These Are the 14 Best Workout Shoes for Women, According to Experts

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Picture this: you, standing at the crossroads of the athletic shoe aisle, faced with an array of options that promise to elevate your workout experience. The quest for the best workout shoe is more than just another trip to the mall; it’s a stride toward a healthier, happier you. Your shoe choice is even more crucial than deciding to do that extra set of burpees or sneak in a post-workout snack. We’re here to make sure you find the right exercise sneaker for you, and we talked to afcionados for their advice, too. At Allbirds, co-founder Joey Zwillinger knows all about comfortable sneakers, “It starts and ends with the materials, but design and construction are pivotal aspects, too,” he says, noting they should also be lightweight and look good.

Similarly, Bekah Broe, senior director of product and performance footwear at Hoka believes, “Comfort is in the eye (and under the foot) of the beholder,” she says. “Based on your body and foot type, what’s the most comfortable and works the best for you could be very different from what works for someone else.” Broe makes a good point. Each training modality or form of exercise has an optimal shoe type to match. “If hiking is your thing, make sure you’re specifically finding a shoe built for the trails,” Broe continues. “If you’re starting running, investing in a road-specific running shoe with your preferred amount of cushioning and support will be a great starting point.” A great pair of walking shoes is always handy, and for all you weightlifters, flat sneakers provide better balance.

And while we’re at it, allow us to take a moment to say well done. You’re here, which means you either already exercise or are looking to start, so good for you. Way to take care of your body and mind! Now, we present our definitive list to the best workout shoes for women.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase

“I live and die by my Nike Pegasus sneakers. I bought them when I started running more than five years ago, and have since cycled through at least a half dozen pairs as the miles added up. They’re comfy enough for half marathon training but also cute enough to wear around town for errands.”—Jessica Roy, digital director

Customer review: “If you are looking for a nice, comfortable, lightweight running shoe, then the Zoom Pegasus FlyEase is it. It really feels like you are running on clouds.”

Ultraboost 22 Running Shoes

Marathon runners love to sport this sneaker when racking up the miles. The sock-like fit and seamless design maximize comfort. Meanwhile, added heel support and energy return technology help optimize your stride and pace.

Customer review: “Only sneakers I will wear for running!! So comfortable, and I NEVER get blisters.”

Women’s 411

“This is my tried-and-true long-distance walking shoe. My husband and I got fairly obsessed with hitting 10,000-plus steps every day throughout the pandemic, and this shoe has been there every step of the way. The thing I like most about it is the thick, squishy insole—what New Balance calls cush+—that makes me feel like I’m wearing a slipper while working out.”—Kayla Adler, deputy editor

Customer review: “Love the fit and comfort of this shoe! I walk most days and can count on this shoe to be comfortable for the duration of my walk.”

Kinetic™ Impact II Wonder Lace Women's Sneaker

“These Sorel sneakers are surprisingly comfortable and have great arch support; my pair fits me like a glove. They’re perfect if your workouts, like mine, mostly consist of leisurely walks around the neighborhood for a quick break from screen time.”—Erica Gonzales, senior culture editor

Customer review: “I usually have knee pains when I’m on my feet for a long time, but when I used them on my first short walk, my feet did not feel tired. Great shoes, definitely recommend!”

Kawana

“Pre-pandemic, I thoroughly enjoyed workout classes. Now, my increased germophobia has me mostly exercising at home. These Hoka Kawanas are light and cushiony enough to not annoy my downstairs neighbor and still look cool enough to wear outside of my apartment.”—Claire Stern, digital deputy editor

Cloudventure Waterproof Trail Sneaker

Taking your workout to the great outdoors? When it comes to hiking and trail running shoes, look for secure traction and solid durability. This pair is completely waterproof, so they’re ready for the elements and have plenty of cushion to keep you comfortable. They’re still lightweight, though, so you don’t have to sacrifice your speed or reactivity.

Customer review: “About a year ago, I started to train for half marathons. I live in Wisconsin, so to avoid training on treadmills, I suck it up and run outside in the winter. In the spring, I bought the On Cloudflyer (read about On in a magazine and was intrigued!) and FELL IN LOVE! I boast about the comfort and durability of these shoes to ALL my friends.”

Nike Women's Free Metcon 5 Workout Shoes

This shoe has a barely-there feel compared to others. It’s still supportive, but in a subtle way, which makes it a favorite among people with neutral to flat feet, for whom arch support can sometimes feel excessive. Its versatility also makes it a good option for anyone who likes to alternate and experiment with various types of workouts.

Customer review: “I am loving them so far! Nice traction and comfort when doing Apple Fitness+ dance workouts and just day-to-day life. Definitely recommend these!"

