s grippy sole enhances its durability and performance, making it a solid pick for gym buffs who need a sturdy, comfortable shoe. You’ll pay a bit more for these shoes compared to some others we tested, but we think the shoes’ high quality makes them a great value.

Price at time of publication: $160

^{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 Men's Gel-Venture 8 Trail Running Shoes

4.5

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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 felt comfortable right out of the box, and the upper conformed to our feet's contours. We were also impressed by the shoe’s traction, which offered excellent grip and stability on slick gym floors, treadmills, and running trails. And despite this shoe's lightweight feel, we found it also had good support and stability.

Even if you’re not hitting the gym or running trails, Asics' Gel-Venture 8 is a supportive, comfortable option for walks or casual wear. We did notice that the shoe’s upper isn't very well-ventilated, which helps with water resistance for trail running but may lead to some overheating during hot conditions or intense workouts. This sneaker is also heavier than other shoes on our list, which helps contribute to its durability but may not be ideal for very long walks or runs.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{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

4.6

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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 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 loved that the shoe felt comfortable and supportive for a variety of workouts, including treadmill runs, HIIT, and weightlifting. Additionally, we found that the rubber sole enhanced the shoe’s overall stability, providing good traction on different surfaces.

We noticed that the HOVR's upper felt lightweight and breathable, but was still durable. We also love the shoe’s sleek, stylish look, which will stand out at the gym as well as when worn casually. But we did realize that the shoe felt even more comfortable after the first few wears, meaning it may take some time to get used to.

Price at time of publication: $110

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