5 best gym trainers I've tried for HIIT training and lifting weights
Gym trainers: a forever wardrobe staple. Yet, so many of us are totally clueless when it comes to which sneakers are best for working out. I'll be honest; for years, I relied on my running trainers — or any old pair of sneakers relegated from daily wear — assuming they were up to the task of a hybrid workout.
But I have since been encouraged to pay more attention to what I'm wearing on my feet, considering gym trainers are designed to properly support and even propel you during HIIT classes and weight training. Yep, perhaps we're missing out on PBs because we've not invested in this aspect of our activewear.
Need to hear it from an expert? “Wearing the correct footwear for a workout is a game changer, for both performance and injury prevention," says Nancy Best, founder of Ladies Who Crunch. “On a basic level, wearing shoes in a gym environment protects your feet if someone were to drop a weight nearby. On a more macro level, whether you’re trying to perfect your barbell squat or run a 10k PB, your shoes can either elevate or detract from your goal.”
But which are the best cross-training shoes for gym-goers in 2026? Lucky for you, I've spent the last two months testing a range of gym trainers from the likes of New Balance, Veja, Nike and lululemon, so I can publicly declare the best, whether training for your first HYROX or sweating it out with a weighted HIIT workout. And, because we're all unique in terms of our desired support, preferred colours and required sturdiness, I asked my fellow Glamour editors to weigh in with what they consider to be the best gym shoes too.
So, read on to discover the best trainers for gym training in 2026, as well as answers to common FAQs from leading experts in the field of fitness. And for those seeking recommendations in terms of gym leggings and sports bras, I've personally tested a host of those, too.
- The best gym trainers for women in 2026, reviewed
- Gym trainers FAQs, answered
- What are gym trainers?
- What's the difference between running shoes and gym trainers?
- Can I use running shoes in the gym?
- How to choose the right gym trainers
- How should my gym shoes fit?
- Meet the experts
- How I test the best gym trainers
- Why you can trust me
Ahead, the best gym trainers for women in 2026, reviewed.
VEJA Condor 3 Advanced Sneakers
Available sizes: UK 3 — 14.
Weight: 290g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm.`
Best suited to: Hybrid training and running.Veja is known for putting sustainability first, so we, of course, love the fact that these are made from recycled materials made with ethical practices in place. This, and the fact they're as functional as they are fun, with the bold colourway and dynamic plate giving stability and dynamism.
Fellow tester, Senior Commerce Editor, Sophie Cockett says: “Virtually all of my workout shoes are plain in colour – white or black – so I wanted something that'd make getting to the gym a bit more fun, and these do just the trick. I find they're a bit too chunky for when I'm doing things like weightlifting, but for the treadmill, stair master or speed training, they're spot on. They're also the perfect running trainers, designed for outdoors with a dynamic plate and a responsive sole, which makes them sturdy and has grip. I've worn them on the weekends a few times with leggings, too."
Save when you shop for the best gym trainers with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Features a dynamic plate that gives the pair extra stability and dynamism.
- Features a high percentage of recycled materials — for example, laces and lining are crafted from 100% recycled polyester.
- Tested by the brand over 10k kilometres, which proved the outsole resisted wear and the shoe maintained its shape.
- Speedy delivery when shopping directly.
Cons- The most expensive in this edit — but also the most sustainable.
Available sizes: UK 3.5 — 13.5.
Weight: 318g.
Heel-to-toe drop: Not disclosed.`
Best suited to: Strength training.Many members of the Glamour team have long had a pair of 740s in circulation, the trainer (on-site described as a ‘runner’), the perfect commuter shoe. However, after wearing them to a weighted HIIT class once by accident, I realised this might actually be the ideal gym trainer. Fitted with a fairly flat sole, there should be no concerns about rocking forward while lifting. The ABZORB midsole also absorbs any impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance — essentially, my feet didn't ache at all, despite multiple rounds of burpees and box jumps.
