The 8 best gym trainers to support you through every squat, jump, press and lunge

Telegraph

2 days ago

The best gym trainers should carry you through all sorts of exercise, from weightlifting and HIIT to CrossFit and short treadmill runs.
As a fitness journalist, personal trainer and loyal gym-goer, I've tried my fair share of workout shoes. Just like a poorly fitting sports bra or overly-tight vest, the wrong pair of gym trainers can make motions like weighted exercises and HIIT-based moves feel uneasy and uncomfortable. This round-up will help you find the right pick.
Leading gym trainer brands include Rad, Adidas, New Balance and Hoka – I tested models from all these brands and more for this guide. We've focused on options in the £70-130 price range, which tend to offer good quality at a sensible cost. You can find full reviews of my top picks below, as well as answers to any frequently asked questions.
The best gym trainers: At a glance
JUMP TO REVIEWS
How to choose the best gym trainers
Much like when you're investing in a pair of running shoes for women or men, choosing your gym trainers takes careful consideration.
Stability is key. When you're doing heavy lifts such as squats or deadlifts, the last thing you need is your feet rolling side to side. With this in mind, gym trainers are a little more rigid than running trainers and have a more stable sole.
Versatility is important, too. A good gym trainer should perform across different workouts such as HIIT classes, weight training and potentially even short runs on the treadmill. This does depend on which workouts you do at the gym – some wearers might prefer a specialised pair for weightlifting, for example.
You should also think about durability, fit and comfort. No one wants to feel rubbing or pinching while they're powering through a set of walking lunges or going hard on the rowing machine.
A final (and crucial) factor is the shoes' traction and grip. From rubber mats to polished gym floors, you need trainers that let you move without slipping or sliding.
How we test gym trainers
I threw on a pair of gym leggings, strapped on my fitness tracker and headed to the gym. As a daily gym-goer, I was able to wear each pair for multiple workouts over the course of three weeks.
To test for stability, I wore the trainers while squatting, aiming to hit my maximum squat weight (65kg) without my feet feeling unbalanced. I also wore these trainers for various other exercises. I wanted to check whether they were suitable for HIIT workouts, or other types of gym-based training, and made sure to take note of comfort and responsiveness that didn't feel too stiff or too soft.
To test the durability of each of the trainers after a few weeks of wear, I inspected their uppers, midsoles and outsoles for signs of deterioration. I also assessed how comfortable the gym trainers were during my workouts and wore the shoes on different surfaces to check their grip.
Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended
Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles.
From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.
The best gym trainers of 2025
1. Best Buy Gym Trainers: Reebok Nano X5
I've been a fan of Reebok Nanos for years. They've always been reliable, sturdy and comfortable gym shoes.
The Nano X5 is the line's 15th iteration, and I'd agree with Reebok's claim that this is the most comfortable Nano to date. The interior is soft and cushioned, while the firm sole gives a grounded, stable feel that's suited to squats and deadlifts. I didn't once feel unbalanced as I took to the squat rack.
The heel features a firmer foam that adds support without sacrificing responsiveness. I had no issues with jumps or dynamic movements. The toe box isn't too hard either, so the forefoot doesn't feel stiff and it has plenty of flexibility for lunges and burpees. There's enough room for toe splay, which allowed me to press into the floor during lifts. Other exercises such as plyometric moves are also comfortable in these. Running is so-so. I could handle short treadmill runs but any further felt quite tough, with minimal bounce from the trainers.
The Reebok Nano X5 has decent arch support, which worked well for me as someone with a natural arch. Flatter feet might not suit it so well. Grip-wise, I have zero complaints. The sole gave solid traction on all surfaces and felt durable throughout testing.
My only real gripe is with the laces. They're a little long and tend to overhang. It's also important to note that the sizing runs large. I usually wear a 6.5, but could've easily gone down half a size.
