Business

Best Workout Shoes For Women 2024

November 9, 2024

The best workout shoes for women are equal parts stylish and supportive to keep your feet and joints healthy during exercise, no matter if you prefer running, walking, CrossFit, HIIT or another gym routine. After talking with personal trainers and performing extensive research, we landed on 10 of the best workout shoes for women: Our top choice overall is On’s Cloud X3, due to its supreme comfort and versatility. Meanwhile, Nobull’s Impact Gum is great for gym-specific workouts, including weight lifting.

The best workout shoes for women can take on cross training, HIIT, dance cardio and more.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

The fitness experts we spoke with pointed out that certain features should be prioritized depending on your preferred activity; your movements and level of impact often dictate the ideal shoe for you. Whether you need dependable running shoes or a pair for HIIT sessions, these are the best workout shoes for women to help you achieve your personal best. For more gym shoe recommendations, we also covered the best running shoes for women and the best walking shoes for women.

Best Workout Shoes For Women Overall: On Cloud X3
Best Cross Training Shoes For Women : Nike Metcon 9
Best Gym Shoes For Women: Nobull Impact Gum
Best Affordable Workout Shoes For Women : Under Armour Charged Assert 9
Best Walking Shoes For Women: Hoka Clifton 9
Best HIIT Shoes For Women: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Best For Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Best Running Shoes For Women: Brooks Ghost 15
Best Tennis Shoes For Women: K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
Best Training Shoes For Women: Reebok Nano X4

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 12 total, including Rose/Sand and Savannah/Frost | Weight: 7.09 ounces

What’s notable: This shoe’s lightweight cushioning cradles the foot, while the speed lacing system makes it easy to take it on and off.
What could be better: Some reviewers note these have a narrow fit, and there isn’t a lot of stretch.

Swiss-engineered and designed On has skyrocketed to popularity since the company’s founding in 2010 due to their cloud-like running shoes—which provide a firm takeoff and cushioned landing. The On Cloud X3 offers stability and cushioning, and it’s extremely lightweight, so it’s basically the holy grail for everything from lunges to squats to burpees to interval runs on the treadmill. While this model is more minimalist than some of the other super-springy Ons, it’s sturdy enough for varied workouts. Our editors are fans of this cross trainer and love the no-slip laces and how the shoes really hold feet in place while exercising, but found that these shoes do not feature a lot of stretch.

Sizes: 5 to 15 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 15 total, including Sea Glass and Light Silver | Weight: Not listed

What’s notable: These Nikes offer plenty of stability, making them ideal for wearing while lifting weights or doing squats.
What could be better: The shoelaces are shorter than previous versions, and some customers say they run on the smaller side.

The Nike Metcon is one of those shoes that has a cult following—many users are on their third or fourth pair—because they’re an all-around popular fit for HIIT, weightlifting, CrossFit and more. This shoe has a wide and flat heel that’s great for maintaining balance while lifting, a durable mesh upper with plastic overlays for stability and a handy lace lock system to keep laces from tripping you up mid-workout.

These shoes’ lightweight feel and stable support are wins, and although the Metcon 9 can feel a bit stiff, overall it’s a shoe that is an all-around winner in a wide variety of fitness activities.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 5 total, including Arctic Gum and Black Gum | Weight: 13.1 ounces

What’s notable: These shoes have an abrasion-resistant upper and durable outsole, which provides extra stability and support.
What could be better: Some reviewers say these shoes run small; popular colors are sometimes subject to restocking delays.

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Nobull has been in business since 2014 but recently became buzzworthy, thanks to their bestselling Gum Trainer, which has a low heel stack that keeps you closer to the ground and a supportive structure that adds extra stability. The flat sole helps guide your foot so you have the ideal lift-off from heel to toe, and the upper is water-resistant and built to withstand intense workouts. Also great: The anatomical insole molds to your foot and the toe box is wide to keep you comfortable as your feet swell during exercise.

“These are the best shoes for weight training due to their durability,” says Forbes Vetted’s senior operations manager Blaire Tiernan. “The flat sole also provides a strong base, so you truly feel solid and stable while lifting. These shoes are firm and lightweight, creating the perfect lifting shoe.”

Under Armour

Under Armour Charged Assert 9

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I’m a contributing writer covering women’s and men’s fashion and accessories at Forbes Vetted. I’ve worked in media for 20 years, art directing and designing fashion, beauty, health and tech content for a variety of magazines, websites and brands. Prior to this, I studied magazine journalism at the University of Missouri. When I’m not researching fashion, you’ll find me doing freelance projects, exploring textile and interior design, and rollerskating.