Personally, I love the streamlined design and the reflective accents, which help to keep me safe on the walk home. Plus, there are literally hundreds of colour options, meaning you can match your training shoes to your activewear — and that's one thing guaranteed to motivate me.
Save when you shop for the best gym trainers with these New Balance discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Widest size range of any style in this edit — but also true to size.
- Designed inspired by the early 2000s, the fashion set calling on this style for casual wear too.
- Received more than 390 five-star reviews to date.
Cons- Not specifically designed for gym training, so fewer specific features and cushioning than some other styles.
Available sizes: UK 2.5 — 9.5.
Weight: Not disclosed.
Heel-to-toe drop: Not disclosed.`
Best suited to: Hybrid workouts and rest days.Social Media Manager, Robyn Eugene, says: “Nike Shox are as comfortable and cool as they are opinion-dividing. The futuristic design is not just a fashion statement; it also adds extra spring and impact support that makes training, running, and workouts feel smoother and more responsive.
"I am personally a huge fan of shoes that make people look twice at my outfit, and this colourway was extremely wearable, blending seamlessly into my gym wardrobe of neutrals. If you want to turn your exercise routine into a fashion show while also adding a little more bounce to your workout, this is the trainer for you.”
Save when you shop for the best gym trainers with these Nike discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Nike Shox technology (resilient, flexible columns with moderator plates for intense cushioning) offers optimal impact absorption.
- Moulded overlays throughout provide midfoot support and a snug fit.
- Available in half sizes, and every size between a UK 2.5 and 9.5.
- 6 neutral colourways.
Cons- Cut low on the ankle, meaning minimal support.
Available sizes: UK 3 — 9.
Weight: Not disclosed.
Heel-to-toe drop: Not disclosed.`
Best suited to: Tennis & padel.The Gel-Challenger 14 has a supportive upper to keep your feet firmly in place when you work out. Dynawing technology in the sidewall helps keep you stable, while a clever separated heel also ensures your foot stays in place — even after a strong landing post-serve.
Freelance contributor, Karina Marriott, says: “This minimalist pair of shoes might technically be for padel, but I find they're a great all-rounder shoe when it comes to the gym, too. They're pretty flat, which makes them great for lifting weights when you need your balance, but the grippy soles also mean I can do a HIIT class without falling over. They're my go-tos.”
Save when you shop for the best gym trainers with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Dynawing technology is built into the sidewalls and helps limit side-to-side movement.
- Durable and abrasive rubber for grip on a clay court.
- Features a removable OrthoLite sockliner for comfort and improved breathability.
- Pguard toe protector shields feet from injury.
Cons- On final sale, so stock is limited!
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Available sizes: UK 3 — 9.
Weight: 240g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm.`
Best suited to: Treadmill running and speed training.The third iteration of On's viral Cloudmonster shoe, the latest edition has been engineered with intense comfort and forward motion in mind. Fitted with an enhanced rocker shape, expect energetic push-offs, while the CloudTec cushioning system makes these one of the more responsive shoes in this edit. Essentially, expect added bounce and minimal arch ache. Granted, the shape and intense padding mean these aren't at all suitable for strength training, so I'd say these are exclusively for those willing to invest in multiple pairs of gym trainers.
Size-wise, I'd also say they come up a little snug, so I'd suggest you size up half or a full size, depending on how much your feet tend to swell.
Pros & ConsPros- Enhanced rocker shape for energetic push-offs.
- Fitted with Helion foam for comfort and energy return.
- Compressed rubber outsole for improved traction.
Cons- An investment.
- Limited stock in smallest and largest sizes.
Women's Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe
Available sizes: 5 (UK 3.5) — 11 (9.5).
Weight: 228g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm.`
Best suited to: Hybrid and HIIT training.A hybrid training and running trainer, this do-it-all pair by much-loved lululemon trainer scored high across the board. The layered upper is both breathable and flexible, while support-wise, the moulded heel clip keeps your feet in place as you move. And I can confidently say this was the most lightweight shoe I tried.
