10 Best Gym Sneakers of 2025
Looking to elevate your workouts with the proper footwear? Gym sneakers are essential for providing the support and comfort you need to perform at your best. Whether lifting weights, hitting the treadmill, or tackling high-intensity training, the right pair can make all the difference. However, deciding which pair to choose can be challenging with so many available options.
Quick List - Top Gym Sneaker
Dr. Jeanette De Witt owns and operates The Wellness Track, LLC. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Corrective Exercise, Medical Fitness, and Nutrition Education. She is one of ten clinicians in the USA certified in the Total Motion Release technique for reducing pain, restoring symmetry, and improving alignment. Dr. De Witt is credentialed in Exercise Is Medicine with the American College of Sports Medicine. She received her Personal Training Certification, Fitness Nutrition Specialization, and Corrective Exercise Specialization with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Mirai earned her degree in Marketing Management from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. Throughout her studies, she gained valuable experience in content planning, research, and editing through various academic projects and internships. Her practicum further strengthened her marketing, sales, and public relations skills, where she learned to craft well-researched and tailored content for different audiences. Mirai applies her expertise to create engaging and informative content on various categories, including fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose Gym Sneakers
Here are the essential things to consider before buying a pair of gym sneakers.
Look for a Wide Toe Box for Comfort and Stability
A narrow toebox can contribute to numbness/tingling symptoms due to compression of the soft tissue.
Wide toe boxes support the foot's natural shape by allowing the toes enough space to move freely, helping to prevent issues like bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. A narrow toe box can increase friction, leading to blisters or corns, while excessive pressure on the nail bed can contribute to foot deformities.
Shoes with wide toe boxes also allow for natural toe splaying, improving posture and balance. They provide "wiggle room," promoting natural toe movement during walking, gym workouts, and daily activities. Additionally, with less compression on the nerves and arteries, circulation improves, and foot muscles can move freely, staying strong to minimize discomfort, pain, or injury.
Choose Your Shoes Based on Your Workout Routine
For Low-Impact Exercises, Prioritize Lightweight Shoes
Lightweight gym sneakers for daily training should weigh less than 8.8 ounces.
A lightweight shoe is ideal if your gym routine mainly includes low-impact exercises. These training shoes help eliminate excess weight, preventing you from feeling weighed down and allowing you to move more freely while conserving energy. Designed to improve agility and reduce fatigue, lightweight gym sneakers are recommended for speed workouts, jumping, and agility training.
Cushioning Is a Must for Running
Cushioning is vital for workouts that include running because it reduces the impact on the joints and muscles of the body.
If your workouts involve a lot of high-impact movements or running, choosing shoes with cushioning is ideal. Often explicitly designed for running, these shoes provide better support and comfort while also helping to reduce fatigue. Cushioning is key in lowering the risk of injury during high-impact activities like high knees, bounding, jumping, and other common HIIT exercises. Additionally, proper cushioning enhances comfort and may contribute to optimal performance.
Look for Zero-Drop Shoes for Weightlifting
Zero-drop shoes, which have a 0mm heel-to-toe drop, provide equal cushioning under both the heel and toes, ensuring no elevation difference between the front and back of the foot. These shoes improve stability during deadlifts by allowing you to push through your heels and generate more force while lifting. Although ideal for weightlifting, Olympic lifting, and powerlifting, they are not well-suited for training that involves jumping, agility, or speed-based movements. If you are not a weightlifter, a 7mm drop should suffice if you don't have any injuries or symptoms.
Those with plantar fasciitis will want a drop of more than 7 mm to minimize stress on the plantar fascia. A higher drop brings your body weight away from the heel, encouraging a forefoot strike during gait.
Opt for Gym Sneakers With Mesh for Breathability
The flexible nature of mesh materials may provide improved comfort and less resistance during the toe-off/push-off phase of gait.
Mesh fabric is highly breathable, allowing air, heat, and moisture to escape quickly to keep your feet cool and dry, even during intense workouts. Its net-like or web-like structure features tiny holes that enhance airflow, minimizing excessive sweating and discomfort and helping to reduce chafing, blisters, foot odor, fungus, and skin irritation.
