Under Armour: Best value workout shoes for women
Let’s be honest: workout gear can get expensive when you add up all of the different leggings, sports bras, warm-but-not-too-hot jackets for outdoors events and everything in between. So adding a pair of expensive gym trainers into the equation can be intimidating and might even put you off of going out for a run after all.
Sure, it’s important to make sure the shoes you opt for are suitable for their purpose, which means you likely want to avoid anything low quality. But for a pair of budget-friendly workout trainers that’ll consistently have your back (and your knees, ankles and hips) no matter what sport is on the table, look no further than Under Armour’s Women’s Charged Impulse Running Shoe. Available in almost every colour under the sun, you’ll have no trouble matching these to the rest of your gear.
Nike Air Zoom: Best overall women’s athletic shoes
Spontaneous HIIT workout? Check. Heading out on a run? No problem. Weightlifting session with impressive PBs to reach? Worry not, because it doesn’t matter what kind of workout you’ve got in mind: the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep will make sure you’re comfortable and motivated from start to finish. The best women’s workout trainers for those who like a bit of variety in the weekly routine, these training shoes tick all of the boxes for strength training, cardio sessions and circuits without lacking in any department.
Nike perpetually comes out on top when it comes to premium workout wear and it’s easy to go niche if you’ve got one kind of workout in mind. But if you’re looking for a pair of exercise shoes to bring along to every sweat session, these are the ones that’ll perform the best. A cushioned sole adds bounce when you need it and mesh ribbing on the top helps keep your foot extra snug for moves like lateral bounds and lunges.
Adidas Originals: Best women’s workout shoes for short runs
Adidas Originals is one of those failsafe brands that you likely first got into as a teenager and never really swayed away from. And there’s a good reason for that: accessibly priced, excellent quality and impeccably stylish: Adidas Originals will never let you down. The beauty of this combination makes Adidas Originals a great choice no matter what workout you’re planning next but where they especially shine is on a short run.
And Adidas Originals’ Ultraboost 20 Glam Pack Primeblue are the dictionary definition of stylish and comfortable rolled into one. The cool monochrome marble-effect sole is inspired by urban nightlife and will match whatever playlist you’ve got singing into your ears on your next run. Better yet: they’re also made from sustainably sourced Parley Ocean Plastic, which means you’ll be doing your bit to save the oceans while running a few laps of your neighbourhood.
Nike React: Best women’s workout shoes for running
You’ll easily shave seconds off of your marathon time, hit your fastest mile yet and still have energy for a cool down when you’ve swapped your existing running shoes for a pair of Nikes. Specifically: the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2, which are designed with injuries in mind so you finish your run almost as comfortably as you’ve started it. These are the trainers for anyone looking to either build up their running from scratch or to push forward with more endurance and distance in mind.
Versatile enough for beginners right through to pros, these trusty running shoes will accompany you on everything from a spontaneous 5K to an ultra marathon, if that’s what you’re aiming for. A secure and cushioned base means no matter how heavy-footed you are, you’ll still feel comfortable and supported with every step.
Veja: Best women’s workout shoes for walking
Workouts don’t have to be high intensity and sometimes there’s nothing better than simply going for a nice stroll. Brush off the thoughts of attempting a 10k or running a half marathon if you’d just rather go for a wander and watch the world go by while still moving your body. Of course, that doesn’t mean to say that Veja’s + Condor sneakers aren’t fit for anything more high intensity: these are also great workout shoes for speed walking or taking things up a notch.
A chunky sole provides endless support and recycled materials used throughout add a sustainable touch to an already impressive pair of workout shoes. Veja is one of those up-and-coming brands soon to be seen on the toes of everyone, which adds an extra incentive to buy yourself a pair now. Suitable for early morning coffee runs, outdoors catch ups with friends and “about to miss the train” commutes, you’ll want to wear these trainers everywhere.
APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Tracer: Best high-end women’s shoes for working out
Your next boost of gym motivation comes in the form of APL Athletic Propulsion Labs’ super sleek workout shoes — the TechLoom Tracer mesh and neoprene sneakers. Perfect for those mornings when you’re really struggling to get out of bed and hit the gym, these trainers provide enough comfort, style and performance to get even the sleepiest of gym-goers racing to jump up and pull on a pair of leggings and a sports bra. Ideal for adding stability during high-intensity workouts, these trainers are as premium as their jet black colorway would suggest.
