13 Best Workout Shoes For Women To Prevent Foot Pain – 2024
A comprehensive list of the right footwear for those who dare to walk the extra mile.
James Shapiro, MS, CES, PES, has operated in nearly every position in the fitness and strength and conditioning industry for nearly a decade. His clients range from stay-at-home moms to division-I athletes. He primarily services the Los Angeles area but also works with clients virtually and online across the country.
Read full bio of James Shapiro
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Exercise is the key to maintaining a healthy life. However, since daily workouts are strenuous, you can end up with terrible blisters or sore toenails with the wrong workout shoes. This is where the best workout shoes for women can help you maintain the right posture and get you into a serious workout mood every day. These workout gear are built with an adept balance of technology, support, and strength. Also, they provide stability for both the forward and lateral movements. So, replace your old pair of shoes with these ultra-comfortable and stylish gym shoes for women and upgrade your fitness game. In this article, we have listed the 13 best women’s gym trainers for you to test out that offer better stability and ankle support during workouts.
In This Article
What Do Workout Shoes Do?
Regular shoes are not equipped enough to handle the pressure of pumped-up movements and dynamic foot variations. This is where the best gym shoes for women come into action. Workout shoes are all-in-one gym gear and greatly contribute to your physical and personal transformation journey. These versatile shoes support varied activities, such as cutting, stopping, breaking, and changing direction. Usually, three main aspects are kept in mind while manufacturing women’s workout shoes with ankle support:
- Support: Gym pairs have secured lacing systems and strong upper constructions to offer stability throughout the workout sessions. Lateral movements are common when someone is involved in heavy weight training. Therefore, the best gym shoes for women are built with reinforcements around the footwork to keep everything in place.
- Cushion: Although a flat, semi-cushioned sole is great for almost all workout activities, aerobic exercises will require more bouncy bases. Appropriate cushioning offers proper grounding to the people wearing them.
- Outsole: Shoes with good traction fit are ideal for working out on any surface. They keep you from falling and support your posture. On the other hand, shoes with a snug fit offer solid grip even on tricky surfaces like rubbery gym floors and gritty roads.
After thorough research involving features, direct feedback, and reviews, we have listed the best workout shoes for women, which feature excellent cushioning and impart balance to your body. Scroll down to know more about them in detail.
13 Best Workout Shoes For Women To Prevent Foot Pain – 2024 Reviews With Buying Guide
Best For All-Day Support:New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
The New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergie V1 Sneaker provides all-day extended support. It features REVlite midsole, mesh, and 100% synthetic materials that feel light on your feet. The easy-to-wear bootie design hugs your feet in a supportive fit. This lightweight workout shoe built with an NB rubber memory sole provides a plush feel at every step, making it ideal for everyday wear. This product is available in 12 color options, which cater to your varied moods and complement your outfits.
Take a quick look at the video for an honest and in-depth review of the sneakers featuring the tester’s experience and some practical insights.
Key Specifications
- Material: 100% Synthetic
- Sole: Rubber Memory
- Comfortable wear
- Lightweight
- Slip-resistant
- Provides ankle support
- Breathable material
- Stylish
- Short-lived memory foam
- Difficult to clean
RememberOnly wear these shoes for running to prevent the cushioning from wearing out.
Best For Climbing:Joomra Women's Minimalist Trail Running Shoes
If you are looking for a workout shoe to train both inside and outside the gym, the Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Shoes are the best. They provide responsible support on all kinds of terrain. The specially designed rubber soles offer a unique grip on your feet during lateral movement and support climbing. These shoes feature circular lug patterns that offer the right grip, and the rubber outsoles provide the optimal balance of traction to your feet. These are great arch-support shoes with removable insoles that transfer your body weight over the balls of your feet. The thick topline wraps around your feet and prevents you from falling. In addition, the heel counter has a reflective strip that allows you to exercise comfortably even at night. These pronation control shoes are lighter than traditional shoes that fit your feet like a glove.
