Have you decided that you need to get serious about exercising? You may be thinking about what workout shoes you should wear to the gym or for cross training.

The following buying guide will assist you in finding a great pair of women’s workout shoes to satisfy your needs.

Best Gym Workout Shoes For Women

	PUMA Women's Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoes	Reebok Women's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Workout Shoes	Under Armour Women's Breathe Trainer X
Upper:	Leather/Synthetic	Synthetic Kevlar mesh	Synthetic Mesh
Sole:	Rubber	Synthetic	Rubber
Features:	Breathable EcoOrthoLite sockliner	Reinforced toe box provides strength for high intensity workouts	Lightweight synthetic mesh upper with elastic lacing system
Rating	4.4 / 5.0	4.5 / 5.0	4.2 / 5.0

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Women’s Workout Shoes For 2024

1. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoes
2. Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Workout Shoes
3. Under Armour Women’s Breathe Trainer X
4. Skechers Women’s Air Infinity Athletic Sports Workout Sneakers
5. NOBULL Women’s Training and Workout Shoes
6. ASICS Women’s GEL Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoes
7. Nike Women’s Zoom Fit Training Shoes

Reviews of Women’s Workout Shoes

The seven pairs of Women’s workout shoes here are all ideal for you to use in the gym, for your dance exercise routine, or for cross training.

They may also be perfect if you need a comfortable pair of shoes to support you during long hours of standing or walking.

#1 PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoes

PUMA is one of the most instantly recognized brand names in the sporting world, fusing fashion, lifestyle and sport into unique sporting footwear with innovative designs.

PUMA Woman’s Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoes are a great looking, affordable addition to their successful range of women’s training shoes.

The Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoes feature a really durable leather and synthetic upper. The leather side panels and toe area are perforated to better ventilate your foot.

The padded collar and tongue make these shoes snug and comfy to wear when laced. Inside PUMA Woman’s Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoes you’ll find a high-rebound EcoOrthoLite sockliner.

This not only helps your feet stay comfy, but it transforms energy from the shock of impact into forward motion.

The EcoOrthoLite sockliner is also super environmentally friendly, with 20% of the polyol used to manufacture the foam coming from eco-friendly castor beans rather than petroleum.

The midsole of the PUMA Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoe is made using cushioned foam with a thermoplastic urethane shank to stiffen the middle portion of the shoe. The shank makes these the best exercise shoes for women if you enjoy running.

Their rubber soles together with the hexagonal groves under your forefoot give PUMA Woman’s Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoes great traction on many different floor surfaces

If you aim to include running as a major part of your multiple discipline exercise routine, then PUMA’s Tazon 6  Shoes would be great shoes for you.

#2 Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Workout Shoes

The team that designed, developed, tested, and marketed Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano Training Shoes are for all CrossFit athletes. That means that when you put on these training shoes, you can be confident that they will be both practical and comfortable to wear while performing a wide range of exercises.

The upper of Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano Training Shoes is constructed using durable DuPont™ Kevlar®-infused polyester for ultimate lightweight support and protection. Compared on an equal weight basis, Kevlar® is stronger than steel wire, so you can be assured that these shoes are tough.

Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano Training Shoes boast an anatomical design utilizing a broad toebox and a contoured heel for a secure and natural fit.

The wide toebox allows your toes to extend to provide superior support to your body during jumps or lifts and so improves stability and power. The well designed footbed provides excellent support for your arches.

The compression-molded ethyl vinyl acetate midsole of Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 5.0 Training Shoes provides cushioning and shock absorption.

A surrounding hard NanoShell thermoplastic polyurethane film supports the foot through lateral and medial movements, yet provides flexibility of movement and soft contact for your foot.

The rubber outsole on the base of Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Training Shoes is divided into zones with groves especially designed for the movements associated with CrossFit training. The raised lug patterns provide optimum traction.

However, be aware that Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano Training Shoes are not ideal shoes for running. Some of the design features that make them wonderfully supportive for cross training make them less suitable for running. Overall, I would say the Reebok Nano’s are the best workout shoes for Women.

#3 Under Armour Women’s Breathe Trainer X

The Under Armour Breathe Trainer X for women does just what it sounds like… it breathes. The upper is designed of synthetic mesh while an elastic lacing system hugs your foot down for excellent lockdown.

It’ll feel like slipping on a sock as you get into these trainers. They are designed with a soft and stretchy interior that wears more like a bootie than a shoe. This comfortable fit is mirrored in the heel counter that’s designed for both stability and support.

