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It can be overwhelming when looking into new shoes for strength training. We all have different strength training goals, levels of strength, and shoe preferences, which can make the search for new strength training shoes even more tedious.
Plus, when considering the best shoes for strength training, we have to consider how wide that range can be. For example, some lifters prefer the tried and true Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star while others prefer a good stable cross-training shoe.
Below, I’m going to provide a range of my favorite shoe picks for strength training and other workout contexts.
Make sure you try out my TF2 Cross-Training shoes Finder. This calculator takes models that I’ve reviewed and matches you with the best shoes for your training needs.
My Picks for the Best Shoes for Strength Training
- Best Overall Shoes for Strength Training: Haze Trainer
- Best Men’s Shoes for Strength Training: UA Tribase Reign 5
- Best Women’s Shoes for Strength Training: Nike Metcon 9
- Best Shoes for Strength Training and HIIT: Nike Free Metcon 5
- Best Shoes for Strength and Conditioning: Adidas Dropset Trainer 2
- Best Shoes for Strength Training and Running: On Cloud X 3
- Best Shoes for Strength Training and Wide Feet: Reebok Nano X3
- Best Budget Shoes for Strength Training: PUMA Fuse 2
Table of Contents▼
- Best Overall Shoes for Strength Training
- Best Men's Shoes for Strength Training
- Best Women's Shoes for Strength Training
- Best Shoes for Strength Training and HIIT
- Best Shoes for Strength Training and Conditioning
- Best Shoes for Strength Training and Running
- Best Shoes for Strength Training for Wide Feet
- Best Budget Shoes for Strength Training
- What to Look for In Shoes for Strength Training
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| Price | $130 | $150 | $150 | $130 | |
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| Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review |
| Shop | Shop UA | Shop NikeShop Box Basics | Shop Box BasicsShop Reebok | Shop Box BasicsShop TWL | Shop RogueShop Nike |
Author’s Note: This article was updated in August 2023 to reflect changes I’ve made in multiple sections based on new shoe releases and models that out perform their peers.
Best Overall Shoes for Strength Training
When assessing the best overall shoes for strength training, I’m concerned with a shoe’s stability and how its sole interacts with different strength training contexts.
This section is also tough to pick just one shoe for because there are always layers of context needed when picking the best shoes for strength training per your preferences.
Top Pick: STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer
The STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer is my top pick for the best overall shoes for strength training. This model takes my top pick for three key reasons. First, the maneuverability of the Haze Trainer’s sole is solid for different types of strength training.
This model takes relatively no time to break in and if you like the sole of your shoes to move and articulate well with the foot, then I think you’ll enjoy the fit and feel of the Haze Trainer. Second, the stability of the Haze Trainer’s midsole is good for heavier strength training.
Whether you’re training heavily with free weights or machines, the Haze Trainer’s Cush50 midsole should do a good job of supporting your overall stability. It also provides a nice level of responsiveness for exercises like power cleans and dumbbell snatches.
The third and last reason why I like the Haze Trainer for strength training is its upper construction. The jacquard knit upper locks the foot down and breathes well. Plus, it looks pretty good so you can easily wear this model as a daily wear shoe as well.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Review
- Comparable Runner-Up: Reebok Nano X2
- Second Runner-Up: NOBULL Court Trainer
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer
$150
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Cross-Training Workouts
- Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Shorter Runs (<3 miles)
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Custom Orthotics
Best Men’s Shoes for Strength Training
To test and review the best men’s shoes for strength training, I’m looking at how different models perform for different thresholds and contexts of strength training.
By looking at things like where stability is capped and how mobile a sole is, I can make the best-educated picks for men’s shoes for strength training.
Top Pick: UA TriBase Reign 5
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 is taking my top pick as the best men’s training shoe for strength training. I like the UA TriBase Reign 5 because it can kind of do it all when it comes to strength training.
This shoe’s Micro G foam midsole has been stable enough to support 500+ lb deadlifts and squats up to 405 lbs. I also appreciate that it’s stable for all types of strength work whether you’re using free weights or machines.
