Fitness Experts And Personal Trainers Reveal The Best Sneakers For Working Out

“Ultimately, it’s up to the wearer to decide what’s comfy,” said Katie M. Feeley, coach at Power Plant Gym in Aston, Pennsylvania. She added that when online shoe shopping, she recommends ordering two sizes or options to see what fits best, then sending back the other.

For a basic guideline, Feeley says you’ll probably want something with cushion for running and something that’s flat for weight training. Yet, if you’re looking for one pair of everything gym shoes she (and others) recommend getting a pair of cross trainers, hybrid sneaks or generally universal shoes that can take you from the elliptical to the leg press. 

Ilya Parker, licensed physical therapist assistant and founder of Decolonizing Fitness, also likes cross-training shoes. “The primary thing I consider is budget and versatility of the shoe. I may spend a little more on a good universal training shoe because I can get so much use out of it,” Parker told us. Gary Samson, head coach and owner of Philly Personal Fitness, echoes the universal shoe sentiment, saying, “Don’t overcomplicate it! Pick a shoe that you’ll wear and attack your workout.” 

Of course, a universal workout shoe should still be a workout shoe. Phil Nicolaou, trainer at Philadelphia Personal Trainers, says you want something made for sports and activities. “I’ve seen instances where clients would attempt to wear regular shoes with virtually no support at all and ended up straining their ankles,” Nicolaou told us. “If everyday work shoes were designed for the gym, people would use them more often.”