Key Specifications
- Material: NA
- Sole: Rubber
- Supports lateral movements
- Provides an optimal balance of traction
- Removable insoles
- Easy to clean
- Value for money
- Correct fit
- Comfortable grip
- Lightweight
- Not durable
Best True-To-Size:Brooks Womens Ghost 14
A runner needs a shoe that provides them with a smooth ride. The Brooks Womens Ghost 14 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic Shoe that aids a runner with constant support. It offers seamless transactions on tracks with the help of its simplified midsole construction. Midsole support is where most people lose a lot of connection with movement and having a layer to help create the transfer from early stance to late stance movement is important.”, says Sports Performance Coach and Personal Trainer, James Shapiro. The high-energizing BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning make the shoe ideal for running, cross-training, and gym activities. The cushioned shoes have an extended shelf-life and deliver a smoother and softer ride to your feet.
The in-built segmented crash pads enable smooth heel-to-toe transactions and embrace your steps. These shoes are equipped with 3D Pint Upper technology that offers the right structure to your feet and makes it a better fit for strategic usage.
To know more about the shoes, watch this detailed review including the tester’s experience with the product and some user insights here.
Key Specifications
- Material: NA
- Sole: Rubber
- Durable
- True to size
- Comfortable fit
- Provides the right structure
- Soft-cushioning
- Ideal for everyday runs
- Offers smooth transitions and landings
- Expensive
Stylecraze TriviaThe first pair of running shoes dates back to 1865; the rubber soles for comfort were first introduced in 1917.
New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker Best For All-Day Support | Joomra Women's Minimalist Trail Running Shoes Best For Climbing | Brooks Womens Ghost 14 Best True-To-Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 x 15 x 6 inches | 12.5 x 3.4 x 3.1 inches | 10 x 15 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 2 Pounds. | 15.2 Ounces | 2 Pounds. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | - | - |
| Price | $50.86 | $42.99 | $143.23 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Best For Neutral Support:ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes are built with the Impact Guidance System Technology to enhance the feet’s natural gait from heel to toe. They are made with synthetic and mesh that provide a soft platform feel and improved comfort. The midsoles, made of organic nanofibers, are equipped with Flytefoam Lyte technology to enable continuous cushioning. These shoes are built with a unique electro master compound that provides a bouncy effect, and the firmer foam prevents excessive foot roll, making them fit for overpronators. The evolved Duomax system makes the shoes lightweight with increased stability and platform support. The GEL technology provides your feet with impact absorption whenever you need the most.
Key Specifications
- Material: Synthetic and Mesh
- Sole: Rubber
- Lightweight
- Improve feet’s natural gait
- Provide impact absorption
- Prevent foot roll
- Soft platform feel
- Maximum cushioning
- True to size
- Expensive
Best For Dance Fitness:Ryka Women's Influence Cross Trainer
If you are into dance fitness, you need the Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Trainer. They are made with breathable mesh and faux leather overlays to fit women’s unique foot shapes. The padded heel offers dual-density cushioning, and the narrower heel structure provides your feet a snug fit. The N-gaze energy return foam helps retain its shape for longer. The ergonomically shaped rubber sole boosts the shoes’ durability, and the pivot points make it easy for the dancer to take random turns. The insides of the shoe are spaced, keeping in mind the concept of the roomier toe so that you can get enough space to adjust your feet. The anatomical insole offers extra arch and heel support, which are necessary for low-impact workouts and prevent accidental foot damage.
Watch this video of the reviewer’s experience on this cross trainer and decide whether you want to invest in it or not.
Key Specification
- Material: Mesh with faux leather
- Sole: Rubber
- Makes turn easy
- Provides arch and heel support
- Spacious
- Breathable material
- Lightweight
- Slip-resistant
- All-day comfort
- Secured fit
- Durable
None
Best Slip-Resistant Shoes:INZCOU Running Shoes
The INZCOU Running Shoes are made of high elastic, flying woven fabric that naturally expands to adjust to your moving feet and maximizes its breathability. The three-dimensional upper surface of the shoe is built with a densely woven net that wraps your ankle comfortably and prevents minor or major spangs. These shoes, sewed with slip-resistant and water-resistant MD sole, provide improved elasticity and keep your feet dry. The skin-friendly and soft shoe lining helps reduce foot friction and offers a comfy feel. The outer part of the shoe is covered with an anti-collision EVA toe cap that effectively protects your feet from injuries. The rubber outsole offers impact cushioning and abrasion-resistant performance. This stylish pair of shoes are optimized for the gym, sports, and other athletic activities.