This model also features an athletic fit and it has an upper construction that has performed well in pretty much all of my strength training asks. If you like to train like an athlete blending strength work with plyometrics, for example, then you’ll enjoy this model.
The fit of this shoe runs a bit on the wider side as well so if you’re constantly battling width in your cross-training shoes and you have a slightly wider foot width, then you should resonate with the fit of this shoe.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, and CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 2mm
- Weight: 12.6 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: UA TriBase Reign 5 Review
- Comparable Runner-Up: Nike Metcon 9
- Second Runner Up: Haze Trainer
UA TriBase Reign 5
$130
Best For
- Recreational Weight Training
- CrossFit
- Cross-Training & Athletic Workouts
- HIIT Workouts
- Lower Heel-to-Toe Drop Lovers
Falls Short
- For Wide Feet
- For Longer Runs
Best Women’s Shoes for Strength Training
When assessing and reviewing the best women’s shoes for strength training, I’m constantly referring to my girlfriend and my YouTube community for their insights and feedback.
That feedback tied with my personal in-depth analysis and assessment of different shoes for strength training helps me make the best-educated picks.
Top Pick: Nike Metcon 9
The Nike Metcon 9 is taking the top pick for the best women’s shoes for strength training. This model works great for heavier strength training and versatile training. It’s also a good shoe for those who like doing CrossFit workouts.
In the context of lifting, the Nike Metcon 9 provides a nice level of stability across the board for different strength training settings. The dual-density foam midsole is responsive yet stable and the built-in TPU Hyperlift insert in the heel adds to this shoe’s stability.
Outside of its stability, the upper durability is also a nice perk with the Nike Metcon 9. This model features overlays to prevent breakdown from abrasion and it’s one of the better cross-training shoes on the market for rope climbs if you regularly program them.
Must Read: 9 Best CrossFit Shoes | Picks for Wide Feet, High Arches, and More
The width and fit of the Nike Metcon 9 also do a fairly good job of aligning with the anatomical needs of women’s feet. This model has more of a form-fitting feel to it and hugs the foot well without feeling too clunky.
- Best For: Lifting, CrossFit, and Athletic Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 13.25 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Nike Metcon 9 Review
- Comparable Runner-Up: Reebok Nano X3 Review
- Second Runner-Up: R.A.D ONE Review
Nike Metcon 9
$150
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Cross-Training
- CrossFit
- Athletic Focused Training
Falls Short
- For Running
- For Overpronators
Best Shoes for Strength Training and HIIT
When testing and assessing the best shoes for strength training and HIIT workouts, I’m mostly concerned with two key performance aspects. First, I’m concerned about the stability a shoe’s midsole and outsole provide for strength work.
Second, I’m assessing how much “pop” you get from the shoe’s midsole and the level of responsiveness it delivers when tackling different types of HIIT workouts.
Top Pick: Nike Free Metcon 5
The Nike Free Metcon 5 is taking my top pick as best the shoe for strength training and HIIT. For these training contexts, the Nike Free Metcon 5 delivers a strong construction due to its midsole, outsole, and upper.
The Free Metcon 5’s midsole has a good level of maneuverability and whether you’re jumping, doing classes, or HIIT workouts, this shoe should move well with you. I like the reactivity of this shoe’s forefoot and it feels responsive.
There’s also a moderate level of stability with this shoe’s midsole, so while it definitely has a HIIT bias to its construction and isn’t the best model for maxing out your barbell lifts, it can work well for lifting up to 275 lbs.
I also appreciate that the fit of this shoe has been updated and that it runs a little more true to size compared to the Nike Free Metcon 4 which has a super snug fit especially through the toe box.
- Best For: HIIT Workouts, Light Lifting, Shorter Runs
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm (per Nike’s support team)
- Weight: 10.05 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size.
- Read My Review: Nike Free Metcon 5 Review
- Comparable Runner-Up: Reebok Nano X3 Review
- Second Runner-Up: YORK Athletics Frank Trainer
Nike Free Metcon 5
$120
Best For
- HIIT
- Class Workouts
- Light to Moderate Strength Training
- Short Runs (3 miles)
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting (225+ lbs)
- For CrossFit
Best Shoes for Strength Training and Conditioning
When assessing the best shoes for strength training and conditioning I try to back to my days tackling dryland sessions as an ice hockey player. Good shoes for strength training and conditioning need stability, versatility, and durability.
