The 9 Best Nike Workout Shoes for Every Activity
Olivia Cigliano
Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Take a gander around your gym, and odds are that you’ll see a smattering of Swooshes. Nike is renowned for creating some of the best workout shoes across the spectrum of exercises, with signature innovative technology that springs amateur and professional athletes far beyond their fitness goals. Nike offers an abundance of training shoe styles specially designed for different types of exercise, foot types, and style preferences.
Ever since the brand’s founding in 1964, Nike has been a leader in boundary-pushing performance footwear. Bill Bowerman, a track and field coach at the University of Oregon who would optimize the shoes of his athletes, launched the brand to create footwear that developed new ideas, such as traction waffle outsoles and racing shoes equipped with air units. In the decades since, Nike’s performance technology has been woven into iconic shoes with countless iterations, and many are specialized for running, weightlifting, HIIT training, and much more. But the Swoosh isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
“We always listen to the voice of the athlete, and it was our founder, Phil Knight, who gave us that,” John Hoke, Nike chief innovation officer, told Footwear News. “But that’s no longer enough. We now have far more tools to go much deeper,” he said, referencing Nike’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology and algorithms that better steer sneaker innovations for athletes’ key needs and optimal performance.
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All Nike gym shoes go big on cushioned comfort, often doubling up on Air Zoom units, ZoomX foam, or the brand’s newest and most lightweight ReactX technology for ultra-responsive strides, shock absorption, and efficient energy return. Aside from cardio or cross-training, Nike Metcon shoes are among the best-ever weightlifting shoes on the market, boasting comfortable cushioning and low-sitting midsoles while remaining flexible with grippy traction and a wide heel to support several types of intense workouts. And, overall, you’ll find many Nike workout shoes feature Flyknit material in the upper, which supports interior air circulation and a lightweight experience.
Choosing the right type of workout shoe is essential. The correct model will elevate your capabilities and help you grow in strength and agility, while the wrong pair may cause discomfort or injury. Some workouts require extra cushioning to absorb harsh impact on the joints, while others should prioritize secure stability to support proper form. We tapped foot health and athletic experts for invaluable insight and conducted thorough research across the Nike universe to compile this comprehensive guide to the best Nike shoes for your preferred workout.
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Nike Workout Shoes of 2024
In this guide, Footwear News Shop editors carefully assessed Nike’s range of gym shoes, including models for cross-training, weightlifting, running or racing, machine cardio, trail running, and everything in between. We hand-picked shoes with Nike’s most up-to-date performance technology and athlete-focused features, along with universally comfortable fits for different foot types and conditions.
Nike’s wide sneaker selection will never steer you wrong in your search for high-tech performance footwear. Since there are so many options suited for specific types of workouts and activity needs, it’s impossible to choose just one best recommendation. For this reason, we’re highlighting the top three, exemplary Nike workout shoes of 2024 to help guide your selection. We chose the below standouts based on essential criteria, such as essential comfort, flexible support, resistant durability, and innovative energy efficiency that will propel you to reach new PRs with ease.
- Nike Vaporfly 3 Shoes: Perhaps the crown jewel of Nike’s entire athletic shoe range is the Vaporfly 3. It’s won marathons, broken records, and launched everyday athletes to their personal finish lines. The magic lies in its full-length carbon-plate and plush ZoomX foam cushioning, which work as a launchpad for explosive movements, be it HIIT cardio or cross-training.
- Nike Pegasus 41 Shoes: The Pegasus running shoe range is one of Nike’s most beloved running franchises to date, and continues to improve in the new Pegasus 41. It bodes well as a comfortable Nike walking shoe, cardio trainer, or all-around fitness footwear, thanks to doubled-up underfoot cushioning from dual Air Zoom units and new ReactX foam. It keeps your strides smooth without feeling too bold and bulky, making for a sleek and versatile Nike sneaker for practically all activities.
- Nike Metcon 9 Shoes: Any seasoned weightlifter knows that there’s no shoe that compares with the Nike Metcon. This upgraded model takes the cult-favorite a step further with a wider Hyperlift plate for a more balanced stance, additional cushioning zones, and increased durability. As lightweight as they feel on the foot, consider this shoe the heavy-weight champion of Nike workout shoes — these babies can withstand a lift of up to 555 pounds.