Key specifications
Weight: 340g (UK size 8)
Heel to toe drop: 7mm
Fit advice: Runs large
2. Best Value Gym Trainers: Puma PWR Hybrid
Although these are the cheapest gym trainers I tested at £70, they offered performance and comfort to rival many of the pricier options. They had great cushioning while also being supportive. The ProFoam midsole delivers softness without compromising stability, which makes them versatile enough to cover short runs, strength training and dynamic workouts involving plyometric moves.
The wide heel gives good stability, and there's also a TPU clip for added support. During my heavy squat test, my feet felt grounded and didn't once shift from side to side. I found the padded collar helped to lock my feet in securely, although I did think the collar felt a little high and it may have rubbed slightly if I wasn't wearing good socks.
Although the amply-sized toe area feels slightly reinforced, there's still plenty of flexibility. When I stepped back to do lunges or while jumping, my feet didn't feel too rigid. Meanwhile, the breathable mesh upper stopped my feet from feeling too hot.
I noticed that the PumaGrip outsole tech lives up to its name, with decent grip on all sorts of surfaces. I didn't notice these trainers wear down at any point and there were minimal scuffs and marks after my frequent workouts.
Sizing-wise, these run a little large. I had too much of a gap between my toes and the tip of the shoe. Aside from this, and annoyingly long laces, which is a bugbear of mine, I cannot fault these great-value trainers.
Key specifications
Weight: 335g (UK size 8)
Heel to toe drop: 6mm
Fit advice: Runs large
3. Best Durable Gym Trainer: Nike Metcon 10
I remember the first release of the Nike Metcon like it was yesterday. Since then, they've remained a fairly reliable gym trainer, now in its 10th iteration. I tested out theis pair, which launched in July 2025, during a gym class. During the rowing, lunges, burpees and wall balls, my feet felt comfortable and fully supported. The back felt as though it would rub slightly had it not been for my thick gym socks, but other than that, the shoes fit well. The toe box of these shoes is reinforced but maintains enough flexibility to make moves such as lunges comfortable.
I also wore these for a heavy weight session. The tough sole ensures these trainers offer full stability and I wasn't rocky or unbalanced when I took to the squat rack. Plus, they have fantastic grip on all different surfaces. If you love a rope climb, these are also a good choice of trainers as there's a rope guard on the instep of the shoe which helps with grip.
While I only wore these for a few workouts, the shoes remained immaculate. The rubber outsole runs along the entirety of the shoe, which I feel adds to their durability factor.
In terms of versatility, these are great as they're flexible enough for different movements. That being said, running in these is less comfortable and I wouldn't want to run for more than a few minutes as the tough sole offers little bounce.
Key specifications
4. Best Gym Trainers for Men: Rad One V2
Rad footwear has soared in popularity over recent years, and I can see why. This pair of Rad One V2s ticked pretty much all the boxes for a decent pair of all-round training shoes.
My feet felt stable as I squatted with a heavy load on my back, and they didn't slip at all on the platform when I was lunging.
The shoe isn't overly stiff thanks to the flexible upper mesh, which makes them fairly versatile. Plyometric exercises were comfortable thanks to the SwellFoam springy EVA midsole technology, and even a short treadmill run didn't feel too clunky. However, I wouldn't rely on these as running trainers as the soles are predominantly made for weighted exercises. If you're after a pair of runners, I would recommend the Nike Pegasus 41 or Hoka Clifton 10.
In terms of comfort, I can't fault the Rad One V2s. The cushioning is soft and my feet felt well supported, while the laces tie nicely. They have a reinforced toe bumper, so exercises such as burpees and toes to bar shouldn't leave you with battered toes.
The durability of these shoes, however, is questionable. They scuffed after 30 minutes of wear, with visible marks on the spongy section around the toe area.
Key specifications
5. Best CrossFit Trainers: New Balance Minimus TR V2
From the moment I put on these light, shallow-heeled training shoes, I felt well connected to the ground – a bit like being barefoot.
The heel is secure and tough. I had complete stability through all exercises, from heavy squats through to plyometric moves. And despite that sturdiness, these still work well for short runs as well as other cardio. The classic New Balance FuelCell midsole foam drove me forward on a treadmill run and the shoes are so light, I didn't feel weighed down at all.
