Reebok Classics AZ 79 Blå sneakers | 6 Best Gym Shoes For Men in 2023

Reebok Classics AZ 79 Blå sneakers | How to find a perfect gym shoe for men

The gym industry, which hardly existed 60 years ago, has evolved into a multi-billion dollar business. One outgrowth of this is that gymgoers are faced with a lot of so-called essential gym wear to enable them to step onto the gym floor safely and confidently. Many of them, like compression clothing and weightlifting gloves, are not essential at all.

Gym shoes, however, are!

If you’re a guy who takes his training in the gym seriously, you need to get serious about your footwear. As a personal trainer, I’ve seen too many people suffer too many injuries because they’ve turned up to train in casual sneakers, running shoes, or, believe it or not, flip-flops.

The bottom line here is that investing in a dedicated men’s gym shoe is not a luxury - it is an essential requirement for any guy who trains regularly at the gym. Let’s find out how to get the right pair to meet your training needs.

Types of men’s gym shoes

‘Gym shoe’ is an athletic footwear category that includes a number of more specific shoe types. These include:

Cross-training shoes

Cross-training shoes are made for various exercises, such as plyometrics, cardio, and weightlifting. Their balance of stability, support, and cushioning allow for this variety of training They usually have a flat sole to give stability during weightlifting workouts and adequate cushioning to take the shock of high-impact exercises like jumping.

Weightlifting shoes

These are shoes built exclusively for lifting weights. Their standard design consists of a flat sole and a stiff, non-compressible heel to offer a stable lifting platform. A common feature is a raised heel, which provides enhanced ankle mobility and allows for deeper squats. Weightlifting shoes are frequently constructed of strong, resilient materials to handle the high demands placed on them.

HIIT Shoes

HIIT (high-intensity interval training) footwear is made for the quick-paced, high-intensity workouts that are currently popular in many gyms. They are normally flexible and lightweight to facilitate fast movements and lessen the strain on your joints. They also have outstanding shock absorption and a firm grip to prevent slipping when performing lateral movements.

What to look for when buying a men’s gym shoe

Once you know which type of gym shoe matches your training needs, it's time to narrow down the choices. Here are five things to consider to increase your chances fo getting the perfect shoe:

Fit 

Getting the right fit is essential when choosing men's gym shoes for comfort and performance. Here are some specific elements to take into account:

If you are buying a new shoe online, we recommend measuring your foot length and checking with the corresponding brand size chart. If a retailer offers free shipping, get 2-3 pairs in different sizes and send the ones that didn't fit back.

Training shoes typically have wider toeboxes than most running shoes and sneakers. But if you still need that extra width, you can check out shoes available in wide (2E) and extra wide (4E).

We measure toebox dimensions in each of our lab-tested training shoes. Reebok Nanos vibram classic mens grey black 5 five fingers shoes.

Example of a firm and secure heel counter (NOBULL Trainer+).

TIP: It is best to try on gym shoes later in the day when the feet are naturally a little larger. Be sure to wear the same kind of socks that are planning to use with the new shoes.

Comfort

The last thing you want when working out is an uncomfortable pair of kicks. At best it will distract from the task at hand; at worst it will lead to a serious injury because your minds not in the game. Here are the key things to look out for:

Training shoes vary in the amount and softness of cushioning. Depending on your type of workout and personal preferences, you may choose a shoe that's:

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Nike Free Metcon 4 (breathability rating: 4/5), NOBULL Trainer (Kari Traas Scandinavian inspired shirts are perfect for running all winter long)

See lightweight gym shoes for men.

Padding: The collar and tongue of the shoe should be sufficiently cushioned to prevent friction and irritation against the ankle and top of the foot.

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Some trainers also add a handy lace-locking system which prevents the laces from getting in the way during the workout. nike womens air zoom structure 22 true berry black chrome white womens shoes has such a feature (appreciated by the reviewers).

Stability

A stable shoe will provide a secure lockdown, prevent lateral displacement and lower your chance of injury. Consider the following when looking for gym shoes that provide strong stability:

nike running kit, Kids Pyry Snow Boot Wp 38Q4514J Antracite Ghiaccio 20UF are considered the most stable cross-trainers for weight training.

Flexibility

Shoes that are overly flexible won’t offer enough support while excessively stiff or rigid shoes may limit movement and impair performance. Here’s what to look for to get the right flexibility balance.

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NOBULL Trainer+ (Thom Browne Pebble Grain Wingtip Boot)

Durability

A quality pair of gym shoes should be able to resist both the normal wear and tear of use and the unique requirements of gym training. When looking for gym shoes that have good durability, keep the following in mind:

In our lab, we perform a demanding durability test on the shoe's toebox material with a Dremel.

It is very easy to see the difference between a reinforced upper and one with exposed mesh only.

nike womens air zoom structure 22 true berry black chrome white womens shoes (left) vs. Nike Flex Control 4 (right)

We measure both thickness and hardness of the rubber outsole to predict its wear resistance. Stay away from shoes with exposed foam midsoles if you expect a long shelf life from your trainer.

What’s the difference between a men’s & women’s gym shoe?

Men's workout shoes typically tend to be wider and larger because men typically have larger feet than women. In order to accommodate the higher arches that are more typically found in women's feet, women's shoes frequently come with additional arch support.

Men's gym shoes often have a more classic design, whilst women's gym shoes normally come in a wider range of colors and styles. To cater to the way women normally distribute their weight when exercising, women's gym shoes may also have extra cushioning in the forefoot area.

Frequently asked questions about gym shoes for men

Do I need to wear a different pair of gym shoes for different kinds of workouts?

Even though you could wear the same gym shoes for all sessions, it can be advantageous to have a variety of shoes. Having specific shoes for each sort of training, such as weightlifting and HIIT workouts, can help you perform better and lower your risk of injury because different workouts call for different types of support.

Can you use your gym shoes outside of the gym?

Yes, gym shoes can be used for activities outside of the gym. However, it’s important to keep in mind that gym shoes may not offer the same level of support and comfort as running shoes or casual shoes. Keep in mind, too, that wearing gym shoes outside of the gym can shorten their lifespan.