Sharing my love is freelance fashion editor, Harriet Davey: “I wore these at a HIIT class with lululemon for a work event, and they instantly felt super lightweight and easy to move around in. When you look down at your feet, they can make your feet look wider, but they don't seem to from other angles, so it's just the larger sole. I've worn them a lot since, and I appreciate how you can slip them on, instead of having to faff around undoing the laces. They do run very small compared to any other trainers I've tried, though, I'm a UK 5, and I had to go a whole size up for them to fit properly.”
Save when you shop for the best gym trainers with these lululemon discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Specifically designed to support the unique morphology of the female foot.
- Forefoot band and moulded heel clip hold your foot securely in place.
- ShiftFoam midsole powers explosive takeoffs — AKA burpy-friendly.
Cons- US sizing is a little confusing — plus, these run small.
Available sizes: UK 3 — 8.
Weight: 250g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm.`
Best suited to: HYROX, HIIT and CrossFit training.There's no denying that, over the last two years, HYROX has hit the mainstream, with my entire Insta following taking on the fitness race. But with a mix of running and functional workout stations (think sandbag lunges, wall balls and burpees), you'll need a shoe that can adapt as quickly as you. Thankfully, this hot pink trainer, designed as part of a collab between Puma and HYROX, has been fitted with a durable rubber sole, known as PUMAGRIP, that's designed for all-surface traction.
But the addition of NITROFOAM — Advanced nitrogen-injected foam designed to provide superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package — also means this shoe felt sturdy yet a little spongy underfoot. While I'm still in the early stages of testing, I can confirm that this style didn't weigh me down, despite being the heaviest in this edit. I do recommend sizing up by half, though.
Save when you shop for the best gym trainers with these Puma discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Nitrogen-injected foam designed to provide superior responsiveness.
- Carbon fibre plate helps stabilise the midsole while maximising energy transfer.
- Upper made from at least 20% recycled materials.
Cons- Designed for those with a neutral pronation in mind — although you could add an insole.
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Gym trainers FAQs, answered:
“Gym trainers — or ‘cross-trainers’ — are hybrid footwear designed to provide lateral support and cushioning,” details Mr Andrea Bianchi, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at The Private Clinic, who specialises in orthopaedics and traumatology. “An ideal trainer must allow the foot to move without forcing the big toe into a cramped position, supporting the natural biomechanics of walking.”
Running shoes are primarily designed to provide shock absorption and support forward movement, while still remaining lightweight so you can fly across the road, trails or track. They also tend to have more arch support than gym trainers and are generally more flexible, to help with the foot's natural movement during running.
“To avoid joint pain, we want trainers that will absorb some of the impact of cardio exercise, with adequate support on the heel, ankle and arch of the foot, says Nancy Best, founder of Ladies Who Crunch. "Whether you’re doing a burpee or sprinting around a track, you need a lightweight trainer that won’t weigh you down.'
Gym trainers, on the other hand, are usually flatter and have less cushioning, with a lower heel-toe drop and provide more support to the heel and ankle – this is to allow for better stability during, for example, weightlifting. They can be worn for HIIT, weightlifting, strength training, basketball, tennis, dance classes, CrossFit, aerobics, and more. Some gym trainers, especially the ones designed for functional training (think: box jumps and plyometrics), will have more cushioning and more flexible soles than shoes designed purely for weightlifting.
“For building functional movement patterns in strength training, we want to optimise stability," adds Nancy. “Specialist trainers, like Metcons, are supportive for your ankles without over-cushioning your arches. They also ensure that you can grip properly through your feet, for compound movements like deadlifts.”
“Yes, but with caution,” says Mr Andrea Bianchi. “Running shoes are designed for linear movement, and often have a soft mesh upper that does not compress the exostosis (the bony protrusion).” However, one disadvantage of using these trainers in the gym is that they may lack the lateral stability needed for agility exercises or heavy weightlifting.
