3 of the best gym trainers for heavy lifting and HIIT workouts

You’ll probably put on any old pair of training shoes to lift weights or jump up and down, but believe it or not, there are some shoes that are better for spending time lifting weights. With gyms and CrossFit boxes reopening, dedicated gym training shoes are the best footwear when you’re ready on the squat rack.

Whether you live in the weight-lifting zone for the long haul or go all-in on HIIT, finding a good pair of gym training shoes for these activities is a worthwhile investment for a number of reasons. The right gym shoes will give you the support you need to get more support from weight training, or to move quickly in different directions, as some high-intensity workouts demand. There are fitness shoes specifically for zero heart rate living, and there are plenty of options, which are better if you spend the same amount of time running and strength training. You can even find some products for living comfortably both outside and inside the gym.

With more fitness-specific shoes than ever, here we’ve found the most prominent options and given you a few things to consider before spending.

What are the best gym shoes to buy?

Best all-round gym shoe: On Cloud X

No matter your workout style, the On Cloud X offers plenty of comfort and support, and it’s an impeccable gym-training shoe for going between weights, treadmills and HIIT. Even better, if you want to run around town, you can happily take these shoes outdoors.

Best sustainable gym trainer: Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Flyknit

Nike’s latest SuperRep Go 3 may be made from recycled materials, but it’s more capable of withstanding the sweaty workouts of dumbbells. With a newly reinforced outsole, it can work as hard as you like, while doing good for the planet in the process.

Best cheap gym trainer: New Balance 624v5
New Balance may have some development in 2022, but the brand is by no means ignoring its sporty roots with the 624×5. At just over £50, this is our editor’s most affordable gym shoe, and perhaps the most versatile when you’re away from the machine.