Key Specifications
- Material: Polyester
- Sole: MD
- Breathable material
- Slip-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Keep the feet dry
- Abrasion-resistant
- Durable
- No stick soles
- Makes weird noises
- Not suitable for washing
- Not true to size
Best For Low-Impact Exercises:Nike Women's Flex Trainer 9 Sneaker
The Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 9 Sneakers are flexible and breathable alternatives to your regular sneakers. They are designed for low-impact exercises and circuit training. The synthetic heel straps add support and containment to the shoes. The midsole, made of durable foam, drastically reduces overall weight, and the tri-star outsole pattern expands and disperses pressure, rendering a comfy fit. The high-wear areas are stitched with rubbers that increase the shelf-life of the shoe.
Key Specifications
- Material: Mesh and Synthetic
- Sole: Rubber
- Breathable material
- Lightweight
- Disperses feet pressure
- Durable
- Comfortable to wear
- True to size
- Long tongue
- Tight lace holes
RememberAlways untie your laces and remove your shoes with your hands to keep them sturdy and in shape.
Best For Superior Traction:Adidas Women's Ultraboost 21 Running Shoes
The Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 21 Running Shoes are Made with 75% high-performance, prime blue yarn. They are specially designed for a smooth and energized ride. The sock-like fit of the shoes hugs your feet like a glove, and the lace closure provides a secured fit. To further enhance and tighten its fit, the shoes’ upper part is made of breathable and flexible Adidas Primeblue material. These shoes feature a stretch web outsole to promote an energized ride, and the continental rubber enhances superior traction. The textile lining and the S-curve heel add to the overall support of the shoes. The new Torsion System provides a 15% increase in forefoot bending stiffness, contributing to a responsive run.The boost midsole and supportive health counter improve the cushioning effect of the shoes. Reviewers online rave about how these shoes are the ideal blend of fashion and comfort.
Key Specifications
- Material: 100% Textile synthetic
- Sole: Rubber
- Secured fit
- Promote superior traction
- Breathable material
- No virgin polyester
- Soft material
- Lightweight
- Might develop watery blisters
- Difficult to wear
Best For Resilient Stretch:Reebok Women's Nano X Cross Trainer Running Shoes
The Reebok Women’s Nano X Cross Trainer Running Shoes are designed for functional fitness activities. The flex weave woven textile upper provides resilient stretch and support to the key performance areas of your feet. While the Eva compression molded midsole delivers a smoother stride and long-lasting cushioning, the rubber outsole improves the traction and durability of the shoes. The high-density foam collar improves the overall style and comfort of the shoes. In addition, the midfoot support cage makes the shoes very stable and supportive footwear.
Key Specifications
- Material: Flexweave Woven Textile
- Sole: Rubber
- Provide resilient stretch
- Lightweight cushioning
- Deliver smooth stride
- Improve traction
- Durable
- Provide balanced stability
- Perfect fit
- Too roomy in the front
Best For Wide Feet Women:Avia Avi-Verge Women’s Sneakers
The Avia Avi-Verge Women’s Sneakers are sturdy everyday trainers that provide ultimate comfort to your active feet. They are built with removable memory foams that promote personalized fits. These minimalist shoes hold the unique curves of your foot and reduce the risk of pain in the pressure points. They feature a compression-molded EVA midsole and anatomical heel cradle that offers exceptional shock absorption and improved cushioning. The thick rubber sole actively enhances the shoes’ durability and retains their quality for a long time. These lightweight exercise gears, made with synthetic leather, are available in neutral white and light pink shades. These shoes also offer a wide toe box region for extra space and comfort.
