Gym Essentials: Stylish Workout Shoes for Women
Ready to hit the gym or tackle your daily workout? Before you do, you need the right pair of shoes to support your feet. While casual gym-goers might grab a pair of general athletic shoes, pros know the importance of tailoring their shoes to the activity they’re performing. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about choosing the best women’s shoes for the gym.
Features to Look for in Workout Shoes Based on Activity
Regardless of activity, the right pair of shoes is the one that feels the most comfortable on your feet. That may require you to seek out specialty sizes or inserts for support when you exercise. However, your chosen shoes may vary considerably based on your planned use.
Running
Whether you plan on tackling a marathon or lightly jogging around the neighborhood, the shoes you put on your feet matter. The right pair of running shoes gives you the proper foundation and shock absorption to help prevent injuries. Not sure what to look for? Here’s what you need to ask yourself:
- Where are you running? Will you be running on trails, pavement, or gravel? Each running surface feels different, and shoes can help make your run more comfortable. Road-running shoes have extra cushioning to absorb the shock of colliding with hard pavement and are great if you’ll be traveling along sidewalks or roads. They typically have flatter, smoother soles for consistent surfaces. Trail-running shoes have added grip and are better for rougher, untamed terrain. Some are even fortified to protect your feet from sharp rocks.
- How much cushioning do you prefer? Comfort is subjective. Do you want to feel the ground as you run, or do you prefer feeling softness with every step? The cushioning in your shoe refers to the thickness of the material under the midsole and heel and affects how your shoes feel as you pick up the pace.
- Do you need special support? Neutral shoes work just fine for most people, but you may need extra support if your feet have high or flat arches.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting requires a different kind of support than running. Running shoes tend to have squishier soles to help cushion impact. When lifting heavy weights, however, that squishiness isn’t your friend. It creates an unstable surface, which should be avoided when lifting heavy weights.
The best shoes for weightlifting are those with flat soles. Be sure the shoes fit well and keep your feet stable. Some weightlifting shoes have raised heels, which are suited for squats or Olympic lifting.
Cross-Training
Cross-training shoes are the go-to if you’re looking for versatility in your athletic wardrobe, and they’re great for casual and avid athletes. They’re designed to provide support for all sorts of activities, including weightlifting, running, and playing sports.
These shoes tend to have a thick outer construction, extra heel support, and increased firm midsole material. Together, these help protect and support your feet for most exercises. The midsoles, for example, offer increased support while squatting and may also provide grip for rope climbing.
Pay special attention to the heels on cross trainers, as this is one of their most defining features. The firmness helps you keep your balance and form while you bear heavy weights.
Yoga
Yoga is all about flexibility, and that concept carries over to your shoes. The right pair of yoga shoes allows your feet to flex and move naturally while protecting them. You should have a similar degree of movement wearing these shoes as you do with bare feet.
They also tend to emphasize grip. Because yoga requires flexing, bending, and twisting in all directions, having good grip support helps keep your feet planted firmly in place. This is crucial to maintaining your safety and balance.
The lightweight, flexible design of yoga shoes lends itself to breathability so you don’t overheat. While shopping, look for pairs that feel cushioned and supportive. This is key to holding poses while maintaining the correct alignment of your ankles and feet.
You also need a pair that fits your feet comfortably. Your feet are as unique as the rest of your body, and you want shoes that provide proper arch support. The ideal pair feels snug but still allows you to wiggle your toes and move your feet freely.
Sports
Sports can be a wide category, and you may need to seek the right pair of shoes for the sport you’re playing. Soccer shoes, for example, tend to offer extra grip or cleats, and basketball shoes may have extra support for jumping and running.
The Best Workout Shoes for Women
Ready to find your next favorite pair of workout shoes? Here are our top picks.
Women’s Nike Interact Run Sneakers
For all-around running comfort, you can’t go wrong with Nike Interact Run sneakers. With a lightweight upper shell and soft foam inside to make you feel like you’re running on clouds, these shoes are perfect for hitting the treadmill or running down the road. They have Nike’s Bio IP foam for a comfortable, airy stride so you can traverse the track with ease.
New Balance Nergize Sport V2 Training Shoes
This athletic shoe from New Balance delivers performance with everyday style. These versatile shoes are designed with a plush DynaSoft midsole for ultimate comfort, while adjustable laces ensure a secure, supportive fit. Perfect for running or a gym session.
Women’s Nike In-Season TR 13
The responsive foam midsole of the Women’s Nike In-Season TR 13 offers responsiveness as you work out, with a supportive arch design for ultimate comfort. With rubber outsoles, these shoes help prevent you from losing your footing.
Women’s Nike MC Trainer 2
Get ready to tackle all kinds of workouts with the Nike MC Trainer 2. These shoes are designed with precision and comfort in mind. With lightweight mesh for the upper shell, they offer breathability and dynamic flexibility. They have supreme grip and a cushioned footbed to keep you comfortable for your entire workout.
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Running Shoes
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Running Shoes are designed for runners of all levels, offering the speed and support needed to go further. Built with Charged Cushioning® to absorb impact, a breathable mesh upper, and long-lasting durability. Inside, an EVA sockliner ensures softer strides, while the midsole, made from compression-molded foam, provides unmatched responsiveness and durability. A solid rubber outsole covers high-impact zones, offering durability without adding extra weight.
Women’s ASICS Gel Venture Trail Running Shoes
If the great outdoors beckons, these are the shoes you want to pack. ASICS Gel Venture running shoes are perfect for trails, blending breathability and versatility with the durability of the lugged outsole to maintain off-road traction. The GEL Technology in the midsole helps absorb shock with ease, leaving you to tear up the trails all day long.
Nike Waffle Debut Sneakers
The track and field shoe that paved the way for athletics, the Nike Waffle Debut blends retro vibes with modern comfort. Paying tribute to Nike’s iconic heritage, the waffle outsole ensures solid traction for ultimate performance, the lace-up closure ensures a custom fit, while the classic round toe and absorbent fabric-lined Comfort Insole enhance wearability. For fashion, fun, or fitness, this sneaker has you covered.
Shop Workout Shoes With Confidence at Shoe Carnival
Tackle your next workout in style when you shop with Shoe Carnival. Order online for convenient shipping right to your front door. If you need them sooner, we’re here to help. You can order for in-store pickup online or visit your nearest Shoe Carnival store to find the perfect pair in person.