The ideal trainer for starting up a new sport or trying out a new exercise-themed hobby, the TechLoom Tracers have the innate ability to put your brain in workout mode as soon as you’ve laced up each trainer. And — just a note on those laces — they’re formulated with a special feature that minimizes loosening. Which means you’ll never need to pause mid run to tighten them up.
Allbirds: Best sustainable workout shoes for women
Brush off any thoughts that sustainable workout shoes can’t compete with the big brands because Allbirds are disproving that theory once and for all. So much so that it’s basically impossible to fault the Women’s Tree Runners. Made from responsibly-sourced eucalyptus tree fiberss, these shoes promise to elevate your workout experience without having any kind of negative effect on the planet. They’re also super cute and available in plenty of different colors.
Tried and tested, the Women’s Tree Runners are a great option for virtually any kind of workout: wear them for summer walks through the fields, team sports, HIIT sessions or whatever sport-related hobby you find yourself trying next. They’re lightweight enough to not drag you down when running and also promise to feel light and breezy no matter how long you’re exercising for. Impressively, they also reduce odor, conform to your movements over time and can be machine washed.
Nike Metcon: Best cross training workout shoes for women
Nike has always retained its position as one of the first brands to come to mind when it comes to workout gear. And, as well as providing great workout clothes for basically any and every kind of sport, it also promises to create some of the most impressive workout shoes for women, too. The great thing about this brand is its ability to get niche with any kind of requirement, but sometimes the best shoes are those that are versatile and suitable for every occasion.
Enter: the Nike Metcon 5. It doesn’t matter whether you’re focusing on speed, endurance, balance or a combination of all three. These are the best cross training shoes that manage to effortlessly do it all, with its cushioned sole, lightweight style and cool design. Set to become your new BFF and workout partner, this is your secret weapon for weightlifting and high-impact training and will gladly accept any challenge you throw its way.
New Balance: Best women’s at-home workout shoes
Just because you can’t physically visit the gym doesn’t mean you have to forego a workout. You just need the right shoes to keep you company and turn your home into a workout studio. Our favorite workout shoes when it comes to tackling those home workouts head on are the New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker.
Lightweight and cushioned with a memory foam sole, you’ll almost find yourself slipping these on just to wander around the house. But their comfort also comes with the magical ability to put your brain into workout mode, hunting down your yoga mat and slipping on your favorite gym gear. Snug and supportive, you’ll find yourself scheduling more home workouts into your routine once these shoes are in your wardrobe.
APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Bliss: Best post-workout shoes for women
The equivalent of enjoying a delicious protein shake after your workout, the APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Bliss sneakers do exactly what they say on the tin. Cosy and soft enough to encourage you to get through that final set of burpees once and for all, these trainers are a treat for your toes that’ll make even the toughest workout seem more than worthwhile. Lightweight and flexible, these mesh trainers are designed to feel barely-there, offering protection to your feet without feeling clunky or heavy in the slightest.
When you’ve dragged yourself through a new workout routine or finished your longest run yet, you’ll find yourself dreaming of these trainers and the ultimate comfort they provide at the finish line. Your new motivation for pushing yourself even harder, they act as the shoe equivalent of a cosy blanket, comforting pat on the back or cheat meal you treat yourself to after a long gym session.
Reebok: Best women’s workout shoes for HIIT
As the name would suggest, Reebok Women’s HIIT Training Shoe Cross Trainer was designed to help you tackle HIIT sessions like no other shoe can. Impressive enough that you’ll feel somewhere between naked and underdressed if you ever attempt a HIIT workout without them in your bag, these workout shoes combine all of the features necessary to help you hit your PB, complete an additional circuit and finish in first place without even trying too hard.
A mixed grip pattern offers solid traction in every direction, which means that no matter what sort of interval training is on the cards for your next workout, you’ll feel supported from start to finish. A cushioned sole promises comfort for jumps, burpees and other movement-based routines and a bold design adds an extra boost of motivation knowing you look super suave while doing so. The premium quality lining also helps these workout shoes to always feel supportive without having to tighten them.
