Whether you’re returning to the gym after an extended hiatus or just looking to add some intensity to your workout, a high-performance pair of training shoes is a worthwhile investment. The tough part? Deciding which ones to buy. Long gone are the days of just grabbing any old athletic shoe. From weightlifting shoes and strength training shoes to cross training shoes (and let’s not forget Dwayne Johnson’s Project Rock collection), just deciding which kicks to put on your feet can be exhausting.
Today’s gym shoe market is saturated with brands both big and small, with each promoting innovative shoes with flashy names like Alphafly, Ultraboost, and Floatride. To narrow your options, consider both the kind of workouts you’ll be doing (like running, resistance training, circuit training, or even outdoor exercises) and the needs of your feet—from increased ankle support to maximized shock absorption. Once you choose a shoe that’s designed to match your routine and anatomy (like wide feet), it gets easier to narrow down your options.
To ensure you spend more time on your fitness plan and less time shoe shopping, we rounded up 16 of the best workout shoes for 2023. No matter your budget or workout style, you’ll find the perfect fit with brands including Nike, Adidas, Xero, and more.
The Best Workout Shoes of 2023
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