Top 14 Gym Shoes for Men
The new age generation has become more concerned about being fit and active. They maintain a healthy diet and go to the gym practically every day to workout out.
It is not possible to work out in casual or formal shoes, for these special types of shoes are designed that are known as gym shoes.
Gym shoes are designed in a way that provides comfort even during intense workouts. There are various types of gym shoes designed for purposes of running, weight-lifting, or cross-training.
So, what are the types of shoes for the gym? How do they benefit us? The answers to these questions are provided in this article!
The article is divided into sections that explain the importance of gym shoes along with its anatomy. This is followed by a comprehensive guide to buy the best workout shoes for men, which should be followed by every buyer to purchase the ideal pair of shoes for himself.
The top 13 list of the best gym shoes is also provided for you to choose from along with the links to purchase them from the leading e-commerce website.
Top 14 Gym Shoes for Men in India
| Product (Best Brands) | Best Price |
|---|---|
Our Pick |  |
Our Pick | |
| |
Our Pick | |
Long-lasting | |
Excellent Fit | |
The Light-weight Shoe | |
Ideal Blend Of Support and Comfort | |
The Best Basketball Shoes | |
Value for Price | |
Good Heel Fit | |
The Best Weight-lifting Shoes | |
The Most Comfortable Shoes | |
Best Running and Training Shoes | |
Why is it important to buy gym shoes?
You will never find people working out at gyms wearing a pair of casual shoes.
Any workout, whether running, walking, or using the various gym equipment like the treadmill or dumbles, requires you to wear gym shoes, also known as athletic shoes. These shoes are designed to be light-weight for specific sports and workout sessions, preventing any injury which can come in the way of your fitness.
Gym shoes are sneakers made of leather or synthetic material along with a flexible sole. They come with a lacing system that provides an excellent fit.
They have heels that are cushioned to absorb impact for heavy landings preventing common injuries that include ankle strain, bunions, corns, and fractures, which may arise due to sports and heavy exercise or training.
Gym shoes offer complete protection to your ankle, feet, and toes. Hence, allowing athletes, gym enthusiasts, and sportsmen to train without any difficulties.
It provides stability, comfort, and flexibility while training and running. Thus, it is essential to invest in the right type of gym shoes, which is suitable as per your requirement.
Some of the best brands that offer a great pair of good quality, stable and comfortable athletic shoes include Adidas, Nike, Puma, Under Armour, etc.
Anatomy of Gym Shoes
Shoe Upper
This is the upper portion of the shoe that covers the person’s foot. It is made up of leather, mesh, or synthetic material that is either glued or stitched to the midsole. It is the part of the shoe that contains the lacing system as well.
Midsole
This is the part of the shoe that is cushioned with encapsulated air or gel. It lies between the outer sole and the upper part of the shoe. The main function of the midsole is to absorb shock while heavy landing while providing support.
Outsole
The outsole of a shoe is also known as the outer sole, which remains in contact with the ground. It is made of rubber and acts as a barrier between the feet and ground. The traction on the outsole provides grip and allows you to walk or run on any surface.
Insole
The insole or sock liner is a removable foam layer that is inserted inside the shoe. It protects the foot from the seams providing comfort to the person wearing the shoe. Insoles may be arched or cushioned for extra comfort.
Lasting
The lasting of the shoe is the part between the midsole and the insole where the upper of the shoe is attached to the sole.
Heel Counter
The main function of the heel counter is to provide stability and support. It is present at the back of the heel above the sole.
Heel Collar
The heel collar is also known as the heel cuff of the shoe. It is usually padded and surrounds the ankle, securing it in place. It provides comfort and may extend to the back of the ankle for extra support.
Shoe Tongue
This is the part of the shoe present on the upper. It forms a barrier between the feet and the lacing system of the shoe. The tongue of the shoe is usually padded in gym shoes to offer extra comfort.
Shoe Lacing System
The lacing system allows you to wear your shoe with a customized fit. This system consists of tiny holes called eyelets and shoelaces, which may be round or flat. The shoelaces are passed through the number of eyelets and eventually tied together.
