The 8 Best Nike Workout Shoes for Every Activity
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Table Of Contents
The Best Nike Shoes for Different Types of Workouts
The Best Nike Workout Shoes for Different Foot Types and Conditions
How We Chose the Best Nike Workout Shoe
Top Nike Workout Shoes of 2023
Best Nike Shoes for Gym and Running
Nike Metcon 8 Shoes
Best Nike Flat Workout Shoes
Nike MC Trainer 2 Shoes
Best Nike Shoes for HIIT Workout
Nike Free Metcon 5 Shoes
Best Nike Shoes for Treadmill
Nike React Infinity 3 Shoes
Most Comfortable Nike Workout Shoes
Nike Pegasus 40 Premium Shoes
Best Nike Weightlifting Shoes
Nike Legend Essential 2 Shoes
Best Nike Shoes for Cross Training
Nike In-Season TR 13 Shoes
Best Nike Trail Running Shoes
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX Shoes
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.
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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.
Choosing the right type of workout shoe is essential. The right pair 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 prioritize secure stability so you can focus on hitting a new PR.
Workout shoes with Nike React technology offer cushioning that’s ultra-responsive and allows for an energy return that launches you into the next movement. Nike Metcon shoes also provide comfortable cushioning while remaining flexible with grippy traction and a wide heel to support several types of intense workouts. You’ll find many Nike workout running shoes that feature Flyknit material in the upper, which works to enhance interior air circulation in a lightweight feel.
We tapped foot health and athletic experts for interviews and conducted thorough research across the Nike universe to compile this comprehensive guide to the best Nike shoes for your preferred workout.
Best Nike Shoes for Gym and Running
Nike Metcon 8 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 15, men’s 3.5 to 15
Colorways available: Light Silver/Mica Green/Cosmic Fuchsia/Black, White/Sail/Summit White/Light Smoke Grey, Citron Tint/Cool Grey/Summit White/Light Smoke Grey, Barely Rose/Pink Rise/Canyon Rust/Cave Purple, Anthracite/Blue Lightning/Hyper Royal/Citron Tint, Photon Dust/Light Bone/Anthracite/Black, and more
Special features: Lightweight mesh upper, Nike React foam, rubber arch wrap, rubber tread, wide and flat heel, sole grooves
On Sale 29% off
If you’re in the market for a general workout shoe you can wear to the gym for all types of training, the Nike Metcon 8 is a premier option. They’ve racked up over 13 million TikTok views, with fitness enthusiasts gushing about their favorite footwear. The Metcon 8 shoes are known for their high-technology and versatility, with updated features in the mesh upper and Nike React foam base for swift strides. They’re ideal weightlifting shoes for their high-grip rubber tread and durable architecture that can withstand up a lift of up to 555 pounds – a significant increase from the Metcon 7. The signature Metcon wide heel is also revamped in the Metcon 8, as it features a re-engineered inner plate to distribute weight evenly from edge to edge for balance and optimized support.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “These shoes are a nice balance between trainers and lifting shoes, They provide great balance and stability while being quite comfortable. Good for general use and inside the gym.” Another said, “I’ve had mine for about a month, and am very happy with them. They’re the perfect deadlift and squat shoes due to the harder flat sole. My heel sits nice and deep so they do not feel like they are going to slip off. If you are looking for a weightlifting shoe I highly recommend.”
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Nike MC Trainer 2 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6 to 15
Colorways available: Black/Black/Volt, Obsidian/White/Bright Crimson, Black/Anthracite/Blue Lightning/White, Pure Platinum/White/Wolf Grey/Metallic Silver, and more
Special features: Flat base, wide heel, support wraps, soft foam, rubber tread, mesh upper
On Sale 29% off
Heavy-lifters should choose a workout shoe that is as flat as possible, because this connection to the floor keeps your body in the most effective alignment for lifting. Nike’s MC Trainer 2 shoe has a flat base that’s wide around the heel to support stability and proper form. Its rubber tread under the heel allows for a strong grip on the gym floor or mat, so you’re not distracted by sliding while you’re in the zone. The MC Trainer 2 also includes support wraps from the heel and up the sides for a secure fit, as well as overlays around the toe and laces for added durability. There’s ample cushioning with Nike’s soft foam that’s raised at the sides to brace your foot with every movement.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “I really love these amazing shoes. They’re affordable, comfortable, and have really excellent traction on the bottom. Looking to invest into another pair.” Another said, “Just as pictured, perfect fit and comfortable to wear all day. I suffer with injury induced arthritis in my foot so finding comfortable well fitting trainers is important to me. These are perfect.”