10 Best Gym Sneaker Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wide Toe Box | Weight | Cushioning | Zero-Drop | Outer Material | Gender | Colors | Sizes | |||||
1 | Abboos Womens Slip On Sneakers | | Breathable Knitted Uppers for Lightweight Comfort | 6.15Oz. | Knit | Women | Black, red, blue,. tan, white, olive green | 5.5, ,6, 7, 8, 9, 9.5, 10 | ||||
2 | New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. Women's Fresh Foam ROAV V1 | | Engineered Cushioning with Durable Outsole | 8.6Oz. | Rubber | Women | White, black, pink, purple, blue, navy, gray | 5-12 + Wide | ||||
3 | WHITIN Men's Barefoot Running Shoes | | Zero-Drop Sole for Natural Foot Positioning | 7.8Oz. | Mesh | Men | Black, gum, gray, white, tan | 7.5, 8.5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13.5, 14 | ||||
4 | Bernal Sneakers for Women | | Lightweight Design with Breathable Materials | 12.5Oz. | Mesh | Women | Black, white, gray | 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 | ||||
5 | YITUHIO Mens Running Shoes | | Stylish Design Meets Functional Lightweight Construction | 4.9Oz. | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | Men | Black, red, white, gray | 6.5, 7, 8, 8.5, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5 | ||||
6 | WHITIN Women's Minimalist Barefoot Shoes | | Natural Foot Movement with a Zero-Drop Sole | 8Oz. | Knit | Women | Black, white, tan, purple, red, gray, light blue, yellow | 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11.5; Wide | ||||
7 | WYGRQBN Women's Walking Shoes | | Breathable Comfort for Active Daily Wear | 5.25Oz. | Mesh | Women | Black, white, green, gray, khaki, red, blue, pink, purple, coral | 6, 6.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 | ||||
8 | WHITIN Men's Wide Minimalist Barefoot Sneakers | | Wide Toe Box for Comfort and Natural Foot Function | 9.3Oz. | Knit | Men | Black, white, gray, gum, brown, blue, tan, red | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13, 14; Wide | ||||
9 | Joomra Women's Trail Running Barefoot Shoes | | Minimalist Running with Natural Flexibility | 7.5Oz. | Premium Elastic Fabric | Women | Black, white, gray, blue, pink, purple, red, gum, tan, green, hot pink | 5.5-12 | ||||
10 | GDEKLO Womens Shoes | | Lightweight Running Sneakers with Everyday Versatility | 4.6Oz. | Mesh+EVA | Women | Black, white, gray, pink, purple, yellow, red | 6, 6.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10 | ||||
AbboosWomens Slip On Sneakers
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.15Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Knit |
- Gender
- Women
Breathable Knitted Uppers for Lightweight Comfort
| Colors | Black, red, blue,. tan, white, olive green |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5.5, ,6, 7, 8, 9, 9.5, 10 |
New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc.Women's Fresh Foam ROAV V1
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.6Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Rubber |
- Gender
- Women
Engineered Cushioning with Durable Outsole
| Colors | White, black, pink, purple, blue, navy, gray |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-12 + Wide |
WHITINMen's Barefoot Running Shoes
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Mesh |
- Gender
- Men
Zero-Drop Sole for Natural Foot Positioning
The WHITIN Men's Barefoot Running Shoes feature a zero-drop sole, keeping the heel and forefoot at the same height to encourage natural foot movement. The wide toe box allows for natural toe splay, reducing pressure during workouts. A thin, flexible sole provides ground feedback, appealing to those who prefer a minimalist running experience. The lightweight construction minimizes unnecessary bulk while maintaining durability.
| Colors | Black, gum, gray, white, tan |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7.5, 8.5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13.5, 14 |
BernalSneakers for Women
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.5Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Mesh |
- Gender
- Women
Lightweight Design with Breathable Materials
| Colors | Black, white, gray |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 |
YITUHIOMens Running Shoes
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.9Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) |
- Gender
- Men
Stylish Design Meets Functional Lightweight Construction
| Colors | Black, red, white, gray |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6.5, 7, 8, 8.5, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5 |
WHITINWomen's Minimalist Barefoot Shoes
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Knit |
- Gender
- Women
Natural Foot Movement with a Zero-Drop Sole
| Colors | Black, white, tan, purple, red, gray, light blue, yellow |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11.5; Wide |
WYGRQBNWomen's Walking Shoes
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.25Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Mesh |
- Gender
- Women
Breathable Comfort for Active Daily Wear
| Colors | Black, white, green, gray, khaki, red, blue, pink, purple, coral |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6, 6.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 |
WHITINMen's Wide Minimalist Barefoot Sneakers
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.3Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Knit |
- Gender
- Men
Wide Toe Box for Comfort and Natural Foot Function
The WHITIN Men's Wide Minimalist Barefoot Sneakers feature a zero-drop sole for natural foot positioning and improved balance. A wide toe box allows unrestricted toe movement, reducing pressure on the feet. A breathable upper promotes ventilation to keep feet cool and comfortable.
| Colors | Black, white, gray, gum, brown, blue, tan, red |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13, 14; Wide |
JoomraWomen's Trail Running Barefoot Shoes
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.5Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Premium Elastic Fabric |
- Gender
- Women
Minimalist Running with Natural Flexibility
| Colors | Black, white, gray, blue, pink, purple, red, gum, tan, green, hot pink |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5.5-12 |
GDEKLOWomens Shoes
| Wide Toe Box | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.6Oz. |
| Cushioning | |
| Zero-Drop | |
| Outer Material | Mesh+EVA |
- Gender
- Women
Lightweight Running Sneakers with Everyday Versatility
| Colors | Black, white, gray, pink, purple, yellow, red |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6, 6.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10 |
Check Your New Sneakers Upon Receiving
Place the shoes on a flat surface. They should sit evenly with the heel counter perpendicular. If they lean inward or outward, they are poorly made and may cause pronation or supination.
More Fitness Must-Haves
Check out these other great picks to take your workout to the next level.
Top 5 Gym Sneaker
No. 1: Abboos｜Womens Slip On Sneakers
No. 2: New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc.｜Women's Fresh Foam ROAV V1
No. 3: WHITIN｜Men's Barefoot Running Shoes
No. 4: Bernal｜Sneakers for Women
No. 5: YITUHIO｜Mens Running Shoes
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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