Types of Gym Shoes
Here we provide different types of gym or athletic shoes for men. The sports shoes are further divided to include basketball, football, badminton and tennis shoes.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are the primary type of gym shoes designed for joggers and long-distance runners. These shoes have a comfortable fit with shock-absorbing capabilities that reduce the impact on the runner’s feet. It prevents injuries that may arise due to regular and prolonged periods of running.
They have outsoles made of high-quality rubber with traction that allows you to be able to run at any surface. A good pair of running shoes is always a must for a runner or an athlete.
Walking Shoes
Walking is one of the most important exercises for fitness. Shoes designed specifically for walking are termed as walking shoes. These kinds of shoes are lighter than running shoes.
However, they provide stability for side to side movements and are also well cushioned to ensure smooth and comfortable walking.
Sports Shoes
Sports shoes are sneakers designed for different forms of sports like basketball, football, tennis, etc. and its related physical exercise. Sports shoes are a primary type of gym or athletic shoes that is further divided to include the following.
1. Basketball Shoes
Basketball shoes, as the name suggests, are the bulky athletic shoes designed for the basketball players. Basketball requires constant running, jumping, and stopping, which may cause serious injuries to the player.
Thus, these shoes are designed to act as shock absorbents that provide ankle stability and flexibility to the players.
2. Tennis Shoes
Tennis requires swift movement in all directions. Thus, tennis shoes are designed and styled in a way that provides comfort, stability, traction, and support to the player to move in the required direction.
These shoes are padded with rubber and are worn with socks for extra support. It reduces the friction of the joints, thus preventing injuries.
3. Football Shoes
Football shoes are also referred to as cleats or soccer shoes. They come with the bladed, hard ground, or round/conical studs at the outsole to increase traction. They add grip and support to the player during training and the game itself.
4. Badminton Shoes
Proper footwear is also required during a game of badminton. These shoes are designed for the swift direction changes and lateral movements of the player. They come with marking or non-marking soles that can be used for training purposes as well.
Badminton shoes are light-weight and comfortable athletic shoes that are available in attractive styles and colors.
Cross-Training Shoes
These are the most versatile shoes designed for various gym activities, be it weight-lifting, running, or using the jump rope. Cross trainers usually have an upper made of mesh, synthetic, or leather materials.
They provide traction, which allows you to use it for any other purpose like a gym or for running outdoors. They offer to cushion, which adds to the comfort of the individual while providing enough stability.
Weight-lifting Shoes
These shoes are designed specifically for weight-lifting and deadlifts. They provide ankle stability and shock absorbing features that prevent impact on the ankle and feet while lifting heavyweights.
They prevent unwanted injuries allowing you to focus on your gym activities with any interruptions and problems.
Gym Shoes Buyer’s Guide
We know that the market is filled with some amazing gym shoes for men to choose from. Making the right choice is tough. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide for you to follow before making a purchase.
For running shoes, it is very important to understand your gait before buying the shoes. Thus, we also explain the gait analysis and the types of pronation.
Type of Gym Shoes
There are different types of gym shoes designed for purposes of running, walking, or weight-lifting. While choosing the right gym shoes for yourself, it is necessary to make a choice that takes care of all your requirements.
Running shoes and cross-trainers are the primary kinds of gym shoes that will be perfect for running on different surfaces and prolonged training at gyms.
On the other hand, weightlifting shoes are designed for those who lift heavy weights.
Size
The second most important factor in buying any shoes is the size. It is always essential for you to buy the right sized gym shoes.
For ordering online, it is important to check the size chart provided to choose the right shoe size. No one would want shoes that will be too big or too small for his feet.
Weight and Comfort
The gym shoes are designed to provide stability and prevent injuries during an intense workout. However, it should also be comfortable to wear even after prolonged training.
Moreover, most of the workout sessions require the shoes to be light-weight. Bulky shoes would not be advisable for running or training purposes.
Cushioning
Another important requirement of gym shoes is the cushioning and padding of the shoes. This provides comfort and along with absorbing shock on the feet and ankle during heavy landings.
This reduces impact and prevents unwanted injuries like an ankle sprain or fractures that can come in between your workout sessions.
