We don’t want to alarm you, but wearing the wrong shoes for working out can cause things like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and hammer toes (best not to Google that last one). And you may think that your sneakers are still admissible, but if you’re someone who runs or works out regularly, experts recommend replacing your athletic shoes every three to six months.
So, if you want to avoid getting benched due to an injury, it’s best to plan on replacing your workout shoes twice a year. Unfortunately, if you haven’t found the pair that feels just right for your feet and fitness schedule, that’s a much harder thing to do. But there’s good news, too: We’ve found 10 of the best all-around women's workout shoes to make your sneaker shopping experience that much easier. From cross-training shoes with extra arch support to a pair that's well-known and loved in the weightlifting community, our list of best women's workout shoes is here to help make sure you find a style that fits your exact needs.
How We Found The Best Women’s Workout Shoes
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Athletic shoes aren’t cheap. On the low end, you can snag a pair for $60 or so, but usually, they’re upwards of $100. That being the case, it’s imperative to pick a high-quality pair of shoes that’s not going to leave you with blisters and buyer’s remorse. Luckily, we’ve got a foolproof way to suss out which sneakers are worth their price tag: our data-powered, product-ranking algorithm. Using information like best-seller lists, social buzz, and user reviews, this tool scans the web to find and rank the top products in a category. Today, that category is workout shoes, so hydrate and stretch, because you’re going to want to run for your credit card once you see the 10 styles below.
September 19, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Reebok Nano 2.0 Training Shoes
Overall Score
4.45
10
Reebok Nano 2.0 Training Shoes
4.3
88 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Workout Shoes For Cross-Training
WHAT TO KNOW
Meet the Reebok Nano 2.0 Trainer, the perfect blend of old-school style and modern performance tech. Designed for functional fitness, these trainers bring back everything you loved about the original Nano, with upgrades to keep you moving through your toughest workouts.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Featuring a lightweight EVA midsole for superior cushioning and an open-hole mesh upper for flexible, breathable comfort, these shoes are built for performance. Plus, with DuraGrip toe protection and ROPEPRO technology, you’ll power through your WODs with ease and durability.
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Adidas Dropset 3 Shoes
Overall Score
4.45
09
Adidas Dropset 3 Shoes
4.4
51 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Workout Shoes For Wide Feet
WHAT TO KNOW
These trainers are designed for different types of workouts, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), dynamic gym sessions, and agility-focused exercises. The rubber outsole is durable and provides excellent traction and grip, which allows you to move confidently across various surfaces by pivoting, lunging, and sprinting. Plus they're designed with a wide fit to help accommodate for swelling feet.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The upper mesh provides a breathable and supportive fit, ensuring that your feet remain cool and comfortable during intense workouts. Moreover, the sleek design and lightweight construction promote a natural and unrestricted range of motion, which helps to improve agility and stability with every movement.
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New Balance FuelCell Trainer v2
Overall Score
4.45
08
New Balance FuelCell Trainer v2
4.44
109 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Adaptive Workout Shoes
WHAT TO KNOW
New Balance FuelCell Trainer sneaker is designed for comfort, style, and performance. It features FuelCell midsole foam, providing a propulsive feel for both gym workouts and busy days. Additionally, the sneaker is eco-friendly, incorporating 3% bio-based content from renewable resources to help reduce your carbon footprint.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel enhances comfort, while the TPU external heel stabilizer offers extra support. These sneakers also boast no-sew overlays and trendy seasonal colors, combining function and style in one sleek package. They are perfect for anyone seeking a versatile, stylish, and sustainable sneaker.
New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport V2 Cross Trainer
Overall Score
4.6
07
New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport V2 Cross Trainer
4.09
1319 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Women's Workout Shoes
WHAT TO KNOW
These versatile sneakers boast a sleek, durable synthetic and breathable mesh upper for a snug fit. The standout feature? A padded footbed paired with a DynaSoft midsole that elevates cushioning and delivers ultra-responsive performance for all-day wear. Also, you can't beat an under-$100 price tag.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
With a flexible rubber outsole, classic lace-up closure, and round toe silhouette, these sneakers combine form and function, ensuring you stay comfortable and stylish no matter where the day takes you.