A model needs to be able to support different types of strength training, but also provide enough versatility and durability for tackling the demands of plyometrics and other circuit-style sessions.
Top Pick: Adidas Dropset Trainer 2
The Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 is taking my top pick as the best shoe for strength and conditioning. This model is what I regularly describe as the “athlete’s shoe” because it performs exceptionally well for my athletic-focused sessions.
The dual-density midsole in this model gives the toe box a nice level of flexibility and maneuverability while also being stable enough for 500+ lb deadlifts and heavy single-leg training.
I also appreciate how lightweight this shoe is and how it’s easy to wear in different training settings. The ventilated midsole is great for keeping your feet cool and its lightweight build is awesome for plyometrics and explosive sessions.
There’s also an anatomical fit in this shoe’s toe box which is great for giving you a little more room to splay the toe when training. If you like to blend lifting, sprinting, jumping, and conditioning work into single sessions then you’ll enjoy this model.
- Best For: Heavy Lifting, CrossFit, and HIIT Workouts
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 9.85 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Review
- Comparable Runner-Up: UA TriBase Reign 5
- Second Runner-Up: Reebok Nano X3
Adidas Dropset Trainer 2
$130
Best For
- Cross-Training
- CrossFit Workouts
- Heavier Strength Training
- Athletic Focused Sessions
- Wider Feet
Falls Short
- For Running
Best Shoes for Strength Training and Running
When it comes to the best shoes for strength training and running it’s important to recognize the contrast between these two activities.
For strength work, you’ll want a stable shoe, and for running, you’ll generally want a more cushioned ride (unless you like barefoot running). That being said, there will always be a give and take for both of these when finding a training shoe that works well for both.
Top Pick: On Cloud X 3
The On Cloud X 3 is taking my top pick as the best shoe for strength training and running. It’s important to note that this model will not necessarily be the “best” in either of these categories, but it works well as a hybrid training shoe.
For example, when it comes to lifting, you’ll want to cap your loading around 275-315 lbs in this model. If you go heavier than that, then you may start to notice compression with the CloudTec midsole.
Additionally, for running, this model will work best for distances between 1-6ish miles. I found that this distance tends to be the sweet spot in the On Cloud X 3 for both road and treadmill running.
Must Read: 6 Best Hybrid Training Shoes | Best Models for Running and Lifting
The On Cloud X 3 is a good hybrid training shoe for strength training and running, but it does have its limitations as you get more serious in both directions of running and strength work. That being said, if you fall into the parameters mentioned above, then I think you’ll like the On Cloud X. 3
- Best For: Shorter Runs, Light Lifting, HIIT, Agility
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 9.05 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: On Cloud X 3 Review
- Comparable Runner-Up: Reebok Nano X2
- Second Runner-Up: STR/KE MVMNT Vimana Hybrid Runner
On Cloud X 3
$149.99
Best For
- Light Strength Training
- Versatile Training
- Classes/HIIT
- Short Runs (1-5 miles)
- Daily Wear
Falls Short
- For Outdoor Workouts
- For Heavy Training
- For Wide Feet
Best Shoes for Strength Training for Wide Feet
To assess the best shoes for strength training and wide feet, I’m concerned with two key performance and fit criteria. First, the shoe needs to work for different forms and intensities of strength training.
Second, the shoe needs to be wide enough through the forefoot and midfoot to accommodate a variety of foot anatomies.
Top Pick: Reebok Nano X3
The Reebok Nano X3 is taking my top pick as the best shoe for strength training for wide feet. This model is a good “all-in-one” style cross-training shoe for the wide-footed athlete and lifter that likes to vary their weekly training.
This model is stable enough to support heavier squats and deadlifts and provides enough width throughout for most foot anatomies. When squatting 405 lbs and deadlifting 505 lbs in this model, I didn’t have issues with compression whatsoever.