Lacing System and Fit
Go for gym shoes that provide a proper lacing system. A good lacing system ensures a good fit, which is very important during gym sessions. Shoes that do not come with a good fit make it uncomfortable for the user. Hence, go for gym shoes to fit you perfectly.
Durability and Maintenance
The gym shoes you buy should be of good quality material like rubber, textile, or mesh that ensures durability.
The Gym shoes should not wear and tear after just a few days of use. Running shoes require a change after a certain period. However, gym shoes should be long-lasting and easily maintained.
Go for gym shoes that can maintain their natural shape and can be easily dusted with a cloth. The use of polish or any other stain remover should not be required on your footwear.
Price
Gym shoes are available in various price ranges. It is not always important to go for a high price as it always does not ensure great quality. There are many good gym shoes also available in the market that come at a very reasonable price. So, always invest in your budget.
Outer Sole
The thickness of the outsole depends on the purpose of athletic footwear. Running shoes require a thick outsole made of rubber to withstand any surface. While gym shoes like cross trainers and tennis shoes require more contact with the ground, so the soles are flat and thinner.
Other, athletic shoes like basketball shoes have bulky, thick soles for better grip and stability while football shoes have cleats.
The thickness of the sole is an important factor that has to be considered before making a purchase. Thus, it is better to know what type of footwear you need before making a buy.
Gait Analysis
Another important requirement before buying a good pair of gym shoes is the analysis of your gait. This is a very short process in which the stores record a 20-second video of you running on a treadmill. They further analyze this recording to find any abnormality present in the way you run.
After the assessment, a pair of shoes is provided to you for another run, based on your foot type.
Both the recordings are analyzed, and then you are provided with gym shoes according to your pronation. You can easily select the most suitable pair.
Now, what is pronation?
Pronation refers to the way you run and how the body distributes impact. It refers to the way your foot rolls inwards as it strikes the ground. Pronation is of three types- Over-Pronation, Under Pronation, Neutral.
- Over-Pronation
This is the most common type of pronation seen in over 70% of the human population. The feet of this kind of runners are flat or are low arched.
Here, the foot rolls inward excessively, transferring the weight of the body to the inner edge of the foot instead of centering it in the ball of the foot. This might result in injuries like shin splints, knee pain, and heel spurs.
The recommended type of shoes for this is Stability Shoes.
- Under Pronation (Supination)
This kind of pronation is also called supination that is seen in runners with high arched feet. In this pronation, there is little or no inward movement of the foot. Instead, the outer side of the foot strikes the surface with a steeper angle.
This leads to a huge transmission of shock to the lower leg, causing injuries like ankle strain, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. The recommended type of shoes for this pronation is neutral shoes.
- Neutral Pronation
This is the normal kind of pronation where the foot land on the outer edge and rolls inward, distributing the weight of the body in a uniform and controlled manner, which absorbs shock.
There are fewer chances of injuries for this kind of runners with normal arched feet. Neutral shoes are recommended for this pronation as well.
1. Lancer Men’s Sports Shoes
The Lancer men’s mesh sports shoes are uniquely designed to give you comfort and style. The design of the shoe makes it ideal for sports, running, walking, and casual wear. The shoes are lightweight and hence are perfect for any game.
To maintain the shape of your shoes for a long time, allow them to air and deodorize regularly. You can use shoe bags to prevent any dust or mildew. Remove the dry dust from the surface using a clean cloth but do not polish.
- Sole- Manmade
- Closure- Lace-up
- Material type- Synthetic
- Warranty- 15 days product warranty
- Inexpensive and perfectly fits the feet.
- Durable and comfortable for sports.
- Superior build quality
- Sole quality is not good.
2. Sparx Men Sports Shoes
The Sparx men sports shoes come with a breathable mesh that is lightweight and comfortable. The shoes have side Hexa wings integrated with laces that provide enhanced stability, and rolled collar offers extra comfort around the ankle.
The shoes are made of breathable fabric lining that offers a great step-in feel, and Strobel construction provides enhanced flexibility and comfort. The shoes come with a super soft heel pad for cushioned feet, and soft outsole provides impact resistance, optimal shoe flex, and board feel. The ankle support frame provides a dynamic fit.