The durable rubber outsole of these breathable, lightweight Under Armour workout shoes is designed to provide all the grip you need without slowing you down.

If you are looking for a responsive shoe that will allow you to move quickly in any direction possible, whether for CrossFit or Zumba or your own blend of workout, this Under Armour trainer is for you.

Under Armour is well known for offering the best shoes and fitness apparel for those who live at the gym, whether their gym is across town or at home. You can’t go wrong with these workout shoes.

#4 Skechers Women’s Air Infinity Athletic Sports Workout Sneakers

Skechers Women’s Air Infinity Athletic Sports Training Sneakers are super lightweight. The uppers are made from a single layer of soft Skech Mesh material upper divided into loose weave panels for ventilation and tight weave panels for added stability.

A synthetic leather overlay along the lace panel on Skechers Women’s Air Infinity Athletic Sports Training Sneakers increases durability there.

A fabric stripe overlay on the heel adds to stability and durability while a fabric tab makes it easier for you to slip these on or take them off. The collar and tongue are both padded to increase comfort and provide a snug fit.

Inside Skechers Women’s Air Infinity Athletic Sports Training Sneakers you find a soft fabric shoe lining. The insole is constructed using gel infused memory foam to increase your comfort when you wear them.

Skechers Women’s Air Infinity Athletic Sports Training Sneakers feature a lightweight Sketch-Air shock absorbing midsole. The extra protection of an air cushion in the heel is easily viewed through a translucent panel. The flexible rubber outsole offers great traction.

Skechers Women’s Air Infinity Athletic Sports Training Sneakers are really popular with ladies who enjoy crossfit training and walking. They are athletic looking, super comfy, and the best Women’s workout shoes for the money.

#5 NOBULL Women’s Training and Workout Shoes

As you’d expect from NOBULL, these training and gym shoes are ideal for a range of exercise activities, from Zumba to weight training.

The fashionable looking upper of NOBULL is constructed from a single layer of mesh that is light and breathable. Forefoot Flywire cables work together with the laces to provide a snug fit.

The toe box is protected by a SuperFabric guard plate to increase durability, and another overlay at the heel affords lateral support.

The insole inside the NOBULL shoes is removable for airing and in case you wish to insert your own orthopedic insole for a specific medical purpose.

There are carbon fiber lateral and medial guards for added protection and durability, ideal for women’s workout shoes.

The rubber outsole on the bottom of NOBULL gym trainers provides durability in high-wear areas. The hexagonal patterns molded into the outsole deliver multidirectional flexibility and good traction on slippery surfaces.

The NOBULL shoes are super lightweight and comfortable, providing you with a very affordable and flexible solution to your needs.

#6 ASICS Women’s GEL Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoes

The founder of ASICS had a goal of helping customers achieve a healthy mind and a healthy body. ASICS Women’s Gel Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoes are inspired by his original vision.

ASICS Women’s Gel Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoes are super lightweight, weighing a mere 5.6 oz. To a great extent, this is due to the breathable, synthetic upper. The seamless construction of the upper minimizes irritation and chaffing caused by the stitches and seams on rival pairs of women’s training shoes.

The padded tongue and collar of ASICS Women’s Gel Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoes ensure a snug and comfortable fit. Once tied, the laces insure that your shoes won’t slip and will give you the support you need. The insole is removable, meaning that you’ll have no problems inserting an orthopedic insole, should you need one.

Designed for high impact training, ASICS Women’s Gel Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoes feature the Rearfoot GEL R Cushioning System and strategically positioned outsole pods to provide better shock reduction and traction.

Rearfoot GEL R Technology Cusioning System reduces the shock on your feet during the impact phase of your stride and so facilitates a smoother transition to mid-stance.

ASICS Women’s Gel Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoes are great for cardio training, cycling, and Zumba. However, they were not really designed for extensive running.

#7 Nike Women’s Zoom Fit Training Shoes

Nike Women’s Zoom Fit Training Shoes are just the kind of high quality women’s training shoes you’d expect from Nike. They are great for energetic exercise routines, like cross training or Zumba dance programs.

The sandwich mesh upper of Nike Women’s Zoom Fit Training Shoes is light and breathable. The perforated tongue contributes to the ventilation and lightweight design.

The Nike proprietary Zoom cushioning insole of Nike Women’s Zoom Fit Training Shoes creates a comfy footbed, which provides lightweight cushioning.

Basically, the whole design is focused on making these shoes as light as possible so that you can zoom around while you follow your energetic exercise routine.