Best Nike Shoes for HIIT Workout
Nike Free Metcon 5 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 3.5 to 22
Colorways available: Black/Anthracite/White, Light Iron Ore/Phantom/Flat Pewter/Green Strike, Smoke Grey/Iron Grey/Black/Smoke Grey, White/Black/Bright Crimson, Pink Oxford/Diffused Taupe/Gum Light Brown/White, and more
Special features: Mesh upper, Huarache-inspired strap, rubber sidewall, Nike Free forefoot, wide heel, rubber tread
If you prefer a high-intensity workout that haves you moving from cardio to strength training and everything in between, you’ll need a Nike workout shoe that supports you through a variety of movements. The Nike Free Metcon 5 is equipped for HIIT workouts with tons stability, cushioning, and security to carry you through your sweat sesh’. It’s a brand new update to the popular Nike Free Metcon 4, with a revamped mesh upper that has an easy-entry collar and breathable sock-like feel. The shoe’s Nike Free forefoot flexibility aids in mobility for running and jumping, while the wide heel and firm outer layer grants stability for squats or weightlifting.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “I bought these shoes for working out and for casual wear and I really love them. They’re very comfortable and durable for any kind of workout. Definitely size up if you have a wide foot or wear a half size. I want this shoe in more colors for sure!” Another said, “This is one of my favorite training shoes. I have them in multiple colors. I teach multiple classes a day and sometimes I have to go from plyo to weight training. These shoes are great for both. Very comfortable and give me the support and stability I need.
Best Nike Shoes for Treadmill
Nike React Infinity 3 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6 to 18
Colorways available: Black/White, Black/Grey Fog/White/Dark Smoke Grey, Pink Glaze/Pink Foam/Photon Dust/White, White/Pure Platinum/Metallic Silver, White/Platinum Tint/Velvet Brown/Light Crimson, College Navy/Racer Blue/Bright Crimson/Metallic Platinum, and more
Special features: Flyknit upper, Nike React technology, rocker sole, rubber traction, retro branding
On Sale 40% off
Workout shoes you plan to wear on the treadmill should be soft in their stride, with lots of flexibility and comfort. The Nike React Infinity 3 is a great choice for its inclusion of a rocker heel that allows for smooth transitions, stability, and arch support. The React Infinity 3 includes Nike Flyknit material in the upper, which encourages cooling air flow, while lightweight, high-rise cushioning provides soft landings with each step or stomp. This evolved Nike React model also has a wider forefoot and higher stack heel for added cushioning. You can never go wrong with a cardio shoe that includes Nike React technology, because the soft yet durable foam provides impressive spring and responsiveness as a cushioned running shoe to launch you into high-speed sprints.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “I got these solely for cardio and on a treadmill. I wore these while walking my dog for 20 minutes and I must say it felt like I was walking on something soft. These are extremely comfortable to me and I love how my feet don’t feel tired after my cardio at the gym. They support my flat feet perfectly.” Another said, “Best shoe out there. Nothing compares to these. I am on my feet all day and these work best for me.”
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Nike Pegasus 40 Premium Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6 to 18
Colorways available: White/Pure Platinum/Metallic Silver, Black/Anthracite/Black, White/Coconut Milk/Volt/Multi-Color, White/Football Grey/Bright Mandarin/Multi-Color, Pearl Pink/Coral Chalk/White/Midnight Navy, and more
Special features: Underfoot cushioning, Nike React technology, Zoom Air units, mesh upper, midfoot strap, toe flex groove
Nike’s Pegasus shoe has a long, loved legacy that’s spanned over 30 years, and Nike continues to enhance the model to launch athletes to new heights. The Pegasus 40 Premium is one of Nike’s most comfortable workout shoes that are designed to conform to your foot for a natural stride. This newest model features improved comfort in key underfoot areas such as the arch and toes using Nike React foam to soften the impact of each step. It’s designed with high-responsiveness, with two springy Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel, which means you’ll have more energy return as you move forward. The Pegasus 40 Premium also provides neutral support for added balance and smooth transitions, no matter the intensity of your workout.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “The Pegasus40 stays at the top of my rotation. It has Zoom Air for all day comfort and the thing I like most is the new updated upper that has more mesh. The design is sleek and low to the ground. They look so good I wear that them even when I’m not working out. This sneaker fits great and has good traction.” Another said, “I’ve been on the hunt for comfortable running shoes for months now, and finally found these babies. I only log 20-25 miles per week and was able to wear them right out of the box with zero pain or issues. It’s like running on a cloud. I find myself reaching for them for everything! Get them – they’re cute and comfy.”