The Reebok Floatride Energy foam midsole blended with the full rubber outsole provides this shoe with a good amount of stability and tread for different strength training contexts. For static and more dynamic strength work, the Nano X3 works fairly well.
On top of being a good model for wider feet, I also like the level of midfoot support that you get from this model’s reinforced TPU clips. If you have wider feet and need additional midfoot support, then I think you’ll enjoy the overall fit of the Reebok Nano X3.
- Best For: General Training, CrossFit, and Wider Feet
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 13.85 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: Narrow feet, size down a half-size. Neutral-width feet, size down a half-size for a snugger fit, and go true for a normal fit. Wide feet, go true to size.
- Read My Review: Reebok Nano X3 Review
- Comprarable Runner-Up: STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer
- Second Runner-Up: NOBULL Trainer+
Reebok Nano X3
Best For
- Recreational Weight Training
- Functional Fitness and CrossFit
- Athletic-Style Training
- Short Runs/Sprints
- Casual HIIT
Falls Short
- For Minimalist Lovers
- For Long-Distance Running
Best Budget Shoes for Strength Training
To assess and test the best budget shoes for strength training shoes need to have two key criteria to make my list. First, they need to have price points under $100 USD.
Second, they need to actually perk well for different types of strength training. Being a budget-friendly model is great, but if the shoes fall short of strength training, then they’ll be a waste of your money.
Top Pick: PUMA Fuse 2.0
The PUMA Fuse 2.0 is taking my top pick for the best budget shoes for strength training. This model has a price point that sits right at $100 USD but is regularly on sale for less if you shop around.
While this isn’t necessarily the “cheapest” training shoe on the market, I think if you’re wanting to spend around $100 or less then you’ll get the most range out of this shoe compared to other budget training shoes.
This shoe’s drop-in midsole does a good job of providing a nice blend of stability and responsiveness for heavier strength work and versatile training. I’ve enjoyed how this shoe for sessions where I’m lifting heavy and then doing cross-training.
Must Read: 8 Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes | Picks for Men, Women, and More
I also appreciate the flexibility of this shoe’s sole construction. This model has a good level of flexibility and articulation which is great for multi-directional work and “feeling” the ground when training.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 13.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: PUMA FUSE 2.0 Review
- Comparable Runner-Up: Reebok Nanoflex V2
- Second Runner-Up: Nike MC Trainer 2 Review
Puma Fuse 2.0
Best For
- Cross-Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Casual CrossFit
- Athletic-Style Training
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Falls Short
- For Very Wide/Flat Feet
What to Look for In Shoes for Strength Training
When looking into new shoes for strength training, it’s important to define how you primarily like to strength train in the first place. For example, an avid barbell-focused recreational lifter will train slightly differently than a beginner who is just getting into strength training.
Strength training takes a lot of different forms and if you can understand how you plan to use your shoes, then you can pick the best model for your needs.
Personally, I think there are three primary details to explore and assess when looking into new shoes for strength training. These details will influence a shoe’s overall stability and performance for strength training and they include:
- Midsole Material/Stability: How stable is the midsole and what is its threshold for different forms of strength training?
- Outsole Construction: How is the outsole constructed? Is it durable? Does the outsole grip floors and machines well?
- Upper Durability: Is the upper durable enough to withstand the stress that can come along with strength training? If you’re training heavy, does the upper lock the foot down properly?
These details and how you should assess them will then ebb and flow based on your strength training goals. For example, if you’re planning to train super heavy in your shoes, then you’ll want a model with a firmer midsole.
Conversely, if you like to blend your strength training with running, then you’ll want a shoe that can perform properly for both of these contexts. So, looking for shoes with responsive midsoles and breathable uppers could be good in this context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:What are the best shoes for strength training?
Q:Do you need shoes for strength training?
Q:Can you strength train in running shoes?
Takeaway Thoughts
There are a lot of great shoes for strength training on the market. When searching for the ideal pair of strength training shoes for your training needs, it’s important to identify your core asks from the shoes you’re looking into.
By narrowing down how exactly you plan to use your shoes for strength training, you can invest in the perfect model for your context.
If you have additional questions on any of the shoes for strength training featured here, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