Adidas: Best women’s hiking shoes
You might think “hiking shoes” and immediately picture the beige, ankle height boots tucked away in cupboards from hikes enjoyed years ago. And if that’s the one thing putting you off from scaling mountains, climbing steep paths and experiencing some of the world’s best views, the answer is only a few clicks away. Hiking shoes have had a fashionable resurgence and some of the best you can buy come from Adidas.
The Adidas Terrex AX3 Hiking Shoes will easily assist you across any terrain, as rugged or as steep as can be. Suitable for both wet and dry conditions, these workout shoes are a brilliant option not only for hiking but also for any other outdoor activities. Heading out on a run across muddy paths or grassy lanes? Pair these with your warmest jacket and comfiest socks and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start exercising outdoors earlier.
The best pairs of CrossFit shoes have a lot of boxes to tick in order to truly win their place at the top of the pile. The very nature of CrossFit means you’ll need a pair of trainers that are supportive enough for those AMRAPs, lightweight enough to not weigh you down on box jumps and spacious in the toe enough to provide room for proper weightlifting support in the soles. So if ever there was a workout that deserved a little more attention into finding the proper workout wear, it would be CrossFit.
The best pair? Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer. Efficient foot support makes any exercise an easy manoeuvre and durable material will never get worn down after months of daily morning workouts. Plenty of colour options means you’ll be able to find a pair to match all of your workout gear if you fancy coordinating from head to toe.
Adidas Court Team: Best workout shoes for arch support
If you’re someone who struggles with arch problems then you’ll want to spend a little more time finding the perfect workout shoes to keep your feet and joints in the correct position throughout your workout. Even though it might seem tempting to throw on the same trainers you use for day to day life, it’s crucial to find form-fitting workout shoes that hug your toes and provide a soft base to prevent any damage.
Our favourite workout shoes for delivering just that are the Adidas Women’s Court Team Bounce Cross Trainer. Cool enough to wear for everyday life while bringing together all of the important elements for a safe and supportive workout, these shoes with their slightly vintage design are a brilliant addition to your workout wardrobe. A flexible midsole offers lightweight energy while promising to firmly keep your foot in its correct position while a mesh upper will keep your toes cool throughout your routine.
New Balance 520: Best workout shoes for women with wide feet
Comfort is key when it comes to exercise shoes and nothing will stop you heading to the gym faster than a too-tight pair of trainers that threaten to rub before you’ve even started your workout. But, on the flip side, trainers that are too large don’t offer enough protection or support. So finding that midpoint is an important first step to any workout program to prevent damage or encouraging you to accidentally put your cosiest socks and slippers back on instead.
If you’re someone who has wide feet, try the New Balance Women’s 520 V5 Running Shoe. Comfort is key with these trainers and they promise to combine all the features necessary to actively encourage you to put them on your feet and head out for a run. The high level of cushioning is balanced out by this shoe’s ultra lightweight design, that’s breathable, soft, supportive and fashionable all at the same time.
ASICS: Best workout shoes for women with flat feet
Find yourself a pair of running trainers suited to flat feet and suddenly you’ll be tackling 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and full marathons while laughing all the way. It’s easy if you suffer from flat feet to disregard the very notion of running or more intensive workouts, but finding the perfect pair of trainers to support your arches can be the secret weapon to falling in love with exercise all over again. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes come highly recommended from podiatrists, running experts and everyone in between.
Professionally crafted and full of unique technology designed to support flat feet, these trainers do the work to restore your enjoyment from workouts without any damage or pain in sight. Those who have flat feet might be familiar with the heavy feeling that comes from running without a properly supported base, and ASICS’ Trusstic System technology reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe…which, in human terms, means your weight is evenly distributed thanks to the shoe’s makeup.
Brooks: Best workout shoes for women with plantar fasciitis
We’re probably not the first to say it, but the Brooks Women’s Glycerin 18 workout shoes are so comfortable that you’ll find yourself slipping them on at any opportunity: a quick stroll for the weekly shop, running any kind of errands or simply just wearing around the house. Somehow existing as both a top quality workout shoe and a premium source of comfort, these workout trainers are the perfect solution for anyone suffering with plantar fasciitis.
Combat any pain and inflammation on the bottom of the foot with a trainer that uses one-of-a-kind super-soft cushioning that’s essentially just a cosy bed for your feet. The unique design of these shoes makes them a winning pair for most types of workout. You’ll find them easily manoeuvrable for running, cross training, weightlifting or general sessions at the gym.