The Best Workout Shoes, According to Experts

Nike trainers and the founder of Gotham Footcare weigh in.

Woman in Workout Gear Exercising Outdoors
(Image credit: Getty Images ¦ jacoblund)

Finding the right fitness shoe, whether you're a runner, an avid biker, a boxer, or a CrossFit enthusiast is more complicated than you might think. Not all gym shoes and sneakers are created equal. Some activities require more support, while, for others, increased flexibility is better. (For example: You shouldn't necessarily wear your running shoes to play tennis.) Not to mention the fact that the athleisure category just keeps growing, leaving you with dozens of fashionable options that may not be as functional as you need. To help make sure you look and feel good during exercise and don't twist an ankle, we spoke to several experts with robust knowledge of performance footwear. Nike Master Trainer Kirsty Godso, who specializes in high intensity activities, Nike Run Coach Jes Woods, and podiatrist Miguel Cunha, the founder of Gotham Footcare, all weighed in on the best types of shoes for however you like to sweat. Whether you're doing cardio in your living room or training for a marathon, you'll find a shoe that works for you.


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Marina Liao
Fashion Editor

Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.