The best gym trainers for you depend on your activity of choice, but in general, you’ll want to consider the following:
- How comfortable are they? Can you move your toes? Does your heel slip? Do they give you blisters?
- Does your arch feel supported? Are the laces tight? Is there enough cushioning around your midfoot to reduce the chances of a sprain?
- Is there firm heel support? What about ample ankle stability?
- Are the uppers durable? What materials were used? How high-quality is the shoe?
Unlike running shoes, which are commonly recommended to fit a little larger to accommodate swelling when your feet get hot, gym shoes should fit like any other shoe. That means they should be snug and supportive but not too tight, with the ability for your foot to spread out and ground down through the shoe.
Meet the experts:
| Nancy Best | Founder of Ladies Who Crunch, an all-women's online training platform. |
| Mr Andrea Bianchi | A consultant orthopaedic surgeon at The Private Clinic, who specialises in orthopaedics and traumatology. |
How I test the best gym trainers:
It's not quite as simple as prioritising them for a week's worth of workouts — although this is where I tend to start. After calling in a sample from a brand, I spend a week wearing them to various workout classes and to the gym. For context, this month I attended four weight classes at F45, ran 180 kilometres, and completed multiple SHREDDY arm workouts.
After wearing a pair for a minimum of three workouts, I review them against the following criteria:
| Design | Are the gym trainers fit for purpose — supportive and not too bouncy? Are they aesthetic, and do I have options in terms of colour and design? |
| Fit | Are they true to size? Are there narrow and wide fit options? Is the sizing and associated guide easy to understand? |
| Support | Do they fit securely around the heel and midfoot for stability, while offering ample room in the toe box for my toes to splay naturally? |
| Price point | Would I be willing to spend that much per pair again? Did they wear well? |
| Delivery | How quickly did each pair arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
For the pairs I haven't personally tested, I called on experts in the field — specifically, Alice Barraclough, a nutrition editor and fitness fanatic, alongside Chloe Gray, a health editor and coach at Ladies Who Crunch. I asked for their personal recommendations, as well as their honest thoughts on pairs they've tried to date.
As you'd hope, only the gym trainers that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn't meet my standards:
- UA Aurora 3, £65 — I have no major complaints about these gym trainers, and have to point out that they're much more affordable than some others in this edit. I just found them a little bulky and heavy for workouts that include a lot of jumping.
- ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8, £65 — Technically, this is a trainer best suited to tennis and padel, yet I found it supportive around the ankle and not too rocky. Can we just get some more exciting colourways, please?
In terms of what I'm currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:
Women's UA Dynamic 2 Training Shoes
- Softer Flow midsole provides responsive cushioning.
- The brand offers free exchanges if the size isn't quite right.
- Super comfy, thanks to that knit upper and regular fit — not too narrow, and not too wide.
- More basic design than some others in this edit.
Why you can trust me:
I've been a shopping writer for almost three years — that includes a year writing for Cosmopolitan and Women's Health, followed by 19 months at Glamour. In that time, I've reviewed everything, from the latest activewear, including gym and running trainers, as well as menstrual products like period pants and sexual wellness launches.
In terms of my working week, it consists of a lot of personal testing, plenty of writing and heading to countless press events to catch up with brands and experts on their fresh releases. I also regularly chat one-on-one with activewear designers, women's health experts and functional fashion pros, asking for their expert insight, and keep up to date on the latest wellness research.
However, I'm also addicted to endorphins, working out up to five times a week. That includes attending weighted HIIT classes at 1Rebel and F45, attempting to hit a new 5k PB, and squeezing in a yoga session, which I like to label as ‘active recovery’. And while years ago I used to wear my running trainers to the gym, I've since discovered the importance of study shoes when squatting, lunging and jumping.