The downside is that my toes felt quite restrained. The top of the toe box pressed down quite hard on my big toe and I felt a slight pinching. This might be due to my foot shape, but I don't believe I have large big toes. These shoes also have a prominent arch, so flatter feet might find them uncomfortable. The toe box is slightly reinforced which protected my feet and helped to avoid the fabric from ripping.
These trainers have great traction on all floor surfaces. Plus, they are breathable and my feet didn't overheat at any point during my lifts, jumps or runs. However, if you're in the market for a pair of New Balance running trainers suitable for longer runs, check out our New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 review.
Key specifications
6. Best Weightlifting Trainers: Adidas Dropset 3
The Adidas Dropset 3 are among the most attractive pairs of gym trainers I tested for this guide – it turns out, their performance is as impressive as their looks.
These were comfortable as soon as I put them on, with cushioning around the ankle and ample space in the toe box. The solid Dropset heel is great for weightlifting as it doesn't compress under load, so I felt grounded during squats, lunges and deadlifts. At the heel, the Geofit Sensepods stabilising foams prevent any wobble during lifts.
For anyone who has wide feet or whose feet swell when warm, these gym trainers are a great option as they come in a slightly wider fit. Plus, the breathable upper is good for keeping feet cool.
Durability-wise, these are solid. The reinforced toe cap held up well after scuffing and repeated wear, and the outsole looked like new after several gym sessions. The Traxion outsole had excellent grip across different surfaces, offering stability even during explosive plyometric moves.
I wouldn't run (or walk far) in these trainers as the rubber toe box isn't particularly flexible and the heel is tough, so I can't imagine my joints would be too grateful. This does mean that you'd need another pair of trainers for walking or running on the treadmill, but for weight-based exercises and most HIIT workouts, the Adidas Dropset 3 are a powerhouse.
Key specifications
7. Best HIIT Trainers: Skechers Slip-ins Max Cushioning Glide-Step
Even before I even put these on, I knew these would be comfortable. The chunky, bouncy-looking sole is a giveaway.
Though the sizing ran a touch large, these were an absolute joy to wear. Skechers has long been known for its comfort technology, and I now understand the hype. They're the kind of trainer you can wear all day. Plus, they're designed to slip on hands-free, which is helpful when you're dashing out or simply changing your shoes in the gym.
Stability is where I found these trainers slightly lacking. The thick sole and Skechers Max Cushioning platform enhance shock absorption and energy return, which is good for comfort but not for squat support. So, I wouldn't wear these for weighted moves, but they're well suited to HIIT workouts, classes, casual runs, and even walking (although walking boots are better for long hikes). The Natural Rocker Technology allows for a smooth heel-to-toe transition, plus the bouncy sole is great for plyometric-based moves.
The Goodyear sole delivered excellent grip across surfaces and the rubber felt durable enough to handle daily wear.
Key specifications
8. Best Gym Trainers for Women: Hoka Kawana 2
Made for running in the streets and training in the gym, the versatile Hoka Kawana 2 gym trainers work well for a range of activities.
The sole is quite chunky and it has a slight bounce, which made these unsuitable for my heavy weightlifting. I actually took them off so I could squat in my socks. That said, lighter weighted moves are comfortable in these because they do offer good stability, and the soles are tough as well as chunky.
If you enjoy a casual treadmill run, these have plenty of cushioning and feel just like running trainers. This also makes them suited to HIIT-based movements such as high knees and mountain climbers, as well as plyometric moves which are much more comfortable when there's a softer landing. There is plenty of flexibility in the upper of the shoe for easy movement.
Traction on these is good, and holes in the fabric allow for breathability. As for durability, I didn't notice any damage to the shoes after my testing. The end of the toe box is slightly reinforced, and the upper seems quite thick and able to stand up to brutal gym workouts.
I did notice the arch of the shoe seemed to dig into my foot slightly. This might not be a problem for other wearers but I found it uncomfortable, at least to start with. Other than that, these are a great pick and will carry you through many gym workouts.
Key specifications
Gym trainers FAQs