Key Specifications
- Material: Synthetic Leather
- Sole: Rubber
- Lightweight
- Personalized fits
- Improved cushioning
- Durable
- Available in wide feet sizes
- Slip-resistant soles
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
None
Best For Optimal Cushioning:Under Armour Women's Charged Aurora Cross Trainer
The Under Armour Women’s Charged Aurora Cross Trainer is built specifically with the streamlined fit. It features a lightweight, breathable upper that keeps your feet dry and cool during heavy exercise sessions. These shoes are attached with TPU films and raised print that keep your feet locked to the platform and protect them from the top. The charged midsole uses compression molded foam to provide optimal cushioning, whereas the full rubber outsole improves the durability and the multi-directional traction pattern.
Key Specifications
- Material: 100% Textile[[
- Sole: Rubber
- Keeps the feet cool
- Protects the feet from the top
- Provides optimal cushioning
- Durable
- Provides multi-directional traction pattern
- True to size
- Short shoe strings
Best Breathable Material:A-PIE Women's Socks Shoes Slip-On Sneakers
The A-Pie Women’s Socks Shoes Slip-On Sneakers are crafted with a healthy human body engineering and green concept design. The breathable mesh upper is easy to put on and provides lightweight support. The MD soles impart high elasticity and softness to your feet. The flexible outsole creates a lot of space for your foot movements. These easy-to-wear sneakers are ideal for both daily activities and intense training-related exercises.
Key Specifications
- Material: Mesh
- Sole: MD
- Easy to wear
- High elasticity
- Spacious
- Breathable material
- Keep the feet dry and cool
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Have a flat base
Best For Improved Blood Circulation:Kundork Store Women’s Gym Trainers
The Kundork Store Women’s Gym Trainer is made with a breathable and lightweight knitted mesh upper that helps keep your feet secure and comfortable throughout your workout sessions. The knitted upper and inner lining imparts better blood circulation and keeps your feet dry. These easy-to-wear shoes, built with softer foam cushions, have a low-top design. These trainers are attached with an adjustable slip-on closure, padded collar, and tongue, providing a secure, ankle-conforming fit. The versatile design prevents grinding the feet. The MD outsole perfectly matches the exterior groove design, which reduces impact and promotes adaptable movements. Reviews state that the pull-on design withstands all types of bending and twisting movements.
Key Specifications
- Material: Mesh
- Sole: MD
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Keep the feet dry
- Easy to wear
- Slip-resistant
- Comfortable
- Perfect fit
None
The market today is overwhelming with a wide variety of workout shoes for women. Choosing one that fits your size and provides you with the best support while exercising is difficult. Every exercise requires a workout shoe specific to it. For example, running shoes are not fit for intense cardio training. Therefore, go through the following section to learn what to consider while selecting a workout shoe for yourself.
How To Choose The Best Workout Shoes For Women
- Types Of Exercise:
- High-Intensity Interval Workouts (HIIT)– HIIT workouts include multi-directional movements, squats, jumps, and lunges. Therefore, invest in lightweight cross-trainers that provide lateral support to help stabilize your feet. Also, look for flexible shoes that allow natural foot flexion.
- Weightlifting And Strength Training– If you are a lifter, you must look for a shoe that delivers a firm grip on the ground. Pick shoes with high-density heels to achieve better ankle mobility. Also, check whether the shoes have hard and dense soles required to drive your force into the ground for powerful lifts. Do not opt for cushioned soles that tend to compress, making bad training and weightlifting shoes.
- Spinning– Usual cross-trainers are great cycling shoes, but you must ensure the trainers have rigid soles that aid you in spinning the pedals more efficiently. Softer soles will require you to push with more energy and ultimately pain your muscles.
- Dance-Based Workouts –Agility and sure-footedness are the primary needs of Zumba or any other dance exercise. Since these exercise routines include a lot of multi-directional footwork and spins, good shock absorption and a supportive heel counter are must-have features of good aerobics, dance, or Zumba shoes.
