If it’s time to replace your running shoes or cross trainers, why not take some shopping inspo from actual fitness instructors? We asked around for personal trainers’ favorite sneakers to see which pairs hold up after hours of classes and workouts—and don’t just look cool in a gym selfie.
It turns out, some of the most-hyped brands live up to their reputations: Nike, Hoka, Nobull, and some other bestsellers came up repeatedly in our conversations with trainers. They put their pairs through the wringer, wearing them while teaching dance classes, weightlifting, running, and tackling tough training sessions at the gym. (If that isn’t a sign that a workout shoe is worth the investment, we don’t know what is.)
Check out their recommendations below, then read on for more expert advice on shopping for your next pair of kicks.
Our top picks
- Nike Free Metcon 6, $130
- Hoka Bondi 9, $170
- Lululemon Chargefeel 3, $148
- Nobull Outwork, $149
- Brooks Glycerin 22, $165
- Nike Vaporfly 3, $260
- Brooks Ghost Max 2, $150
- Salomon XT-6, $200
In this article
Trainers’ faves for lifting
Two of the most-recommended weightlifting shoes among the trainers we spoke to arejust so happen to be longstanding SELF favorites too. Then there’s one up-and-coming model we have our eye on—especially for experienced lifters.
First, there’s Nobull’s comfortable yet durable Outwork (formerly known as the Nobull Trainer). It has a flat sole that helps stabilize lower body moves like barbell squats and deadlifts, Price says, adding that the high-top version is a great pick if you want more ankle support. The Outwork is also excellent from a fit standpoint: Sarah Pope, CPT, a personal trainer at Life Time Westchester in West Harrison, New York, notes that it has a roomy toe box and just enough arch support to provide structure (without getting in the way of your workout).
Next, there’s the SELF Sneaker Award–winning Puma Fuse. Amanda Katz, a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor in New York City, says it provides “stability from the ground up, with the right amount of comfort.” She adds that it has a “long shelf life,” meaning it doesn’t show signs of wear and tear right away, and offers one caveat around the shoe’s fit: The toe box runs a little narrow.
Finally, we have a favorite from Stevie Eberle, SCW, AFAA, a personal trainer and fitness instructor at Bay Club Redwood Shores in California: the TYR L-1 Lifter, a splurge-y option with a lifted heel. “[It’s] not as well-known, but growing in popularity among those who lift regularly,” they say. “They’re sturdy, with a wider toe box, and they’re not as stiff as other shoes in this category.” Eberle adds that its strap system feels sturdy and secure, so you won’t get distracted fiddling with it between sets.
Trainers’ faves for the gym
A good gym shoe should be flexible enough to move with you, but supportive enough to ground you during strength training. Multiple trainers we spoke to found that versatility in the Nike Free Metcon, a super popular cross trainer with a grippy (yet bendy) sole.
“I teach HIIT/Bootcamp at least twice a week and see two to three personal training clients a week, and I swear by these shoes,” Eberle says. “The tread is fabulous on it—it’s segmented for grip, pivot, bounce, and rapid movements in all the right places.”
Avery Price, CPT, and lead Pilates instructor at Life Time Easton in Columbus, Ohio, loves her Metcons for cardio: “They are lightweight and breathable, with a rounded big-toe side that offers better agility in explosive, dynamic movements. Even though the base is sturdy, they feel comfortable enough for me to run sprints and jump in,” she says.
For Zumba and other fast-paced workouts, consider Ryka’s Vivid RZX trainer (a favorite of Eberle’s for dance classes) and Lululemon’s Chargefeel. “I love [the Chargefeels] for dance technique because the traction on them is minimal, so I can turn easily without damaging my knees,” Tracy Sokat, a trainer at Housework, a Pilates-meets-HIIT fitness studio in New York City, tells SELF. “They’re perfect when I need to articulate through my feet!”
You should be selective about which running shoes you work out in, but lots of Housework instructors swear by Hokas, specifically the Clifton and Bondi models. Mackenzie Testa says they feel uniquely shock-absorbing during high-intensity workouts, while Tish Schmid and Sydney Miller (Housework’s founder) love how supportive they are.
Another sporty, functional option? The Nike V2K Run, which Gabby Andriello, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Housework, SoulCycle, and SotoMethod, wears in and out of the gym.
Trainers’ faves for running
If you need a reliable pair of running sneaks, the Brooks Glycerin is a longstanding favorite among runners of all levels, including Price. She wears hers for walks, longer workouts, and trail runs. “This shoe is just so light and comfortable,” she says.
For something snappier, try Nike’s Vaporfly 3, a speed shoe that Eberle says feels as sleek as it looks. “They’re lightweight, without the bulk of some running shoes,” they say. “I feel like I’m gliding in them, instead of hitting the pavement.”
Prefer running with lots of padding underfoot? Consider Brooks’s Glycerin Max, which Katz loves for recovery runs, long-distance runs, and everyday mileage. “While the stack is high, it’s surprisingly stable,” she says. “I’ve logged 300 miles on the road and treadmill on mine, with more to go.”
Trainers’ faves for walking
It’s hardly surprising that trainers stay well-shod outside of the studio. For walks and long periods of standing, Eberle slips on the Brooks Ghost Max 2 or the Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk. Both are highly cushioned, so your feet won’t feel cranky or fatigued by the end of the day.
Like your sneakers with a side of streetwear? You can dress Salomon’s XT-6 and Nike’s P-6000 up or down, depending on your plans. Either way, you’ll stay comfy. “[The XT-6s] are so comfortable; it feels like they just mold to your foot,” Andriello says. Meanwhile, Schmid wears her P-6000s whenever she’s heading out on a stroll around the city.
FAQs about sneakers
What should you look for in a gym shoe?
Gym shoes (a.k.a. cross trainers) should be relatively flat, with a supportive midfoot and a wide base. These features will ensure you feel stable (not wobbly) during your workout. Bonus points if the sides of the shoe are stiffer or have reinforcements—you’ll feel extra locked-in during lateral movements.
If you plan to wear them for cardio warmups or other fast-paced exercises, your trainers should also be flexible and lightweight. Avoid shoes that feel marshmallowy soft—they’ll just throw off your balance.
What should you look for in a weightlifting shoe?
Like with cross trainers, stability and structure are key in weightlifting shoes. The sole should be stiff and hard—again, too much padding can make it tricky to feel grounded.
Also, pay attention to the heel-to-toe drop of the shoe. Flat shoes have a pretty small height difference between the forefoot and heel, while other models have noticeably lifted heels. As SELF has previously reported, lifted shoes can increase your ankle’s range of motion and encourage proper lifting form, while flat shoes help you generate power. They both have their advantages—ultimately, it comes down to which style feels most comfortable for you.
What should you look for in a running shoe?
There’s a lot to consider when shopping for running shoes—so much so that it’s a good idea to try potential pairs on in person, if possible. That way, you can get a feel for your preferences around cushioning, fit, and support. But overall, your running shoes should feel like an extension of your foot, with a shape that matches your natural arch and length. Then look for a toe box that gives your toes plenty of room to spread.
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