- It has EVA sole with lace as closure
- It is made up of mesh material for more breathability
- It has side hexa wings that has lace in it for stability
- It has a super soft heel pad for cushioned feel.
- It is a lightweight sports shoe.
- The sole is soft and made of rubber, making it comfortable for sports.
- Greater build quality with attractive colors gives premium looks.
- Ideal for people with problem of ingrown toenails.
- Value for money as the shoes are durable.
- The shoes catch dirt very fast.
3. Sparx Men’s Mesh Sports Shoes
Sparx’s running shoes are designed for men who like to stay fit with running and working out at the gym.
The sports shoes are comfortable to wear and are made with breathable material. It has a sole that can provide traction on any surface.
- Material: Breathable nylon mesh upper and mesh lining
- Closure Type: Lace-up
- Color: White Navy/White Navy Blue
- Type: Gym/Sports/Running shoes
- Rubber outsole for better traction.
- The shoes are extremely light-weight and durable.
- It can be worn regularly, even for casual walking.
- It gives an average bounce effect while running on the road.
- Good to wear when cycling as well.
- Doesn’t fit well. The toenails might hurt on wearing the shoes for the first few days.
- The quality needs to be improved.
4. Reebok Flexagon Energy Tr Training Shoes – Our Pick
Reebok is a subsidiary of the German sporting goods giant Adidas since 2005. It deals with the manufacture of sports, fitness, and running sportswear, including footwear and clothing.
The Reebok Men’s Flexagon Energy Tr Training Shoes is cushioned well with super-soft foam so that you don’t feel a thing while running or training. It allows you to flex your foot naturally for the most comfortable workout experience.
- The outer material is synthetic.
- It comes with a round toe style.
- Closure type: lace-up.
- It is designed for low-intensity workouts and gym training.
- The mid-foot is cushioned with super-soft foam.
- The out-sole comes with flex grooves.
- Excellent fit.
- The breathable mesh material makes it light-weight and comfortable to wear.
- The flex grooves enable your foot to flex naturally.
- No negative points observed so far.
5. Adidas Agora 1.0 Training Shoes – Long-lasting
Adidas is the leading brand when it comes to athletic clothes, shoes, and accessories. The Adidas gym shoes are the perfect light-weight shoes designed specifically for prolonged training. The sole provides grip allowing it to be perfect for any surface. This gym shoe has to be our number one choice for its diverse training capabilities and its ability to prevent injuries due to its extreme shock absorption feature.
- Material Type – Mesh, giving breathable and durable support.
- Lifestyle- Casual.
- Closure type- Lace-up.
- It is a closed-toe type of shoe.
- The famous welded three stripes on the sides.
- Amazing quality, hence long-lasting.
- It has a locked-down fit and extreme shock absorption.
- The outsole provides a secure grip on multi-surface and artificial grass courts.
- You get an optimal grip on wet conditions due to the traction rubber.
- The shoe is easy to clean; you can dust dirt using a cloth.
- A bit heavier than regular shoes.
6. Puma Running Shoes – Excellent Fit
Puma is another leading German multinational company that deals with the manufacture of athletic shoes and clothes. The Puma Men’s running shoes come in an attractive and stylish red color. It is comfortable, reasonable, and easy to maintain, which is known for its excellent fit. Thus, it is our second most recommended option.
- Lifestyle: Sports
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Perfect shoes for running, motorsport, training, and fitness.
- It as cushioned feel pad for more comfort
- The shoes wrap around the ankle firmly for better support
- It comes in an attractive, innovative, and stylish design and color.
- The users have complimented its excellent fit.
- It is light in weight.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
- It is a reasonable shoe from Puma.
- No negative points observed so far.
7. Asics Metrolyte II Training Shoes – The Light-weight Shoe
ASICS is a Japanese multinational corporation that has emerged as a top brand in sports and athletic shoes. The Asics Men’s Metrolyte II is the most light-weight shoes provided by Asics. This affordable shoe is perfect for any training purpose due to its great fit and affordable price. It is available in three diverse numbers of colors allowing you to choose the variant you love the most.
- Material type- synthetic.
- Lifestyle: Sports
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Multi-sport training shoes.
