Best gym trainers for 2025
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a January gym-goer, or you’re one of those keen beans who works out relentlessly (I truly envy your commitment levels), gym trainers will always be one of the most important aspects of your exercise outfit.
You absolutely must choose the right ones.
A good pair of gym trainers will help serve a number of purposes, including comfort, stability, support and, of course, helping you to look fly as hell while you pump iron.
Today’s the day to toss out those stinking, hole-ridden abominations and slide yourself into some pillowy soft, fresh new gym trainers.
I’ve tried and tested some of the best out there to give you the best recommendations possible from a self-proclaimed gym expert (me)!
Best Gym Trainers 2025
What are the best types of trainers for the gym?
Each individual type of gym shoe is incredibly important for their particular purpose, much like boots with different soles for various football pitch types.
And the so-called ‘best type’ relates to your specific needs within your workout environment.
Now, I'm not daft, I don’t expect anyone to rock up to their local gym sporting a pair of Doc Martens anytime soon, but there are subtle differences in gym footwear which you need to know about before you invest.
Let’s take a look at some different types and then I'll show you the best gym shoes I've found!
All-round / CrossFit / HIIT gym trainers
Images from Nike
These are specific shoes created for the all-round gym experience. They usually have a flatter sole than running shoes (sometimes with instep rope grips) but still contain a slight curve to them to help with warm-ups and light cardio.
Stability and shock absorption are still the most important factors for this type of gym trainer. High-intensity interval training class? Covered. Little go on the bike or the rower? Covered. Just don’t go full Forrest Gump and you’ll be fine.
Specialised running shoes
Images from Asics
One for the treadmill junkie. Built for the sole purpose of providing comfort and stability when the wearer is jogging and sprinting.
There’s absolutely no harm in having a pair of running shoes as your all-round gym trainers, but only if you’re focused more on cardio than getting hench. Go on, unleash your inner Sir Mo Farah.
Weightlifting / powerlifting shoes
Images from adidas
For all those powerlifting folk and members of things such as the #SquatSquad. Weightlifting shoes are built entirely for stability and extra shock absorption.
These shoes often have a flat sole with a wider, raised heel area, helping to distribute immense weight more evenly across the feet. Definitely don’t go near the treadmill in these.
How I Tested the Trainers
I put the trainers through a series of tests over a few weeks, wearing each one for different workouts, such as to my HIIT classes, push day, and on the treadmill. I monitored the performance of each trainer, considering aspects like comfort, support, and stability.
Now, let's get into it!
Best Gym Trainers 2025
Nike Metcon 9
Best Overall
When it comes to the best all-round gym shoes, the Nike Metcon 9 is an absolute gem — and honestly, one of my personal favourites. If your gym routine is anything like mine (aka a bit of everything), these shoes are your perfect match. I wore them straight from a sweaty HIIT class into a brutal leg session (not a life choice I recommend), and even managed the walk home without my feet begging for mercy.
Thanks to the Hyperlift heel plate, you get the stability you need for heavy lifts without feeling like you’re clomping around in concrete boots — you can still break into a sprint when needed! Plus, the clever lace-locking system keeps everything tucked in and tidy during cardio bursts. Lightweight, breathable, comfy, and supportive — the Metcon 9 really does it all.
What We Like:
- Heel plate for stability
- Designed for all workouts
- Lightweight, breathable and supportive
Nike Air Zoom TR1
Best for Cardio
When it comes to smashing out cardio sessions, the Nike Air Zoom TR1 is an absolute game-changer. Built specifically for fast, high-energy movements, these shoes feature springy, full-length Air Zoom cushioning that kept every step feeling light and bouncy.
They strike the perfect balance between speed and support — exactly what you want when you're powering through sprints or a sweaty circuit. A smart band design connects the laces for extra security, while the flat heel locks you in so you can hit top speed without slipping around. Plus, they’re super breathable (no soggy feet here) and, as a bonus, looked seriously good with all my workout fits. Practical and stylish? Big yes.
What We Like:
- Impact protection
- Responsive and flexible
- Great designs to choose from
adidas Dropset 3
Best for Weights
The adidas Dropset, famous for its lifting credentials, I had to see what all the hype was about. The structure of the shoe is rock-solid, offering next-level stability that had me feeling like I was glued to the floor (in the best way). With a 6mm drop, they give you a super stable platform to align your lifts perfectly, and the grippy Traxion outsole kept me locked in with every rep. They’re surprisingly breathable and spacious too, considering how secure they feel.
Just a heads-up: these are made for the weight room, not the treadmill — don’t even think about running in them. I don’t think my form has ever looked sharper; I can’t recommend these enough!
What We Like:
- Flat base provides stability
- Supportive fit
- Breathable trainers
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Best for Hyrox
Since Puma are the official Hyrox apparel and footwear partner, I couldn’t resist trying out one of their specially designed trainers — and the Deviate Nitro 3 did not disappoint. Built with all of Puma’s latest tech, this shoe feels made for the madness of Hyrox.
The PWRPLATE carbon plate and NITROFOAM Elite midsole had me practically bouncing around the gym — the responsiveness is unreal. Plus, the rubber PUMAGRIP outsole gave me rock-solid traction on every surface, no slipping or awkward wobbles even when my legs were giving up. These trainers are seriously built to handle the pressure of a full-blown Hyrox event... but the real question is: are you? (Because I can confidently say I’m still working on it.)
What We Like:
- Responsive shoe
- Lightweight
- PUMAGRIP outsole gives excellent traction
Asics Gel-Kayano 30
Best for Running
Asics are known for making cracking running shoes, but somehow, I’d never actually tried them — until now. As someone who’s not exactly a natural-born runner (and has the joints of a pensioner), I was curious to see if the Gel-Kayano 30 could give me a bit of a boost.
Thanks to the PureGEL™ technology, I felt way more cushioned and protected, with shock absorption that seriously took the edge off every step. The 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ was like having a steady hand guiding my wobbly strides, keeping me upright and injury-free. The build of the shoe was so supportive that I could keep running for longer than usual, with way less discomfort — a massive win in my books!
What We Like:
- Heel counter for comfort and security
- Highly cushioned
- Supportive and responsive
Asics Gel-Contend 9
Best Budget
If you’re after a budget-friendly gym shoe that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Asics Gel-Contend 9 is a total winner. I put it through its paces across running, lifting, and even my dreaded HIIT class, and it held up like a champ.
The famous Asics cushioning definitely lived up to the hype — my feet stayed comfy and supported the whole time. It kept me stable through sprints, squats, and everything in between, all while being super breathable (no sweaty foot situations here). It’s a simple, no-fuss shoe that covers all the bases, and for the price, it’s seriously hard to beat!
What We Like:
- Very breathable
- Increased durability and stability
- Famous cushioning tech
And there you have it — the best gym shoes for every type of workout (and every kind of gym-goer). Whether you're lifting heavy, sprinting to the finish, or doing a bit of everything, there's a perfect pair out there ready to back you up.
If you’re still piecing together your ultimate gym kit, don’t forget to check out my blog on what you actually need for the gym — because trust me, the right shoes are just the beginning.
Now lace up and smash those sessions!