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As the senior strategy editor at Forbes Vetted, I collaborate with a small team of content strategists and updates writers to produce commerce content. I am also a certified personal trainer (CPT) and am deeply passionate about health and wellness; I’ve tested dozens of sleep and fitness products, including over 100 mattresses. I hold a B.A. in advertising from the Hussman School of Journalism & Media at UNC-CH and a B.A. in global studies from UNC-CH.

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Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Standard, Wide | Colors: 30 total, including Black and Halo Grey | Weight: 8.9 ounces

What’s notable: This shoe has a breathable upper and soft sock liner; it also comes in two widths.
What could be better: The stiff upper fabric might be uncomfortable in the ankle for some.

For a springy model with out-of-the-box comfiness, this all-around shoe comes at an affordable price point. It features a lightweight, breathable upper, a soft sock liner for a snug fit, and a cushiony foam midsole that’s forgiving on joints. Reviewers love this pair for everything from running to interval training to providing support during long days standing at work. Many even say they’re deep enough to accommodate an orthotic—although some comment they run slightly wide.

According to testers, these provide instant comfort, although there are some issues with sizing inconsistencies and a small fit. If you’re between sizes, you may want to consider sizing up.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, Wide | Colors: 21 total, including Evening Sky and Swim Day | Weight: 7.3 ounces

What’s notable: The Hoka Clifton 9 has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
What could be better: Some say the sole wears out after several wears.

In our tested review of the best walking shoes for women, Hoka’s Clifton 9 scored the highest on cushioning. If you’re a fan of a rocker shoe—which has a thicker sole that creates a smooth transition from heel strike to toe off—the Clifton has an extremely lightweight EVA foam midsole that won’t weigh you down. The outsole is durable but flexible, the padded, extended heel collar holds your foot in place, and it’s got a breathable mesh upper to keep feet cool.

“These shoes are super comfortable and are my go-to for everything from jogging to dog-walking to workout classes or even heading to the airport,” says Cory Baldwin, executive director of commerce content and strategy at Forbes Vetted. “They are definitely on the clunky side but offer a ton of support and feel more lightweight than you would expect just by looking at them. My feet are on the wider side and they are very accommodating.”

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 12 total, including Sapphire/Light Blue and White | Weight: 9.2 ounces

What’s notable: This shoe’s gel cushioning absorbs shock, while the grippy sole provides excellent traction.
What could be better: The mesh upper, while breathable, isn’t water-resistant.

No workout shoe is perfect for every single person and choosing the best fit is incredibly personal, but this top-rated sneaker has been consistently popular since 1999 for a reason. It offers superior cushioning and stability, and while it’s technically a running shoe, it’s versatile enough for everything from to burpees to lunges to incline treadmill sprints. Reviewers like this version of the Nimbus for its roomy toe box, which is an improvement on previous versions.

Several editors praise the Nimbus 26 for its comfortable fit, describing wearing the shoes as “walking on clouds.” However, some shoppers note that the shoes need a bit of break-in time.

Amazon

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

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Sizes: 5 to 13 | Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide | Colors: 19 total | Weight: 9.1 ounces

What’s notable: These supportive shoes offer additional cushioning and support to combat plantar fasciitis.
What could be better: Adding insoles might diminish space in the toe box, so keep this in mind if you plan on using insoles.

By combining a bit of additional cushioning with more support, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 trainers dampen impacts to alleviate and help eliminate plantar fasciitis. While a new pair of shoes won’t cure inflammation alone, they can help by supporting your arch, especially if you have flat feet. And although the Adrenaline series is designed for walking and everyday runs, it’s a versatile shoe that you can use for HIIT or workouts that embrace dynamic movement. If you’re looking to minimize pain and manage discomfort, consider the other shoes we recommend to combat plantar fasciitis.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide | Colors: 28 total, including Black and Dark Navy Blue | Weight: 9.1 ounces

What’s notable: These lightweight, supportive shoes have a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
What could be better: The fit is larger than previous versions of this style, and may not provide proper support for flat feet.

Brooks has been in business since 1914, but it decided to focus strictly on producing excellent running shoes in 2001. The brand’s foam midsoles are notoriously adaptive and bouncy, offering runners both shock absorption and rebound. This neutral running shoe—the latest version of the Ghost, which was first introduced in 2008—is beloved for its cushioning and stability that can handle both shorter runs and long hauls.

The Brooks Ghost 15 has received praise for their support and comfort as a running shoe, specifically supporting the ankles and providing plenty of rebound.

