Let me start by saying this: 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!
From HIIT to weight training, there’s no shortage of ways to workout. It’s a matter of finding a type of exercise that you enjoy, and there’s certainly something for everyone. Whatever method of movement you choose, it’s crucial to pay attention to how you’re moving. As in, how’s your form? It might sound like a question reserved for gym rats and fitness snobs, but for the sake of safety, it’s important to keep in mind. Seriously, it’s worth your time to make sure you’re working out right—dotting your i’s, crossing your t’s, racking your weights. And good form starts from the ground up, so let’s talk shoes.
With the right support, sole, and structure, the shoes you exercise in can help you maintain good posture and form. Ideally, they’ll be comfortable, too, Brooks Shoes and in a perfect world, they might even be stylish. Some days, it feels like there are countless distractions and excuses to convince yourself to skip the gym. Factor in workout gear that causes pain or discomfort, and your odds of getting any physical activity dwindle faster than Netflix will auto-play the next episode. If given the chance, the right exercise shoe could completely change your fitness game. Who knows, maybe you would actually enjoy jogging if you swapped out that old pair of tennis shoes.
Here, find a list of gym shoes that come highly recommended by yours truly here at ELLE. Trust us, these are the best workout shoes for your next sweat sesh.
“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
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.
“I am in no way qualified to talk about the art or mechanics of weightlifting, although I do dabble in the sport on the (literally) lightest level. I’m a newbie, okay? What I do know is that good form is crucial to not hurting yourself. Bad form = bad news. Surprisingly, Converse happen to be the shoe of choice for many lifters. Their firm, flat sole helps your foot stay level, which is important for weight distribution and stability. The rubberized bottom is great for traction, and the high-top offers a bit of ankle support. This funky patchwork pattern is an added bonus. I want to wear them everywhere!”—Meg Donohue, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
“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
“I hate, hate working out. Truly! The only thing I’ve hated longer than working out is running. (I was a swimmer.) But a few times a year, I’ll force myself back into a routine for the sake of health, and these are the shoes I swear by. They make me feel like I’m running on air, which is no small feat!”—Katherine Krueger, Features Editor
