Guides and reviews for athletic footwear used for training, gym workouts, court sports and other active pursuits, with an emphasis on fit, support, traction and comfort.
A versatile Nike gym shoe that pairs a steady heel for lifting with a flexible forefoot for jumping, lunging and short cardio. It suits people whose workouts mix strength and conditioning. The snug fit and its limits for heavy lifting and longer runs are the things to weigh first.
An approachable weightlifting shoe for gym-goers who want a stable, raised-heel platform for squats and presses without buying a competition lifter. Its rigid, flat base keeps you planted under the bar. The catch is a snug toe box and short sizing, so most people will need to order a half size up.
A cross-training shoe for workouts that mix heavy lifting with jumps, sprints and rope climbs. It keeps you planted under a barbell and is now noticeably friendlier for the conditioning parts of a session. It is still a gym specialist, so runners and all-day walkers should think twice.
An all-round training shoe for workouts that mix lifting, jumping and short runs, with a firmer heel for the barbell and a softer forefoot for everything else. It is comfortable through long classes and tough enough for rope climbs. Runners and anyone needing a wide fit should look closely first.
An all-round gym shoe for people whose workouts mix heavy lifts with jumps, sled pushes and short runs. Its stable base and grippy outsole let you stay in one pair from warm-up to cool-down. The trade-off is a firm feel that wears on you during longer runs and walks.
The Inov-8 Fastlift 360 is a light, flexible weightlifting shoe for CrossFit and hybrid training. A raised, strut-style heel steadies squats and Olympic lifts, while forefoot grooves let you jump and move. Fit is snug and narrow-leaning.
A firm, stable cross-training shoe for lifters who want a planted feel and a raised heel under a loaded bar. TYR says it is lighter than the CXT-2. The trade-off is a firm, heavy ride that is harsh for running and poor for walking or standing all day.
Nike x Hyperice Air Zoom Hyperslide combines heated vibration and low-profile cushioning in a recovery slide. See its battery, fit, water-resistance limits and alternatives.
A minimalist, zero-drop shoe designed for the gym floor, with a flat platform and a roomy toe box that give lifters a genuinely stable base for squats and deadlifts. Newcomers should expect a real adjustment period, since there is almost nothing underfoot to cushion the ride.
The Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 is a cushioned recovery slide with a 6 mm drop, sugarcane EVA and a Meta-Rocker. We break down fit, grip, comfort and who should buy it.
The Oboz Sawtooth X is a structured hiking shoe with strong arch support, durable materials and a stable trail ride. We break down fit, waterproofing, weight, traction and who should buy it.
Compare six current gym shoes for arch support needs, including weightlifting, HIIT, cross-training, treadmill and cardio-focused options.
Best Gym Shoes for Arch Support in 2026: 6 Supportive Picks Read More »
Compare six supportive shoes for yoga enthusiasts with foot pain, including cushioned, stability, wide-fit, orthotic-friendly and recovery options.
Best Shoes for Yoga Enthusiasts With Foot Pain in 2026 Read More »
A tall-heeled lifting shoe that feels lighter and slimmer on the foot than its main rivals, with a solid plastic heel that refuses to give under load. The narrow toe box is the sticking point, and the price is the highest in its class.
Just about the lightest and thinnest minimal shoe available, with a Vibram outsole that grips far better than its weight suggests. It is a superb tool for foot strengthening and short trail work, provided you accept that the sole wears quickly and there is nothing between you and the ground.
One of the thinnest, most flexible barefoot shoes you can buy, with a wide toe box and a sole that lets you feel almost everything underfoot. It is superb in the gym and around a city, but the light vegan upper is not built to survive rough ground or heavy mileage.
The rare lifting shoe that combines a tall heel with room for wide feet, which makes it the obvious pick for lifters squeezed by the alternatives. It is also the heaviest shoe in its class, and the update over the previous version amounts to little more than an inflatable tongue.
A barefoot shoe that is easier to get along with than most, thanks to a roomy toe box and a slightly friendlier build than Xero’s thinnest models. It is a good first step into minimal footwear, though it weighs more than the category usually does and asks your feet to do all the work.
A light, smart-looking gym shoe that handles classes, short runs and everyday wear in one pair. It suits people whose training is varied rather than specialised. Serious lifting and long runs are both outside what it does well.
Compare affordable running shoes that work well for walking, recovery, treadmill sessions, light gym workouts and everyday wear.
Best Affordable Running Shoes for Walking and Workouts in 2026 Read More »
Find the best pickleball shoes for comfort, grip, and support. Enhance your game with top-rated shoe models for every player. Includes reviews and buyer’s guide.
Compare the best cross-training shoes for 2026, including current picks for lifting, HIIT, cardio, functional fitness and minimalist training.
Unlock the secrets of cleats with our ultimate guide. Learn to choose the right cleats for every sport you play with tips on how to buy them.
Explore the world of Jordan cleats, designed for maximum performance and unbeatable style on and off the field.
Learn how to buy cleats that enhance performance and fit your playing style for maximum comfort and safety. Includes men’s, women’s and kids.
Find the best pink cleats to make a bold statement on the field. Check out our top picks and sizing guide now. Includes men’s, women’s and kids sizing calculator.
Discover the best soccer cleats for wide feet that prioritize comfort and performance. Men’s, women’s and unisex versions.
Barefoot shoes are gaining popularity for their benefits. Discover how they compare to traditional footwear and their impact on health.
Barefoot Shoes vs. Traditional Shoes: Are They Really Better for Your Feet? Read More »
Compare golf shoes for comfort, traction, stability and durability on the course.
Find the perfect pair of Zumba shoes to enhance your workout experience. Discover the key features to look for, reviews of the top shoes and more tips for buying the right dance shoes.
Compare the best Fila shoes for running, walking, work, tennis and casual wear, with clear recommendations based on how you use them.
Compare the best CrossFit-style shoes for 2026, including picks for heavy lifting, mixed WODs, cardio-heavy sessions and minimalist training.
Best CrossFit Shoes in 2026: 6 Picks for WODs and Lifting Read More »