Amazon

K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2

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Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width: Standard | Colors: 11 total, including White/Black and Grape Nectar/Cameo Pink | Weight: Not listed

What’s notable: Designed with a high-density outsole and plantar support in the midsole, this tennis shoe optimizes your performance on the court.
What could be better: Multiple customers note that these shoes are quite heavy; they’re not ideal if you want a lightweight shoe.

Whether you’re ripping groundstrokes or smashing overheads, this shoe is consistently a court favorite for support and durability. (Case in point: We named it our top pick on our Best Tennis Shoes For Women list.) A high-density outsole provides traction, while the built-in plantar support ensures your feet won’t ache once the match is finished. Plus, the brand’s Durawrap Flex material protects the foot while allowing for movement. Many have even adopted this as a pickleball shoe.

Many customers buy these shoes specifically for tennis and pickleball. “I played for five straight hours my first time wearing them and my feet never got sore,” one Amazon shopper writes. “They seem sturdy enough to run and stop in without fear of poking a hole through the toe area.” However, some reviewers found the shoes to be too stiff for their liking.

Sizes: 5.5 to 16 | Widths: Standard | Colors: 12 total, including Grey and White | Weight: Not listed

What’s notable: This shoe offers stability and support while maintaining a minimalist, sleek silhouette.
What could be better: Some customers say this shoe feels stiff upon initial wear, and requires some breaking in.

When you’re doing high intensity interval training, you’ll need a responsive cross-training shoe that’s breathable and doesn’t make you overheat. This top-rated, lightweight and airy model has a slim heel for stability, a high-traction outsole that’s grippy for both indoor and outdoor and a springy forefoot which will make transitions from mountain climbers to split squat jumps a breeze.

Keep in mind that while this shoe has plenty of stability and cushioning, particularly in the heel, the toe box is a bit stiff and narrow—so if you have wide feet or prioritize toe splay, this may not be the pick for you.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Width: Standard | Colors: 4 total, including Pearl/Blossom and Black/Eclipse | Weight: Not listed

What’s notable: The On Cloudpulse 5 is designed with the brand’s patented Speedboard that provides stability during lateral movements.
What could be better: These shoes are on the narrow side, so they may not be comfortable for wide feet.

Zumba and hip-hop classes require lots of footwork, and this pair offers just the right amount of flexibility along with arch and ankle support for lateral movements, pivoting and jumping. On’s signature Speedboard provides excellent stability, while the patented CloudTec cushioning ensures your feet are comfortable with each step.

Lifestyle commerce editor Kat Louie writes in her review of the On Cloudpulse, “I wore these shoes to a 60-minute dance-based cardio workout on a trampoline, and I was impressed by how stable I felt—especially on an uneven surface.” She continues, “After using these sneakers for several weeks, I was impressed with the Cloudpulse’s performance during varying workouts.”

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we have published numerous articles on athletic shoes, including guides to the most comfortable sneakers for women.

The co-authors of this story, Molly Calhoun and Becky Eaton, are regular contributors with several years of collective experience covering men’s and women’s fashion for Forbes Vetted. Between them, they have over a decade’s worth of experience.
We consulted with two top workout professionals: Kate Lamere, chief instructor at Barry’s Chicago and New York City-based personal trainer and running coach Elizabeth Corkum.
Our experts discussed key factors to look for when shopping for women’s workout shoes, how the right shoe can bolster your workouts and practical advice on how to care for your sneakers.
We regularly refresh this article to ensure all product selections are in stock and all pricing information is accurate. It was last updated in November 2024 by gear updates writer Alexandra Garrett to answer further questions about shopping for workout shoes and revisit our buying advice, and by contributing editor Hayley Helms to ensure all information is accurate and up to date.

How We Chose The Best Women’s Workout Shoes

To find the best workout shoes for women, the Forbes Vetted team first researched top footwear brands that have stellar reputations for crafting high-quality athletic shoes.

We reviewed over twenty pairs of women’s workout shoes, and narrowed our list down to the 10 winners you see here.
We spoke with the above experts for guidance and considered shoes highly rated by professionals.
We pored through hundreds of product reviews, pulling out key insights about shoe performance in real-life settings.
Two of our picks came personally recommended by Forbes Vetted testers. Cory Baldwin, executive director of commerce content and strategy, wears the Hoka Clifton 9, while senior operations manager Blaire Tiernan owns the Nobull Impact Gum.
We also considered if the shoes were available in a wide range of sizes, widths and colors.