Colorways available: Black, orange, white and red, yellow, white, white and pink, white, and orange
Special features: ZoomX foam, carbon plate
Check out more top super shoes of the year here.
What testers say: “Instant 5 stars! These shoes are great — they are light, comfortable, and stylish. They are perfect for speed training days and races. The lightweight feel of the shoe makes you feel springy and results in a quicker turnover in your stride. While they are not meant for everyday training runs, I would recommend these shoes to anyone who is looking to increase their speed.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Colorways available: White, black, beige, yellow blue, navy, and more
Special features: Underfoot cushioning, Nike React technology, Zoom Air units, mesh upper, midfoot strap, toe flex groove
What testers say: “I have had at least 5 pairs of the Pegasus models dating back about 10 years, and have never had a pair that let me down. These are no exception. I bought them for marathon training after trying a plusher shoe (Nike Invincible 3) and realizing I needed something a bit more responsive. I have almost 100 miles on these shoes including sprinting/walking workouts, tempo runs, recovery/base runs, and long runs of up to 11 miles (so far). I also wear them while lifting weights. Based on the wear so far, I expect them to last approximately 400 miles. This is a great shoe for your all-around training and another great edition of the Pegasus family.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Colorways available: Black, white, gray, yellow, red, pink, and more
Special features: Lightweight mesh upper, Nike React foam, rubber arch wrap, rubber tread, wide and flat heel, sole grooves
What testers say: “Super cushioned and stable shoe. I had the Metcon 4 and going to the 9 is like night and day. A very high-quality product. It’s designed well and has great color options.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Colorways available: White, black, gray, blue, red, green, yellow, and more
Special features: Flyknit uppers, ReactX cushioning, waffle outsoles
What testers say: I work out five times a week. I have foot conditions so I need arch support cushioning for running and explosive activity. These sneakers are the best all the way around. I will definitely buy another pair.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Colorways available: Blue, yellow, green, red, purple, orange, gray, white, black, and more
Special features: Mesh upper, Huarache-inspired strap, rubber sidewall, Nike Free forefoot, wide heel, rubber tread
What testers say: “Excellent shoes! Lightweight. Perfect fit — exactly what I needed. No need to untie the shoes, they slip on and off easily. The beautiful blue color gets plenty of compliments.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Colorways available: Green, white, black, pink, off-white, and black
Special features: Waterproof upper, ankle gaiter, ReactX foam, Nike Trail ATC outsole
What testers say: “First of all, I love Nike Pegasus shoes! They are super comfy and to have a Pegasus trail shoe is *chefs kiss*. This shoes is great all around! Comfort is great, traction is great, everything about this shoe is great. 10/10 recommend this trail shoe.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
Colorways available: White and blue, green, black and white, black, gray, orange, and more
Special features: Full-length Zoom Air Unit
What testers say: “These shoes are great. They fit perfectly, look great, and are awesome for working out. These grip the ground nicely. They are breathable and flexible. The material is cool too. I really like these.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $77.97
Colorways available: White and orange, orange, white and yellow, gray, and black
Special features: Air cushioning, foam collar pads, rubber wraps
What testers say: “These are so comfortable and look great! Great price too.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $95
Colorways available: White and green, gray, and black
Special features: Abrasion-resistant mesh uppers, Nike Flex sole, midfoot strap
What testers say: “Great training shoe. Looks good and is very lightweight in my opinion. Great for stationary, weights, or any other polymeric workout.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $52.97
The Best Nike Shoes for Different Types of Workouts
- Best Nike shoes for HIIT and cross-training workouts: Cross-training shoes have to be good at more than one thing. They should help reduce the impact on feet but be flexible enough for you to execute more explosive movements. Nike’s Metcon shoe series delivers a range of support for bouncy launches, secure stability, and lightweight cushioning.
- Best Nike shoes for treadmill workouts: Treadmill shoes should offer plush cushioning, breathability, shock absorption, and rocker heels for smooth transitions and arch support. Whether you prefer to run, sprint, or walk at a steady incline, the Infinity RN 4 sneaker offers just that and more. Other great Nike options for treadmill cardio include the Vaporfly 3 and Pegasus 41 shoes.