- It has full-length memory foam, sock liner, having a contoured arch, and plush underfoot experiences while maintaining the benefits of Orth lite.
- It is available in three variants- Black/Black/White, Stone Grey/Stone Grey/Peacoat, Peacoat/Peacoat/Black.
- It is the most light-weight shoe model from ASICS.
- Excellent fit and comfort.
- Many users have appreciated the cushioning and grip.
- It is an affordable option for great gym shoes.
- The ankle and heel support is not up to the mark.
8. Under Armour Charged Bandit 3 Running Shoe – Ideal Blend Of Support and Comfort
Under Armour are an American manufacturing company of sports and casual footwear and apparel. The Under Armour Men’s Charged Bandit 3 is the ideal neutral running shoes for neutral and under pronation type people.
It is perfect for road type surfaces as the external heel counter adds extra support. This Stealth Grey color gym shoe is the ideal blend of support and comfort, making it a must-have.
- Material type- synthetic.
- Lifestyle: Sports
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Support Type: Neutral to under-pronation (supination).
- The two-piece Charged Cushioning midsole is softer at the forefoot and firmer at the heel giving an ideal blend of support and comfort.
- The automatically designed heel cup keeps the foot in place.
- The external heel counter adds support while running.
- The Micro G footbed molds to the foot shape giving a great fit and feel.
- The grip is amazing thanks to a full ground-contacting rubber outsole with deep flex grooves.
- No negative points observed.
9. Nike Air Max Infuriate 2 Basketball Shoes – The Best Basketball Shoes
Nike is a well-known name when it comes to sportswear! This Nike gym shoe the best basketball shoes to have for the game as well as the training and practice sessions.
It has a sole that can provide traction on any surface. The heels are cushioned, providing extra shock absorption that prevents injuries.
- Material- Textile and synthetic leather upper.
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Cushioned heels with max air.
- The cushioned heels absorb maximum shock allowing dynamic play.
- Type- Basketball shoes.
- Color- Black/red.
- It has an amazing fit.
- It is extremely light-weight and durable.
- It provides support to the ankle.
- The Herringbone pattern delivers traction on a variety of surfaces.
- No negative points observed.
10. Reebok Twist Running Shoes – Value for Price
Reebok is a global brand of fitness, cross-training, and other athletic apparel and footwear. Reebok Men’s Twist running shoes is another recommended gym shoes for running on various surfaces due to the traction provided.
The pair comes in an attractive multi-colored design that is comfortable to wear. They are worth the price and have a light-weight bottom.
- Material Type: Mesh
- Lifestyle: Sports
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Color- Multi-color.
- The stylish mesh and light-weight bottom add value to the product.
- The traction allows you to run on various surfaces.
- It is incredibly comfortable to wear.
- The shoes are easy to clean and maintain. The dirt can be dusted using a cloth, no polish is required.
- No negative points observed.
11. ASICS GT-2000 6 Running Shoes – Good Heel Fit
This ASICS Men’s GT 2000 6 is a running shoe that comes with synthetic material and attractive design. This cushioned model has a great heel fit, which helps in a smooth transition, keeping you locked down on the platform. This shoe is ideal for those having bunions by reducing irritation while running.
- Material type- synthetic.
- Lifestyle: Sports
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- PHF heel counter uses layers of memory foam to keep the heel in place.
- It is available in – Stone Grey/Black/White and Everglade and Black.
- It is a light-weight running shoe.
- It is more cushioned and lively, making it capable of absorbing impact with every step.
- The forefoot is opened to accommodate bunions and reduce irritation.
- It has extra holes to make the feet feel cooler.
- Provides perfect support to the arch.
- The heel fit and better toe spring help with a smoother transition and keeping you locked down on the platform.
- No negative points observed.
12. Inov-8 Fastlift 400 Boa Shoe – The Best Weight-lifting Shoes
The Inov-8 Fastlift are the best shoes for all those gym enthusiasts who love weight-lifting and deadlifts. The BOA dial system ensures the best grip, stability, and flexibility for functional and plyometric training.
These light-weight, weightlifting shoes come with the perfect ankle stability that absorbs shock and prevents unwanted sprains and fractures due to the impact of the weights on your body.