What To Consider When Buying Workout Shoes

The best shoes for you depends on your workouts, your anatomy and the way you move. “Proper footwear is the foundation of your form when training, regardless of modality,” says Kate Lamere, chief instructor at Barry’s Chicago. Below, the top things to keep in mind when shopping for the best women’s workout shoes:

Activity Type

Cross trainers aren’t made for running, just like running shoes likely have too much grip for tennis. Buy shoes that are made for your specific activity to achieve the best support, comfort and performance.

Running: “A running or walking shoe is unique to the individual and should enhance your foot anatomy, running economy and hip alignment,” says Lamere. New York City-based personal trainer and running coach Elizabeth Corkum adds, “Most runners will be best suited in a neutral shoe, which tends to have less ‘spring’ or material than a stability shoe or super shoe.” Also consider what type of surface you plan to run on, whether it be a treadmill, a track, a trail or asphalt, as this may determine the best sole and upper material for your needs.
HIIT: “HIIT workouts require agility, balance and often lateral movements,” says Lamere. “You want to look for a sole with a minimal shape that’s flexible with cushioned support. The laces should tighten around the entire foot for a movable but supportive feel, and then finally, the sole should offer traction and stability to avoid slipping on polished surfaces.”
Weight Training: “Strength training is best performed with a shoe with a flat and hard sole and a wide heel to ensure your weight can be distributed from edge to edge,” says Lamere. “When lifting, you want your feet to be as close to the ground as possible and next to no shape on the bottom of the shoe.”

Running Shoes Vs. Gym Shoes

Running shoes and gym shoes are constructed differently; running shoes have a higher stack height and more midsole cushioning, while gym shoes typically have flatter soles for greater stability. Ideally, you should have separate pairs for both activities. If your workouts revolve around using the treadmill, however, a running shoe could be suitable for a gym setting. But if weight training and floor workouts are more your speed, we recommend a designated gym shoe like the Nobull Impact Gum Trainer.

Size And Width

Most women’s workout shoes come in medium widths, but some brands—such as New Balance, Brooks, and Hoka—also come in narrow or wide widths, so you can choose what works best for you depending on your foot anatomy. Workout shoes require a little more breathing room than casual sneakers, especially if you’re a runner, and you might need to size up from your typical size. A roomy toe box is necessary so your toes can comfortably spread as you move and the shoe should firmly hug your heel without any slippage. Take a few steps, jumps, squats and lunges to test them out in a variety of positions. We recommend trying sneakers on indoors to keep them in pristine condition, just in case you end wanting to return them.

Cushioning And Stability

When it comes to comfort and stability, take a look at the workout shoe’s sole. In general, flatter soles work well for lifting weights as they allow for weight distribution and a connection with the ground. For cross training or running shoes, “the sole of the shoe will vary greatly depending on the type of shoe—neutral, stability, super shoe—and in stack height and heel drop,” says Corkum. The stack height refers to how much material is between your foot and the ground, and it implies how cushiony the shoe will feel. The heel drop of a shoe, which is measured in millimeters, refers to the difference between the heel and toe cushioning, and it affects the way your foot strikes the ground.

Breathability And Durability

The upper fabric of a workout shoe can determine how breathable and durable it is. “Fabrics have evolved a lot, especially in the last 10 to 15 years,” says Corkum. “In general, most running shoes are designed to be lightweight, breathable and durable in the top of the shoe.” Many workout shoes have an upper made from engineered mesh, which is lightweight and doesn’t cause feet to sweat. Trail shoes sometimes incorporate a Gore-Tex membrane or a ripstop nylon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Hoka Shoes Good For Working Out?

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Are Hoka Shoes Good For Working Out?

If you like plenty of cushion in your workout shoes, Hoka is an excellent choice. The brand’s shoes feature plenty of support, which is ideal for lifting weights or cardio, depending on what you prefer. Hoka shoes are known for their cushioning, balance and support, and make for a quality workout shoe option. If you prioritize ground feel and don’t normally wear shoes with a lot of cushioning, this may not be the brand for you.

What Is The Difference Between Workout Shoes And Sneakers?

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What Is The Difference Between Workout Shoes And Sneakers?

The difference between workout shoes and running sneakers is all about the construction of the shoe, which is determined by the use case it is designed for. Running sneakers feature cushioning meant to protect joints from impact over long distances, while workout shoes are designed to be capable of a wide range of movements, and to provide support and stability. Workout shoes tend to have a flatter silhouette and lower drop than running shoes, although there are exceptions to this within both categories.