- Running –Running shoes are known for their speed and performance. So, look for a more structured shoe that propels you forward while providing solid cushioning to your forefoot and heel. Also, an excellent running shoe must prevent sprains on your Achilles tendons and shins.
- Foot Size: Measure the length and width of both feet and buy the shoe that matches your size. Sometimes, the size of one of your feet might differ from the other. So, be mindful of the pair you are going for. No shoe must be too tight on your foot.
- Body Weight: Body weight is an important factor to keep in mind while buying your workout shoes. The extra weight causes weight gain throughout the body, including your feet. The excess fat adds to the size of your feet. In such cases, opt for the best workout shoes for plus-size women.
- Arch Type: There are three arches – normal, high, and low. Dip your foot in water and step on cardboard to know your arch type. If you see most of your footprint, you have a low arch. You have a high arch, if the cardboard shows a little impression. So, buy your workout shoes based on your arch type.
Pro Tip: If you suffer from weak knees, putting on the best workout shoes for bad knees releases the pain and imparts extra support and cushioning. People with bony bumps at the base of their big toe can invest in the best workout shoes for bunions to avoid discomfort. If you still find it difficult to choose, consult your fitness instructor for expert perspective and shoe recommendations that will work best for you.
Infographic: How To Care For Your Workout Shoes
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your workout shoes are key to ensuring their longevity and performance. Enhance your shoe care routine with the valuable tips provided in the infographic below. Keep scrolling for a game-changing shoe care guide!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Exercising is essential, but having the right workout shoes to support your pumped-up sessions is top-tier. Our list of the best workout shoes for women will help you select the right pair to build your healthy body. Whether you are into daily running, dance sessions, or weight training, our article has footwear for all your needs. For example, the New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneakers come with a memory foam sole that contours to your feet with every move, the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes absorb impact and prevent foot roll for overpronators, and the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 21 Running Shoes provide superior traction. These shoes offer the right cushioning to your feet, provide a good balance, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. However, to ensure optimum support, it is important to know your foot’s measurements. Ill-fitting shoes can do more harm than good. So, wait no more. Get a pair of these stylish gears today, and achieve your fitness goals once and for all.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Aditi Naskar, has a diploma in health and wellness. She enjoys crafting educative content about fitness. She has listed the best workout shoes for women after carefully browsing reviews from fitness specialists worldwide. She has also included the main factors to consider while buying a new pair of workout shoes. The exercise shoes listed above are durable and provide the proper support to your feet during training or workout sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to have different shoes for different types of workouts?
Different shoes are designed for different kinds of exercise. Although cross-trainers are a close fit for all kinds of workouts, certain exercises such as weightlifting or intense cardio sessions require shoes with more stability that help you transfer your muscle force to the ground. Likewise, sprinting shoes differ slightly from regular trainers as they offer solid cushioning to your heels. At the same time, your dance workout shoes must not have tight grips to enable dynamic twists and turns.
Is it bad to work out without shoes?
Yes. Exercising barefoot can cause severe foot and ankle damage. Therefore, it is better to wear good-quality workout shoes to reduce the impact of your steps and support the foot from accidental, heavy landings.
What are the best shoes for gym workouts?
While training, shoes with a lower heel drop keep your feet closer to the ground. CrossFit shoes with high-density heels and dense soles are the best for gym workouts as they add stability to your body.
What are the best shoes for walking?
Whether walking for fitness or simply strolling, you need shoes that cushion around the heels to prevent fatigue. A good walking shoe must fit you perfectly and be made of breathable material to support your long walks.
Are running shoes good for workouts?
No. Working out in running shoes can increase the chances of injury. These shoes do not provide enough support and stability for lateral movements in gym exercises.
How often do you replace workout shoes?
It entirely depends on the frequency, type, and intensity of your workout. Usually, a workout shoe lasts for five to six months. After that, the cushioning wears off, and the quality of the shoe deteriorates. So, consider getting a new pair once you notice tears on your sole.
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