The rubber outsole of Nike Women’s Zoom Fit Training Shoes is durable and provides great traction. The hexagonal patterns and flexible grooves on the outsole give you a natural feel and prevents you from sliding on slippery floors.

These Nike gym shoes are comfortable and really lightweight. Just what you want in a pair of women’s workout shoes.

Women’s Workout Shoes Comparison

How to Choose the Best Pair of Women’s Gym Workout Shoes

Why Wear Women’s Specific Workout Shoes

If the way you use your feet is important to successful completion of your chosen exercise routine, then you should wear shoes that help you to achieve your goals.

If you have to lift free weights, you want to feel secure in the knowledge that your feet won’t slip at the wrong moment. If you need to run, you want to know that your shoes will give you the support and cushioning you require.

Women’s workout shoes are those designed specifically for ladies to wear and enjoy the maximum protection and comfort level possible when exercising. Men and women’s feet are anatomically different. They’re not just different sizes, they also have a different ratio of foot size to height and facilitate a different walking gait.

The better women’s workout shoe manufacturers make workout shoes using different designs for men and women. Make sure that what you plan to put on your feet was designed especially with you in mind, not made for a small man.

If you wear women’s workout shoes that really fit your feet and make you feel comfortable, then this will help prevent injuries, like calluses and blisters. The best women’s workout shoes offer adequate shock absorption while remaining lightweight so that you don’t feel like you’re carrying around extra weights on your feet.

If your work means that you have to remain on your feet for long hours, and maybe walk around a lot, then you might find women’s workout shoes are actually better for your health and comfort than your regular work shoes.

Considerations for Women’s Workout Shoes

Women’s workout shoes are all composed of the same four parts:

• Upper
• Insole
• Midsole
• Outsole

The upper might be synthetic or leather. Various kinds of mesh are common in women’s workout shoes. A well designed shoe will have an upper that is breathable enough to keep your feet cool during exercises so that they don’t sweat too much and become uncomfortable.

Synthetic materials can be lighter than leather, so less tiring to wear. Mesh offers better ventilation than leather, so feet stay cooler for longer. For this reason, you’ll find that many women’s workout shoes feature mesh uppers.

Leather, on the other hand, is usually more durable than mesh. It’s also more water resistant. If you aim to include any cross country running in your exercise routine, then you might prefer your workout shoe upper to be made from leather.

Laces usually work best as a fastening mechanism in women’s workout shoes. It helps you achieve a snug fit for comfort. Lining inside your shoes will make them comfier to wear. A snug but not too tight fit is especially important to prevent calluses and blisters. A good fit may even help prevent you miss-stepping and falling.

You’ll find that the insole is very important. The best insoles in women’s workout shoes provide good support throughout the whole movement of your foot during your exercises. They also cushion your foot against the shock of impact when you’re running or jumping.

There are many proprietary footbeds that claim to offer great benefits for your feet. If your podiatrist has prescribed you an orthopedic insole, make sure that the women’s workout shoes you buy have removable insoles.

Most of the protection from the shock of impact that women’s workout shoes provide to your feet is found in the midsole. Sports shoe manufacturers have spent years researching and developing better midsoles to achieve the healthiest and most comfortable shoes possible.

The protective cushioning inside the midsole of women’s workout shoes may be provided by foam, air, or gel. The best shoes have mechanisms that transform the shock of impact into forward motion.

Some also have a shank which stiffens your shoes under the arches in order to ensure that your feet flex in the most ergonomically efficient way during running.

Most women’s workout shoes use a combination of well-designed grooves and good quality rubber to achieve the necessary grip and traction during your workouts. Outsoles also need the flexibility to allow freedom of natural movement when your foot is involved in your exercises.

Some grooves and additional structures on outsoles are provided for specific uses making those shoes better for certain kinds of exercise.

Note that manufacturers have very specific goals when designing each pair of women’s workout shoes. You need to think about what you most intend to do with your shoes before you buy them and then choose a pair best suited to that purpose.

Foot Type

First off, it’s essential that you know the “type” of feet you have. There are supinators, pronators, and those with neutral types of feet. Let’s take a look at each one so you can better determine yours.

Supinators

You may also hear this type referred to as “underpronators”. What this means is that you’ll probably have high arches and will step and roll in an outward motion. You’ll want to look for extra-cushy shoes which can absorb shock well, and that come with soft midsoles and a lot of flex.

Pronators

These are essentially the opposite of supinators, with either very low arches or flat feet, with feet that roll inward as you walk. The shoes you need will feature motion control or be made to stabilize you. Look for a pair with dense material, that doesn’t bend easily except for around the toe area.