- Best Nike shoes for weightlifting: Workout shoes for weightlifting require a low, tight grip to the ground to encourage balance and stability in a variety of intense movements. “You want to stay connected to the ground for the best kind of movement,” says strength expert Chris Duffin. “With some weightlifting shoes, you might want to have a bit of an elevated heel to allow for more range of motion.”
- Best Nike shoes for running: Avid runners should look for shoes with some room in the toe box and a level of support that you feel comfortable running in. There’s an abundant selection of Nike running shoes to choose from, with best-sellers from the Nike Air family for bouncy rebounds and soft cushioning.
- Best Nike shoes for trail running: Trail running shoes need to support your feet and movement as you subject them to varied surfaces. The best pairs should include extra underfoot cushioning to absorb shock, protective features like rock plates, hard plastic or carbon fiber layers to prevent injury, and stabilizing components to limit foot over-rotation. Nike’s Gore-Tex-enhanced shoes are ideal for nature runs because they offer waterproof durability and added traction so you don’t have to sweat where you step.
The Best Nike Workout Shoes for Different Foot Types and Conditions
- Best Nike workout shoes for flat feet: Those with flat feet will benefit from a workout shoe that features motion control and durability. Podiatrist Mark Mendeszoon advises to “seek shoes with wider bases so your feet don’t get crushed as you move.”
- Best Nike workout shoes for wide feet: Workout shoes for wide feet should have a fit that is snug but not constricting. There should be a gap of 3/8 inches between your longest toe and the front of the shoe for mobility and comfort.
- Best Nike workout shoes for high arches: No matter your activity preference, workout shoes for high arches should have insole cushioning and arch support. The best shoes for high arches should also have a spacious toe box and substantial heel-toe drop to prevent residual pain after exercise.
- Best Nike workout shoes for bunions: Look for workout shoes with plenty of support and stability for feet with bunions. You’ll also want to prioritize styles with adjustable sizing, stretchy materials, and a wide fit, particularly in the forefoot area.
- Best Nike workout shoes for plantar fasciitis: If you experience plantar fasciitis, it’s important to select comfortable arch support shoes. Workout shoes with shock absorption and a high heel stack will best support your feet throughout each movement.
The Difference Between Nike Running Shoes and Nike Workout Shoes
The best Nike workout shoes for you depend entirely on your activity levels, foot support needs, and overall comfort preferences. Luckily, the Swoosh offers plenty of options to suit your stride. Several Nike running shoe models make for exceptional workout shoes, too, and are especially beneficial if you engage in cardio exercise. The best Nike running shoes for workouts will feature technology such as soft and responsive ReactX, Zoom Air, or Air Max cushioning, along with breathable uppers and a flexible structure, like the Nike Vaporfly 3, Pegasus 41, or Infinity RN 4 shoes.
However, the best Nike workout shoes for specific activities like cross-training and weightlifting differ in key elements. For one, these Nike workout shoes should have a wide, flat heel to support healthy weight distribution, low-to-the-ground grip, and overall balance, which you can find in the Nike Metcon 9, Free Metcon 6, and Air Max Alpha Trainer 6 shoes. Additionally, a firmer, more structured shoe will aid in essential stability. Nike workout shoes, rather than running shoes, offer a more snug fit while still feeling flexible for fluid mobility.
How We Chose the Best Nike Workout Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
In order to curate the best Nike workout shoes, the team at Footwear News analyzed several different styles, newly released models, innovative technology, and a range of design features across Nike’s athletic shoe selections. We utilized expert interviews in order to determine the most effective and supportive workout shoes based on a variety of factors including foot types and conditions, differing exercises, and specialized support. Selections in this Nike workout shoe shopping guide reflect thorough sneaker market research, as well as comparisons of customer reviews for the purpose of recommending the most popular and satisfying footwear. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Mark Mendeszoon is a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon. He extended medical insight in this article to determine the most supportive Nike sneakers for various foot types and conditions. He is currently based in Ohio.
Chris Duffin is a coach, author, and fitness educator. He provided information in the article surrounding the best Nike shoes for strength training. He is currently based in Oregon.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide to the best Nike workout shoes in September 2024 with updated sneaker models and additional insight into Nike’s recent sneaker innovations.
