If “get in shape” was one of your major new year’s goals, then hopefully you’ve been sticking to your aspirations!
If you have, you’re probably ready for a new pair of workout sneakers. This is especially true if you’ve been putting in the work.
So often, worn-in soles and broken laces can not only decrease your motivation to work out but can also turn into a gym hazard.
And with brands coming out with new styles every week, sneaker shopping can be a bit overwhelming.
To top it off, most sports used to have their very own shoe (running sneakers, tennis shoes, golf cleats, etc.). These days, brands have shoes that combine features like breathable uppers, lightweight construction and outsoles that offer both traction and comfort, all in one.
So, where do you even start? Well, that’s where we come in.
There are some standout picks that you may want to consider adding to your collection, and they are bound to make your exercise routine that much more enjoyable.
In an effort to assist you in finding the perfect pair of workout sneakers (and help with tackling your goals), The Post interviewed a handful of fitness experts to pick their brains on the best options available.
Best Workout Shoes For Men
Running: HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes, $112, originally $139.99
Anthony Diamond, a 12-time marathon runner, is a big fan of the HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes.
“I switched over to the [HOKA 8] Cliftons in 2017 when [I was] dealing with knee pain and haven’t switched back since,” said Diamond, who runs an average of 50 miles per week. “[They’re] light, plush, durable and extremely comfortable, which makes for the perfect everyday trainer.”
The Cliftons are available in a variety of colors that you’re bound to love.
Walking: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Prime Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, $145
“If you’re serious about walking or you cover any significant amount of distance across challenging terrain, you need a shoe that is light, strong, comfortable and safe,” said Nick Mitchell, a personal trainer, as well as the founder and CEO of Ultimate Performance.
Mitchell likes the Merrell Moab FST shoes for many reasons, but particularly because they’re made with hard-wearing, waterproof GORE TEX material to protect against inclement weather conditions. Plus, they come with world-renowned Vibram soles that make you feel every rock under your feet and get a superior grip on all terrain and weather, including snow and ice.
“They are much lighter and comfier than traditional leather boots,” Mitchell said, which is important for your legs and feet on long hikes. “They weigh less than two pounds but still give you the support and stability you need, no matter where you are walking.”
NYC CrossFit Trainer, Nyerre Amilcar Mays also loves the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 sneakers for walking. “When you are trying to make sure you get your steps in for the day [you can’t] go wrong with the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11. This shoe also doubles as a running shoe in case you pick up the pace.”
Cycling: Nike SuperRep Cycle Men’s Indoor Cycling Shoes, $70
“When looking for spin shoes, I always go with fit and comfort over overall look. The right fit will be a game-changer for your performance and allow you to effectively transfer through every pedal stroke,” said Brian Evans, an LA-based SoulCycle Senior Instructor.
“The right shoes can make your ride more powerful and dynamic and help you properly engage your hamstrings, glutes and core, ensuring you get the most out of your SoulCycle class and workout.”
Note: Wearing properly fitted cycling shoes can also help avoid injury by preventing your foot and ankle from moving around during class, keeping your hips and knees in alignment and giving your body extra stability.
Don’t forget to check out the latest model, the Nike SuperRep Cycle 2 Indoor Cycling Shoe ($98).
Training: Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA Shoes, $180
“I use the Ultraboost for my training and when I am training my clients. That alone makes it a protean shoe! My feet don’t hurt at the end of my very long days,” said celebrity personal trainer, Gunnar Peterson, who has worked with A-Listers like Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Khloe Kardashian, Lindsay Vonn and more.
Peterson especially likes the Adidas DNA Sneakers for their quality, durability. versatility and style.
“There are a ton of colors and styles,” he told The Post. “I know some guys who do high-end security detail and they wear the black ones with their suits at evening events because they might be [working] for hours. They are comfortable and tactical all at the same time.”
Hybrid (Sneakers that do it all): Reebok Nano X1 Grit Men’s Training Shoes, $56
“If you want a shoe that can stand up against anything you throw at it — running, lifting, biking, walking — the Reebok Nano X1 Grit is a solid choice,” said Mitchell.
“Nanos have been around in ‘functional fitness’ circles for over a decade, but this latest iteration is perhaps stronger, tougher and better suited for people that cross over from the gym to more outdoorsy pursuits,” Mitchell added. “This is what makes them so flexible. They have the strong, flat soles that lend themselves to lifting more effectively, but they’re also crafted to tackle more rugged terrain and challenging climatic conditions too.”
Get these Reeboks in a neutral all-black color or choose from six other fun and bright options.
Best Workout Shoes For Women
Running: Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe, $64+
Cheyenne Tilford, a Hawaii-based certified yoga instructor, runs half-marathons often and is a big fan of the Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe.
“When I’m [going on] long runs, I like that extra cushion [that these shoes provide] to prevent injury,” Tilford said. “They also last for a long time! I had my last pair for four years until I finally decided it was time to get rid of them.”