Neutral

This one lies somewhere in the middle of the previous two, providing you with a “normal” gait where your weight is evenly distributed over your foot. These are typically the easiest type of gait to buy for, but it’s not a rule. You’ll want to find a shoe which offers both cushion and stability.

Shoe Width

Most of us only refer to the length of the shoe when we’re picking out sizes, but it’s just as important to consider the width of the shoe. This goes double if you have wider or thinner feet than the “norm”.

Having shoes that are too tight can cause your feet to lose circulation and start to tingle or fall asleep, which is very unhealthy and dangerous. Having shoes that are too wide are going to make it harder to stay stable, letting your feet slide around inside the shoe.

If you’re unsure if you should go to a W or not, refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart.

FAQs About Gym Shoes

Q: How do I extend the life of my shoes?

A: Make sure you’re always undoing the laces of your shoes before putting them on, rather than stretching them. Regularly cleaning them, as well, can help ensure they last longer. Using a dry brush to remove any dirt and grime from the outside, and cleaning them with a mild cleaning solution of warm water and a bit of laundry detergent with have them like new.

Q: Does the surface you are working out on affect how long they last?

A: Definitely! If you’re going to be road running, they’re going to break down faster than if you’re just lifting weights on a gym floor. Keep in mind that the weight of the wearer is also going to affect how long they last.

Q: Is it normal to have your arches in pain after working out?

A: No, it’s not. You should check with your doctor first, as there’s a chance you have post-tibial tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. Getting a supportive shoe can greatly in healing plantar fascia, as well as properly stretching and massaging.

Q: What is EVA?

A: EVA stands for “ethylene vinyl acetate”, which is a polymer with little bubbles trapped inside the foam. This makes it much more lightweight than the rubber alternative, also providing better shock absorption and cushion! The downside to EVA, is that it can lose some of its rebound, becoming compressed after a while.

Q: Can I wear running shoes to the gym?

A: Running shoes are designed with much more cushion than workout shoes. This is because runners are constantly striking the ground with a lot of force and that cushion is needed to lessen the impact of each strike on the foot and joints. The cushion also helps to prevent chronic injuries that are caused by long-distance running.

Workout shoes and cross-training shoes are designed to be worn during many types of activities and not just running. Usually, the soles are strong enough to handle the added weight during weight lifting and the uppers are flexible but strong enough so you can quickly change directions as you run. They can also be used during dance routines such a Zumba because they are made to be more responsive than running shoes.

Q: Can I wear my workout shoes to go for a run?

A: Like we mentioned above, running shoes and training shoes are made very differently. Your workout shoes will not provide enough cushion for long runs so it’s best if you have a pair of women’s running shoes for those days you will be running. Save your workout shoes for the gym!

Tips For Choosing Gym Shoes

#1: Make sure every year or so you get a foot examination from a medical professional.
The reason why, aside from just general health, is because your feet can actually change as an adult! This will ensure you always have the most appropriate pair of shoes for you.

#2: You shouldn’t need to “break in” your shoes.
This is a common myth and can lead to even more discomfort in the long run. Your shoes should feel comfortable right away.

#3: Leave some space between the end of your longest toe, and the end of the shoe.
The space should be around 3/8” wide, or about the width of your thumb. Make sure that no part of the shoe is too tight and that there’s enough width and volume to comfortably and snugly fit your feet.

#4: Make sure to replace your shoes when necessary.
This doesn’t mean wait until they have holes in them or are falling apart! Many people wait until they absolutely cannot be worn any longer, and this isn’t the right way to go about it. Instead, you should be replacing them every 350-400 miles of use. That means, the more you run, the quicker you’ll have to replace them.

Conclusion

One of the reviewed pairs of women’s workout shoes should be perfect for your feet and the particular range of exercises you want to use them for. You are unique, and so are your feet.

Ensure that whichever shoes you buy are designed for the kind of purpose you intend to use them for. And make sure that they fit you properly. Too tight and you’ll chafe. Too loose and you’ll rub and may slip.

Your women’s workout shoes are an investment. Make sure that you get good value for your money. Check out the seven recommendations above and see if any of them suit your specific needs.

If not, hopefully reading about the features of each shoe will familiarize you with the terminology and what you need to look for in a good pair of shoes.

Remember. You exercise to improve your health, not damage your feet. Invest wisely in a good quality pair of women’s workout shoes.

How We Researched

To come up with the top women’s workout shoes, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources

I hope this guide was helpful for finding a good pair of women’s workout shoes to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a pair of shoes I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.