- Material: Synthetic.
- Lifestyle: Sports
- Ideal for weight-lifting purposes.
- Closure type: Lace-Up.
- It is available in Grey/Black.
- The BOA dial system provides a custom fit.
- It provides maximum stability, grip, and forefoot flexibility.
- It is ideal for functional and plyometric training.
- The shoes are light-weight.
- The micro adjustability provides a perfect fit and holds the foot in place.
- It is an expensive pair of shoes.
13. Mizuno Wave Rider 21 Running Shoes – The Most Comfortable Shoes
Mizuno always has offered some great sportswear and footwear for running and training purposes. The Mizuno Wave Rider 21 is the running shoes for every athlete, especially because of its mesh material that provides a breathable, flexible, and comfortable fit. The sock liner provides extra arch support that makes it the most comfortable shoes to have.
- Material: Mesh.
- Lifestyle: Sports
- Lace-up style.
- Sock anatomical sock liner provides extra arch support and cushioning that adds to the comfort.
- It is available in five variants: Quiet shade/silver, Eclipse, Green slime- green gecko, Blue/Black, and Black.
- The fit in motion upper provides flexible support.
- It offers the right amount of cushioning. People having planter’s feet have also liked the cushioning.
- It is light-weight, making it great running shoes.
- Not ideal of power walking and running.
14. Fila RV Range Motorsports Training Shoes – Best Running and Training Shoes
Fila is a South Korean company that has gained immense popularity in the recent times in the field of athletic shoes. This Fila Men’s RV range Motorsports Multisport Training shoes are a durable and comfortable pair of shoes that are designed with energized technology for running and training purposes. This model is available in three variants for you to choose from.
- Material Type: Rubber
- Lifestyle: Casual
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- It has a Fila Hexo insole.
- It is designed perfectly with energized technology for running and training purposes.
- It is available in three variants- red/black/white, white/blue/red and black/white.
- The shoes have great quality and come in attractive colors.
- It is very comfortable.
- It is easy to clean and maintain with just a cloth.
- It offers an excellent fit of 100%.
- No negative points observed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How tight should a gym shoe fit?
The shoes should have a snug fit in the mid-foot and heel with space around the toes. Ensure that the shoes are not too tight by pressing around the toe and next to the ball of your foot using your thumb. It should have half or a full thumb’s width of space to ensure a good fit.
2. Which type of shoes is best for the gym?
The best type of shoes for the gym are running shoes and cross-trainers. On the other hand, for weight-lifting or powerlifting in the gym, weight-lifting shoes will serve the purpose.
3. Are training shoes suitable for the gym?
Training shoes are considered as the all-in-one gym shoes as they are versatile. The traction allows you to use it for any gym activity, including running, jump-rope, weight-lifting, etc. It supports a wide range of movements while the cushioning absorbs shock and ensures comfort.
4. Can we use non-marking shoes for gym?
Non-marking shoes are shoes with soles that do not scuff or mark the floor like badminton shoes, tennis shoes, and any other sports shoes. They can be used for the gym. However, they are much more suitable for games.
Conclusion
Gym shoes are designed specifically for every individual who loves fitness and sports. They are comfortable and stylish pairs of sneakers that add to your style, making you stand out among the crowd. These are a must-have for every gym enthusiast as they provide support, stability, and flexibility to prevent injuries.
There are a wide number of gym shoes for men that come under different types. This article aims at providing all the information regarding shoes for a gym workout, from its anatomy, types to the benefits and need. Go through this article to know everything about gym shoes!
Here, we come to the end of the article. We have provided a comprehensive guide for all the buyers to follow before making a purchase. The buyer’s guide will help you make the right decision!
The buyer’s guide is followed by the review of our top ten most recommended gym shoes for men. It offers some of the best choices for training, running, and weight-lifting purposes.
The Reebok Flexagon Energy Tr Training Shoes are undoubtedly our number one choice due to all its great specifications. This is followed by some other great shoe models from brands like Puma, Nike, Asics and Under Armour, to name just a few.
We have also provided the links to purchase them. We hope that this article helps!