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Nike Legend Essential 2 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6 to 15
Colorways available: Pure Platinum/White/Black, Black/Metallic Silver/White, Black/University Red/White/Black, Black/Off Noir, White/Aura/Phantom/Worn Blue, and more
Special features: Flat heel, honeycomb mesh, rubber outer wraps, sole and toe grooves, grippy traction
The Nike Legend Essential 2 shoes are a great option for weightlifting. They’re equipped with a flat heel with optimized stability from grippy traction and outer rubber wraps. There are grooves in the sole positioned under the toes for slide-free security as well as flexibility, so you can easily transition from various movements. The Legend Essential 2’s also feature super durable high-abrasion honeycomb mesh that’s almost as tough as you are in the gym. You’ll be confident in these specialized shoes to brace any heavy lift, as you increase in endurance, weight, and strength.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “Amazing shoes. I’ve had them for over a year now and they’re still going strong. I use them for every gym activity – weight lifting mostly, but also HIIT and quick cardio. Love them.” Another said, “I use these for lifting mainly and love them. They are super comfortable and look great too!”
Best Nike Shoes for Cross Training
Nike In-Season TR 13 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6 to 15
Colorways available: Phantom/Flat Pewter/Green Strike, Black/Anthracite/White, Obsidian/Bright Crimson/White, Smoke Grey/Light Smoke Grey/Dark Smoke Grey/White, Barely Rose/Pink Oxford/Gum Light Brown/White, Black/Hyper Pink/White/Pinksicle, and more
Special features: Midsole cushioning, midfoot strap, comfort collar, forefoot mesh
Diversifying your activity with cross training is a great way to increase your strength and agility, but not every workout shoe is designed for such variety. Nike’s In-Season TR 13 is a workout shoe capable of everything, from treadmill cardio, HIIT circuits, weightlifting, dance, boxing, and more. These shoes have cloud-like midsole cushioning for comfort, along with a stable platform that supports seamless strides and lateral movements. The shoe has a midfoot strap across the laces for a snug and secure fit for intense movements as well. Between the In-Season TR 13’s forefoot mesh, durable overlays, and easy-on comfort collar, it’s the perfect all-around workout shoe for cross training.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “Love these shoes! They wrap my arches tight enough for my heel to not slip while being very roomy in the toe area. It allows your toes to properly spread to support form and balance. Normally, other running sneakers are tight around the toes and restrict movement. The soles are great too – they cushion and absorb impact so I feel like I can run greater distances without having to stop because my feet hurt. I love these shoes. The colors and design look pair so well with cute athleisure outfits when I’m not running!” Another said, “The shoes fit true to size and are very comfortable. The design of the shoe is modern and timeless. The shoes are comfortable enough to wear all day and work out in. I like that they are easy to slip on and off. There is nothing I would change about the shoes.”
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Best Nike Trail Running Shoes
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12 men’s 6 to 15
Colorways available: Wolf Grey/Stadium Green/Baltic Blue/Volt, Black/Reflect Silver/Wolf Grey, Oxygen Purple/Rush Fuchsia/Vivid Purple/Space Purple, Sanddrift/Coconut Milk/Pearl Pink/Mineral Teal, Noble Green/Pro Green/Sail/Picante Red, Anthracite/Ironstone/Ale Brown/Bright Mandarin
Special features: Waterproof upper, ankle gaiter, Nike React technology, rubber traction
On Sale 25% off
If your runs often lead you through nature trails or around bodies of water, it’s important to invest in a proper trail running shoe. Nike has a wide assortment of options in this category, but the special features included in the Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX make it a stellar standout. The model includes essential rubber traction on all fronts, from the outsole, around the shoe front and in the forefoot for durable of grip. Nike React foam makes it an ideal running shoe, which offers springy responsiveness and stability. The most impressive elements of this shoe are the inclusion of Gore-Tex along the upper, which prevents water from seeping into your sole, along with enhanced material along the ankle to block trail debris from disrupting your run. You can wear this shoe on the trails in rain or shine, and its light reflective detailing keeps you safe for treks in the early morning or evening.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “This is a great shoe for people who have plantar fasciitis and other foot problems that involve ball of the foot. They are light weight and waterproof and worked great in the forest and in the rain. I love these shoes and got them in several colors.” Another said, “These have great grip and keep my feet dry running through muddy puddles on my long trail runs. I always go half a size up when purchasing running shoes and these were a perfect fit. They didn’t need breaking in and haven’t caused any blisters!”
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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 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 Nike React Infinity 3 sneaker offers just that and more. Other great Nike options for treadmill cardio include the Invincible 3, Pegasus Turbo Next Nature, and Vaporfly 3 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 supportive features. The best shoes for high arches should also have a spacious toe box and substantial heel-toe drop to prevent residual pain after you exercise.
Best Nike workout shoes for bunions: Look to 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.
How We Chose the Best Nike Workout Shoe
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. In her free time, Olivia can be found scouring the internet for deals on cool combat boots and dad sneakers to add to her ever-growing collection. Learn more about us here.
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