Ghost 15

“I’m obsessed with my Ghost Brooks running shoes. They’ve lasted me for years. Super cushiony, and they work for sidewalk runs as well as treadmill jogs. Can’t recommend these enough!”—Rose Minutaglio, senior writer/editor

Customer review: “They fit very true to size. They are unbelievably comfortable right out of the box.”

Women's Project Rock 6 Training Shoes

Calling all weightlifters! Here’s another flat-soled pair that will allow you to stay in control. Made for lifting, these feature stabilizing straps and Under Armour’s TriBase design, which aims to mimic the way your bare foot would grip the ground.

Customer review: “I have been a fan of this Project Rock shoe for years, and I have to say that the latest collection 5 is the best yet...it offers all the latest features and technologies to enhance the performance and comfort of the wearer. I highly recommend this shoe to anyone looking for a high-quality and top-performing training shoe.”

Women’s Downshifter 11 Running Sneakers

“I run, walk, and even strut in these sneakers. As someone that goes to the gym three times a week, I have now owned two pairs of this exact shoe model, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Not to mention, I think the white pair makes my legs look longer. Optical illusion? Perhaps. But one thing is for certain, these are incredibly comfortable.”—Leah Romero, senior digital designer

Customer review: “These sneakers are very supportive and comfortable. Not too narrow like many Nike sneakers. Nice cushion without feeling too squishy. Good for both walking and running.”

Nike Metcon 8 Women's Training Shoes

“I’m flat-footed and pronate, so it’s super hard for me to find good workout shoes. I love the Nike Metcons! They support my foot and ankle, so I’m able to workout confidently and with ease.”—Danielle James, digital beauty director

Customer review: “Usually, I lift weights in my running shoes, but these have changed my mind. The second I put them on, I felt support exactly where I needed it.”

Fresh Foam X 860v13

“With a misshapen spine and herniated discs, high arches, and arthritis in one of my feet, my skeletal system is all-caps WONKY. I have to be extra mindful about my form and technique when exercising, especially with something as high-impact as running, or else I could lateral lunge my way into some serious pain. New Balances have been recommended to me by doctors, chiropractors, and even sports medicine professionals. These have a very thick sole and are super structured, keeping my foot and ankle in place as I trot along.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor

Customer review: “I am a nurse and 12 long hours shifts are the name of the game. This sneaker did not require breaking in. They fit perfectly, true to size!”

Blissfeel 2 Women’s Running Shoe

This is the second iteration of Lululemon’s running shoe, and fitness fanatics are still loving it. The Blissfeel 2 running sneaker has a soft underfoot and a cushioned upper for ultimate comfort. Quigley specifically recommends the shoe for people who run outside or in cities because “it’s a substantial enough shoe to protect your feet and your joints from all the pounding on the pavement,” she tells ELLE.com.

Customer review: “I am on my feet for 12 hours and have tried many pairs of shoes. I have yet to find a pair that actually keep my feet comfortable until these! They not only look cute but they feel amazing. Thinking of purchasing more!”

Gel Resolution 8 Tennis Shoe

“Love” calls to mind the game of tennis, and players are guaranteed to fall hard for these shoes that are perfect for court sports (pickleball, anyone?). Tennis pros recommend these for players of all levels. The design features added stability around the heel to help you feel secure as you dart from side to side. They’re also reinforced at the toes, so they won’t wear out. Gel cushioning absorbs shock and impact, leaving you primed and ready for your next match.

Customer review: “Love these! Good support, light, and they are perfect for my narrow foot. my favorite shoe!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in workout sneakers?

• Comfort. The first thing Quigley shares as advice is to choose a shoe that feels comfortable to you.“Everyone is different, so instead of getting caught up in what’s ‘supposed’ to feel good for you, try to find something that feels good on your feet,” she says.

• Usage. The track star emphasizes that thinking about what you’ll be doing in them (including your preferred type of workout) is key. “Are you looking for a running shoe? A hiking shoe for rough trails? Or maybe a shoe that you can both lift weights in [and] also go for a short run? There are shoes out there for all of those activities!”

How should I shop according to my arches?

• You might need to find a pair of inserts, depending on the type of support you need, according to Quigley. Most shoes, she says, are meant for the “middle-of-the-road arch.”

• For those with plantar fasciitis, the pro runner recommends you massage or ice the calves and then strengthen your foot muscles.

Do I need to go to a specialty store?

• For runners, Quigley suggests finding a specialty store, so you can be properly fitted with the appropriate shoes. “Some specialty running stores have force plates that measure where you put weight through your feet and they might have a treadmill where they can take a video of you walking or running, so you can get more info on how you move and which shoe might be best to support your needs.”

Meet the Experts

Bekah Broe is the senior director of product and performance footwear at HOKA.

Joey Zwillinger is the co-founder of Allbirds, which is known for its revolutionary wool fabric made specifically for footwear.

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