First of all, thank you for visiting this article. We respect your decision to be physically fit. Bad shoes can cause various foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or other foot conditions due to a lack of support. However, a good pair of shoes is really important when doing weight training and cardio exercises, so we’ve reviewed the best shoes for weight training and cardio, which will ensure your comfort, support, and style. Let’s get fit with good shoes.
What is Weight Training and Cardio?
Weight Training
- Purpose: The primary goal is to improve muscle strength, endurance, and size. It can also help increase bone density, boost metabolism, and improve overall body composition.
- Examples: Exercises such as squats, bench presses, deadlifts, bicep curls, and leg presses use free weights (e.g., dumbbells, barbells) or machines.
Cardio Exercise
- Purpose: The primary goal of cardio is to increase cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and lose or maintain weight.
- Examples: Running, cycling, swimming, walking, jumping rope, and aerobics.
Best Shoes for Weight Training
Our Top Picks
- Best Weightlifting Shoes Overall: Nike Savaleos
- Best Overall for Lifting: Adidas Powerlift 5 Weightlifting Shoes
- Best for Beginners: CloudPulse
- Best for Stability: Reebok Nano X4
- Reliable Trainer Shoes: Nike Metcon 9
Nike Savaleos
Pros:
-Great for moderate lifting
-Good for non-lifting exercises
-Lightweight for a lifter
-Secure lockdown
-Flexible forefoot
-Great grip
-Comfortable
-Excellent price
Cons:
-Not for heavy lifting
-Not for wide feet
-Lack of upper stability
-Medium heel height (15 mm) does not provide good support for squatting
Price: $126
Sizes: Men’s 5 to 15 -Women’s 6.5 to 16.5
Color: Black/Grey Fog/Laser Orange/White
Adidas Powerlift 5
Pros:
-Stable for moderate lifting
-Good for exercise
-Good grip
-Secure
-Reasonable price
-Durable materials
Cons:
-Limited breathability
-Upper is not very durable
The lightweight Adidas Powerlift 5 is great for beginners. This pair provides much greater stability and support during exercise. Its price is reasonable, and a set of laces and a midfoot strap work together to hold the foot in place. The 15 mm heel height is good for beginners.
Price: $117
Sizes: Men’s 4 to 16 – Women’s 5 to 17
Color: White/Black/Grey
On CloudPulse
Pros:
-Excellent impact protection for HIIT and cardio
-Responsive midsole for jumps and runs
-Great lateral support and stability
-Breathable
-Sustainable construction
-Perfect outsole grip
-Comfortable toe box
Cons:
-Not for heavy lifting (90 kg max)
-Forefoot not very flexible
-Not for rope climbing
Price: $139
Sizes: Women’s 5.5 to 15.5 / Men’s 4 to 14
Colors: Black, White, Orange, etc.
Reebok Nano X4
Pros:
-Great balance of cushioning and stability
-Supportive
-Secure
-Fully gusseted tongue
-Excellent breathability
-Lightweight
-Great grip on the gym floor
Cons:
-Not for heavy lifting
-Not for wide feet
-Not for cardio
Price: $139
Sizes: Women’s 5.5 to 15.5 / Men’s 4 to 14
Colors: Black, White, Orange, etc.
Nike Metcon 9
Pros:
-Excellent stability for weightlifting
-Durable
-Best for rope climbing
-Reliable control
-Comfortable
-Good grip on the gym floor
-Flexible
Cons:
-Heavier than average
-Not great for cardio or jumping rope
-Limited breathability
Price: $150
Size: Woman 5 to 15 – Men’s3.5 to 15
Color: black,white, gray, orange or 13 color
Best Shoes for Cardio
Our Top Picks
For Explosive Workouts: Nike Air Zoom TR 1
Best Price: APL Streamline
Most Comfortable: Hoka Bondi 8
For Stability: Adidas Supernova Rise
Best Bouncy: Novablast 3 Nagino
Nike Air Zoom TR 1
Pros:
-Reliable grip
-Durable toebox
-Good protection
-Excellent lateral stability
-Secure heel hold
Cons:
-Limited breathability
-Not for wide feet
-Not for heavy lifting
Price: $90
Sizes: Men’s 6 to 14
Colors: Black, Light Volt, Grey, Green, Light Bone, White, Blue
APL Streamline
Pros:
-Enjoyable ride
-Secure lockdown
-Breathable
-Grippy outsole
-Lightweight
Cons:
-Expensive ($300)
-Stiff upper
-Lacing system
Price: $300
Sizes: Women’s 5.5 to 11 – Men’s 6 to 13
Colors: White, Black, Grey, Pink
Hoka Bondi 8
Pros:
-Great comfort
-Smooth ride
-Responsive cushioning
-Excellent stability
-Breathable
-Soft, cloud-like feel
-Durable
Cons:
-Tight midfoot
-Narrow toe box
-Heavy
Like other Hoka shoes the Hoka Bondi 8 offers exceptional comfort. You can easily wear them all day without discomfort. Its superior EVA foam ensures full foot comfort. It is also very durable, so your investment will be worth it. Despite its slightly heavy weight, this pair provides excellent stability.
Price: $150
Sizes: Men’s 7 to 15 – Women’s 5 to 12
Colors: Over 20 options, including white, black
Adidas Supernova Rise
Pros:
-Excellent stability
-Ideal for heel strikers
-Smooth heel
-Comfortable upper
-Breathable
-Durable
Cons:
-No Continental rubber
-Lack of tongue gusset
-Limited energy return
Price: $100
Size: Men’s 6.5 to 13 – Women’s 5 to 9.5
Colors: White, Black, Grey, Green, Red, and more
Novablast 3 Nagino
Pros:
-Super bouncy
-Comfortable
-Breathable
-Lightweight
-Keeps feet safe
-Grippy outsole
-Durable
Cons:
-Best for narrow-to-medium feet
-Stack height is higher than advertised
Price: $119
Sizes: Men’s 7 to 15 – Women’s 5 to 12
Colors: White, Black, Red, Blue, Silver, etc.
Some Common Faqs
What shoes are best for weight training and cardio?
Although the shoes mentioned above are separated for weight training and cardio, they will still support both activities. However, if you want better shoes, we recommend Nike Metcon 8 or Lululemon Chargefeel.
Is it OK to lift weights in running shoes?
Running shoes are often not designed with the lateral support and stability needed for different types of gym training. This can increase the risk of ankle or other injuries.
How to choose weightlifting shoes?
Best shoes fo weight training and cadio women
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Jake Boly
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
Co-authors: 3
Updated: November 20, 2024
In This Article
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