You love working out, but do your sneakers?
If you’re an avid gym-goer, cross-trainer, HIIT pro, or any other type of incredible athlete, you deserve workout shoes that can keep up.
The best workout sneakers for women are often mistaken for just the best sneakers for women, but you know that your workout sneakers should do so much more.
Don’t get caught wearing cross-trainer shoes for weightlifting, or weightlifting shoes for long-distance running. We’ve made the search for the best workout sneakers for women easy for you, by reviewing our top 5 favorites.
The Best Workout Sneakers for Women to Buy in 2023
The best workout shoes for women are:
1. Hoka Elevon
The beauty of the Hoka Elevon is just that – its beauty. Even though these might be the best gym sneakers, they are also incredibly stylish. The first thing you’ll notice is the dual-layered midsole that takes comfort and responsiveness to a whole new level.
The mesh lining makes this shoe both lightweight and incredibly breathable no matter how hard you work and sweat. It also offers foot-cradling comfort combined with a springy, premium quality sole for the ultimate bounce back in every step, jump, or leap.
Even the tongue in this sneaker is padded, so no matter which way your foot bends while working out, you’ll receive cushion in every direction.
Zonal rubber placement increases the sneaker’s durability while the seamless fit, makes sure you don’t have to worry about that ‘weird spot’ in your shoe.
Pros:
- Highly responsive
- Extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Runs small
2. Keen Women’s Terradorra EVO Mid
The best workout shoes have one name – Keen. This unique workout sneaker will surprise you, giving your style a fresh approach to being active.
With higher than normal ankle support, you can bend, flex, jump, or jog in any direction, without worrying about injury. Multi-directional lugs also provide unbeatable traction, while stability shank offers lightweight support.
In addition, these high-ankled sneakers have extra cushioning for your Achilles, so your foot feels stronger in every direction.
The rubber outsole is meant for all terrain, and the removable dual-density PU footbed with arch support, makes this shoe, the best workout sneaker for flat feet, or the best workout sneaker for high arches.
The mesh material makes the shoe natural more breathable, but the unique Cleansport NX offers natural odor control. So you can cross ‘worrying about foot odor’ off your post-workout list.
Pros:
- No break-in period needed
- Great ventilation
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Narrow fit
- Prone to wear and tear where the foot bends
3. Adidas Edgebounce
Adidas have long been on the list of the best shoes in the world, and now they’ve made it onto our list for the best women’s gym shoes in the world.
In true Adidas fashion, the Edgebounce sneaker comes in a variety of color options and combinations, all of which still feature their signature three-stripe look. This means you can feel equally as stylish as you go strong at the gym or working out.
These lightweight, active shoes have been created with a rounder heel to better fit the shape of a woman’s foot. A unique internal fit system is also built into the sock liner for an even more personalized midfoot lockdown.
If the snug, cushioning fit isn’t enough, you’ll also love the lightweight blown-rubber outsole that provides flexible bounce like none other. No matter how high you jump, your foot will be cushioned enough to keep on moving. The best workout sneakers for women don’t get any better than the ever-stylish and comfortable Adidas.
Pros:
- Stylish shoe
- True snug fit
- Versatile
Cons:
- Runs small
- Bulkier than expected
4. Nike Women’s VTR
If you’re wondering what type of shoes to wear for the gym, just ask yourself: has Nike ever disappointed?
Nike is a go-to brand for everything, and the best workout sneakers for women is no exception. The Nike Women’s VTR comes in a variety of colors, including a soft, sassy coral that any woman is sure to love.
This sneaker features a breathable, lightweight mesh construction, because the last thing you want is incredibly sweaty feet. It also features their signature lace-up closure so that you can have the perfect fit.
Even the bottom of the shoe, the rubber outsole is ideal for all your exercise needs, since it is highly durable and provides excellent traction. Lastly the tongue and collar are padded for 360 degree comfort.
When it comes to Nike, there’s little need for convincing. You already know that Nike creates durable, fashionable, and comfortable shoes. Now you can have all that in your ideal workout sneaker.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh
- Complete cushioning
Cons:
- Minimal arch support
5. Saucony Liberty ISO
The best workout sneakers are never too far away when it comes to shopping Saucony. The Saucony Women’s Liberty ISO sneaker is as fresh as it is comfortable. With several different color options and an active yet trendy look that you’ll love, Saucony satisfies.
This sneaker features a full-length Everun midsole, to keep you going as long as you can. The new and improved medial guidance feature also offers more stability to go the distance, jump the highest, or lift the most, without worrying about the stability of your feet.
If you are running or going the distance, this sneaker even helps fight mild to severe pronation, which is the rolling motion of your lower leg to your foot that you take with each stride. Do your old sneakers do that?
If you want a shoe that adapts and molds to the shape and movement of your foot, choose Saucony to be as active as you are.
Pros:
- Fights foot fatigue
- Ideal support
- Various colors
Cons:
- Tongue feels plastic
- Low quality laces
Your workout comes in various forms and now so can your sneakers.
When shopping for your best workout sneakers for women make sure you:
- Consider the workout
- Match the size, width, and fit to your feet
- Examine the breathability
- Feel the traction
Fortunately if you opt for any of our top 5 choices, they should meet and exceed all your requirements.