Tilford isn’t the only one loving the Brooks sneakers. These babies have almost 23,000 ravings reviews on Amazon.com.
Walking: Under Armour Women’s UA HOVR Mega 3 Clone Running Shoes, $140
Victoria Brown, NYC SoulCycle Instructor and Under Armour Athlete, enjoys using the UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone Sneakers for running and walking. “In terms of running shoes, I think it’s important to note that the shoes we train and lift weights in are not the same as the shoes we run in!” she told The Post.
“[The Mega 2 Clone’s] really adapt to my foot for a custom feel and provide needed cushion in every step. They deliver comfort and performance, both are key for a solid run [or walk].
Ready to slip these on? Try the latest model of the shoe, the Under Armour UA HOVR Mega 3 Clone Sneakers.
Cycling: SoulCycle x Pearl Izumi Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes, $215
Like most SoulCycle instructors, Jasmine Di Angelo loves using the brand’s Pearl Izumi Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes.
“When I rode in these for the first time, I stopped casually dating other cycling shoes and married the Legends. This sleek design offers everything I look for in a cycling shoe: comfort, breathability, but most importantly, stability across the entire sole of my foot,” Di Angelo explained.
“My pedal strokes are stronger, more supported, and my ankles are protected during every sprint and push against resistance. The cherry on top is the lace dial, which makes it super easy to adjust the tightness of the shoe to exactly what I need.”
Pro-tip: For the perfectly snug fit, go down one size. Usually, Di Angelo is a size 40, but in the Legend 2.0, she’s a 39.
Hybrid (Sneakers that do it all): New Balance 574 Core Sneakers, $90
When it comes to versatility, you can’t go wrong with this classic pair of New Balance 574 Core Sneakers.
“The most comfortable shoes of all time,” said Dana VanPamelen, co-owner of Hit House, a kickboxing studio in NoLita. “They’re great for functional training — and running around. [Plus,] they’re super breathable, with lots of cushion.”
These sneakers are available in black, grey and hunter green.
Training: Under Armour Women’s UA HOVR Apex 3 Training Shoes, $111
“These are my absolute favorite training sneakers,” said Brown. “I love the look of the shoe, but beyond that, and more importantly, they are the most supportive training shoes I have ever owned. They help me move better in every direction and lock my heel in place.”
These sneakers have great energy return for fast movements and feature a durable layering system, plus a flexible outsole to help stabilize every forward, backward and side-to-side.
Want another training shoe pick from Under Armour? Try the Women’s UA Charged Aurora 2 Training Shoe.
More Workout Shoes for Women and Men We Love
Women’s Training: lululemon Chargefeel Mid Women’s Workout Shoe, $74+
We like a women’s workout shoe that can meet multiple needs. Hence, why we like the Chargefeel Mid Women’s Workout Shoe. It takes you from sprints to the weight room without issue and has lots of functional features. Its dual-density midsole gives some bounce for jump squats, burpees and other plyometric moves. There’s also pressure mapping on the outsoles for extra flexibility.
Men’s Running: Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe, $140
If you’re a runner, you’re probably already familiar with Brooks. For your latest pair of kicks from the brand, try the Adrenaline GTS 23. They have side support to help keep feet in alignment, as well as supportive DNA v2 Loft Cushioning. The upper mesh is breathable and the overall shoe feels lightweight but sturdy.
Women’s Hybrid: Chargefeel 2 Low Women’s Workout Shoe, $138
Whether you like running on the street or prefer the treadmill, the Chargefeel 2 keep feet supported and stylish. Okay, the latter feature isn’t the most important thing, but we do think the four styles this sneaker comes in are very pretty. Performance-wise, they offer traction for stability, which is what you want when lifting, and cushioning in the middle to add pep in the step. We love the thickness in the back of the heel, too. If you’re in between sizes, it’s suggested to order up a size.
Men’s Training: New Balance Men’s FuelCell 100 V1 Cross Trainer, $55+
We hate having to constantly adjusts the back of sneakers that rub up against our ankles, so we like the higher back of this New Balance shoe. It also has an Ariaprene tongue to create a securer fit. Foam in the midsole provides welcomed cushion, especially for longer training sessions. Several happy customers on Amazon like it for running too!
Women’s Running: Hoka Bondi 8, $219+
The extended heel of the Hoka Bondi 8 helps encourage the natural rocking motion the foot makes when striking the ground. The shoe also has lots of cushion, making it a must try if your open road is paved with concrete. Designed with Zonal rubber to keep the shoe’s weight proportionally balanced, they’re also lighter than they look, while still keeping the foot secure.
Men’s Hybrid: On Cloud 5 Men’s Running Shoe, $140
Zero-gravity foam make these hybrid shoes a pleasure to run and walk in, plus everything in between. Along with being extra bouncy, the Cloud Tec sole offers some flexibility for your natural gait. We also like the breathability from the mesh top.
For more recommendations, check out the New York Post shopping section.