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Nike Air Max Bella TR 5 Workout Shoes
Overall Score
4.6
06
Nike Air Max Bella TR 5 Workout Shoes
4.17
322 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Workout Shoes For Strength Training
WHAT TO KNOW
The Nike Air Max Bella TR 5 combines Max Air cushioning with a flat sole for added stability during weight training.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The sleeve-like construction integrates with the traditional lacing system and a stretchy strap to provide midfoot containment, ensuring a secure and snug fit even during high-intensity activities.
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Nike Free Metcon 6 Workout Shoes
Overall Score
4.75
05
Nike Free Metcon 6 Workout Shoes
4.14
147 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Workout Shoes For HIIT
WHAT TO KNOW
Whether you're smashing cardio classes, mastering plyometrics, or lifting weights, these trainers are built to adapt. Featuring laser-siped outsoles for enhanced forefoot flexibility, they give you the freedom to move naturally while staying quick and agile.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The added foam in the heel offers a stable base, perfect for heavy lifts or deep squats. Plus, with high cushioning throughout, you’ll experience impact-softening comfort on every rep. Additionally, the breathable mesh upper, Flywire cables for a secure fit, and multi-surface traction make this your all-in-one training shoe.
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Hoka Solimar Shoes
Overall Score
4.85
04
Hoka Solimar Shoes
4.34
2141 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Workout Shoes For Runners
WHAT TO KNOW
The Hoka Solimar is the perfect go-to sneaker for your everyday runs and training sessions. With a balanced midsole, approachable stack height, and an extended crash pad, these sneakers offer the perfect combo of comfort and support.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Designed to handle high-sweat areas, the Solimar’s extra rubber reinforcement ensures durability, while the Meta-Rocker geometry helps create a smooth, effortless transition from heel to toe. Plus, the extended heel pull makes slipping them on and off a breeze.
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lululemon Strongfeel Training Shoe
Overall Score
4.85
03
lululemon Strongfeel Training Shoe
4.4
1034 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Low-Profile Workout Shoes
WHAT TO KNOW
The latest release of lululemon's foray into footwear, the Strongfeel Training Shoe was made with strength training in mind (as its name implies). They have a flat sole designed to act as a stable, powerful platform by providing low-profile cushioning and multi-directional traction.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
If you want to give them a test drive first, lululemon will let you try them out for 30 days and return them for a full refund if you aren't pleased. But spoiler alert: you probably will be.
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NOBULL Outwork Training Shoes
Overall Score
4.85
02
NOBULL Outwork Training Shoes
4.8
20487 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Workout Shoes For Weightlifting
WHAT TO KNOW
NOBULL’s Training Shoes have a flat outsole that balances flexibility and support, making them some of the best women’s shoe options for weightlifting, but they’re appropriate for other fitness activities as well. The upper is made from breathable but durable fabric, so they should last a while—even if you’re hitting the gym daily.
PROMISING REVIEW
“This is the first pair of dedicated lifting shoes I have ever bought. Before, I was either using Converse or going barefoot for squats and deadlifts. I like the sturdy platform these afford, while they are still comfortable to wear for WODs and conditioning. They also feel just fine when running short sprints.”
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Nike Metcon 9 Workout Shoes
Overall Score
4.9
01
Nike Metcon 9 Workout Shoes
4.5
99 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Women's Workout Shoes Overall
WHAT TO KNOW
The Nike Metcon 9 is your ultimate training partner, designed for lifters, cross-trainers, and athletes who demand durability and stability. With an even larger Hyperlift plate in the heel, this shoe provides the extra stability you need for heavy lifts like deadlifts and squats.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The secure lace-lock system keeps your laces in place so you can focus on your workout, while the extended rubber rope wrap offers durability and support during intense rope climbs. Breathable, lightweight mesh keeps your feet cool, and the dual-density foam midsole provides cushioned comfort for cardio and dynamic movements.
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