These Are The Best Workout Shoes For Women
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Whether you're looking to procure workout shoes for yourself, a partner, or a BFF, there's a few things to keep in mind about the female-marketed sneaker. Not all shoes offer the same support, stability, or technology, so bear in mind what type of workouts your desired wearer will be performing.
According to Glamour, athletes require different footwear for running, biking, hiking, and even training in order to prevent injuries and reap the desired benefits. Podiatrist Chanel Perkins explains, "The force you exert throughout your feet for plyometric exercises, such as hopping or jumping, is a very different type of force exerted with more isometric exercises such as lunges or squats." And using the wrong type of workout shoe could render an ugly result, such as heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
Skip those nasty tootsie side effects, and put your feet first with our list of the best workout shoes for every occasion.
Best running shoes for women
Running and jogging are popular workouts for a reason! According to Better Health, running for women helps to build strong bones, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight. However, before you pick up a pair of running shoes, there's a few factors to consider, such as terrain, foot shape, and knee health. According to physical therapist Leada Malek, the best running shoes should be "structured for linear, heel-to-toe movement" (via Glamour).
For our flat-footed friends, The Strategist recommends checking out Nike Free TRS, listed at $100. According to co-founder of Trooper Fitness, Jen Romanelli, these shoes "force ankle stability and strengthen my foot," which she claims is more important than arch support when it comes to "cardio-intensive activities." An option for runners with knee trouble is the Asics Gel Kayano 26, retailing at $160. Well + Good beauty and fitness editor Zoë Weiner told The Strategist that these gliders offer "just the right amount of cushioning and help relieve some of the pounding on my knees when I'm logging a lot of miles."
Finally, for runners looking to hit the outdoor trails, yoga teacher and author Shona Vertue swears by ON Cloudventure Trail-Running Shoes, priced at $150 (via The Strategist). The lightweight sneakers won't weigh you down during a long-distance jog, and their "Missiongrip" outsoles have the traction to keep you rooted on even the most unstable terrain.
Best cardio workout shoes for women
A great multipurpose shoe that will keep you protected and looking stylish throughout your dance cardio class all the way to interval training is the Reebok Nano X1 Les Mills, listed at $130. According to Glamour, these sneakers offer a "flat sole for multidirectional movement, mesh upper for a cooling feel, and a flexible, responsive outsole that's ideal for high-intensity interval training."
If you're specifically fond of cycling, look no further than the Tiem Slipstream Cycle Sneaker, listed at $130. Beauty and fitness editor Zoë Weiner is a huge fan of these shoes due to their streetwear capabilities. "Investing in spin shoes always felt like a huge waste of money, because you can't actually wear them on the street." But with the Tiem Slipstream, Weiner found she can "hop straight from the street onto the spin bike without having to change your shoes" (via The Strategist).
Finally, if you prefer to maintain your figure with HIIT, check out the Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 for just $140. Certified personal trainer Denajha Phillips swears by these laceless sneakers. In an interview with The Strategist, Phillips stated when it comes to working out she looks "for something that's (1) going to be comfortable, and (2) really mold[s] to my foot and get me through my workouts and my walks, and I find that this one does it all."
Best weight-lifting shoes for women
For all our lady weight lifters, we've got just the sneaker selection to enhance your squats, dead lifts, and bicep curls. According to Self, the title of best overall weightlifting shoe goes to the Ryka fEmpower Daring Training Shoe, retailing around $100. These sneakers deliver a thick, hearty sole, lots of toe room, and are designed to minimize "foot cramping or pain during ... strength-training workouts."
When it comes to feeling grounded during your lift session, personal trainer Bari Lieberman is a huge proponent of the Nobull Women's Training Shoes, priced at $129. Lieberman calls these shoes "versatile and durable" due to their "flatter sole." Even beauty and fitness editor Zoë Weiner agreed, stating, "I fell in love with these shoes before I actually put them on because of how sleek and minimalist they looked, so I was very happy to discover that they are also the most comfortable shoes my foot has ever become acquainted with" (via The Strategist).
Don't take our word for it? See for yourself when you lace up those trainers and start chiseling away at those soon-to-be summer bodies!