7 Best Shoes for Weight Training and Cardio 2024
If you want to build muscles and shed excess fat, you may need to invest in the Best Shoes for Weight Training and Cardio.
- Weight Training and Cardio are powerful combinations of exercises designed for fat loss success.
- Therefore, Weight Training and Cardio shoes should have a perfect blend of cushioning and firmness.
The shoes should also be steady and flexible to support weight training while providing needed responsiveness during cardio.
Check out my detailed compilation of the top Shoes for Weight Training and Cardio
Review: 7 Best Shoes for Weight Training and Cardio
1. Reebok Men’s Nano X Cross Trainer Running Shoes
The Reebok Nano X is a highly versatile shoe that accommodates almost all types of fitness activity. The shoe is an excellent choice for weight training, cardio/aerobics, HIIT enthusiasts, and serious CrossFit athlete, among many other activities.
The outsole of Reebok Nano X features a durable rubber compound that provides traction. The tread pattern beneath the outsole prevents the wearer from slipping or falling while doing cardio or other types of workout routines.
The Metasplit innovation at the forefoot allows the toes to splay naturally providing the balance needed for multi-direction movements. Thus, you can engage in lateral movements and other types of movements with ease.
The outsole also promotes stability. Hence, the wearer’s foot remains grounded allowing them to do the heavy lifting without losing balance.
The midsole features a compressed EVA form that provides needed cushioning during landings in plyometrics training and aerobics exercises.
The upper of Reebok Nano X features soft woven material that’s soft and a bit stretchy to give you a sock-like fit. The upper material is also highly breathable allowing entry of air into the shoe for a comfortable cardio and weight training experience.
- Most versatile cross trainer
- Highly stable
- Comfortable
- Provides a secure lockdown
- Highly durable
- Not ideal for long-distance running
2. Under Armour Men’s Speedform Cross Trainer
Under Armour Speedform is ideal for intense workouts like weight training and cardio. It features a tough ripstop fabric that makes it withstand the excess biting. The material provides protection against abrasion ensuring the durability of the shoe.
The upper features a lightweight mesh that facilitates amazing breathability. Hence, the shoe’s interior gets a sufficient amount of air for fresh and dry feet throughout the workout session.
The outsole features UA TriBase that helps to maximize foot ground contact. This means during heavy weight lifting you’ll have enough upward and downward flexibility. This outsole component will help to enhance natural motion and will firmly grip the surface to provide you needed lifting balance and stability.
Beneath The toe box, you’ll find a durable rubber compound strategically placed to provide superior surface grip. Hence, you can do intense cardio without worrying about falling or slipping.
The shoe also has a low to the ground design, which helps to provide more balance and stability during heavy weight lifting.
Under Armour Speedform feel also has a reliable external heel counter that locks the heel in place to prevent accidental shoe removal while providing needed foot stability.
The midsole features a superior Micro G foam that provides excellent cushioning. The cushioned form protects the wearer’s foot from any injury during intense cardio sessions.
- Excellent cushioning
- Unmatched stability
- Highly flexible
- Durable outsole
- Reliable grip
- Excellent breathability
- Best gym shoe
- Not ideal for long runs
3. NOBULL Men’s Training Shoes
The Nobull Trainer is a CrossFit training shoe that’s highly durable and breathable. The flexibility of the sole unit and the flatness of the heel section makes this one of the best shoes for weight training and cardio.
The outsole of the Nobull Trainer uses a high carbon rubber compound. This durable compound allows the wearer to withstand both indoor and outdoor workout surfaces. Beneath the outsole, a lug pattern delivers excellent traction and facilitates the multi-directional flexibility of the foot. Thus, you’ll participate in various intense workouts and movements confidently.
The outsole also facilitates easy rope climbing, thanks to the raised lateral and medial sections. The lateral sections help during descents while the medial section grips the rope while ascending.
The midsole of this weight training and cardio shoe helps in shock attenuation. It’s flexible and encourages the natural movement of the foot during cardio and plyometrics. The midsole also provides unmatched steadiness during training sessions.
The sockliner provides extra protection to the underfoot while the anatomical insert ensures additional shock absorption.
The upper of Nobull trainer utilizes a one-piece SuperFabric construction that’s breathable, durable, and, abrasion-resistant. The upper mesh textile utilizes a SuperFabric guard plate that’s highly durable for rope climbs and other intense workouts.
- Highly versatile
- Comfortable
- Flexible sole unit
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Roomy to box
- The low to ground design provides steadiness for weight training
- Supportive
- Excellent traction
- Some customers complained that the footbed was a bit stiff and caused foot discomfort especially when the shoe is worn for long periods
4. Inov-8 Mens F-Lite 245 – Cross Training Shoes Men
Inov-8 F-Lite 245 is a versatile cross-training shoe that can handle both weight training and cardio with much ease. It provides excellent foot balance and stability for heavy lifting. It also provides reliable traction for intense cardio workouts.
Inov-8 F-Lite 245 has an outsole with a durable sticky rubber compound that provides protection against tear and abrasion during intense workouts. The rubber compound also sticks to the surface to provide a reliable grip.
The outsole unit also has Meta-Flex grooves that encourage the tendons and toe joints to bend naturally. Hence, promoting extra flexibility during workouts that involve a lot of forefoot bending.
The upper features a durable knitted textile that stretches according to the shape of the foot to give the foot a sock-like wrap. The upper provides a secure fit and promotes the natural movement of feet. It also promotes breathability, flexibility, and support to the wearer’s foot.
The Inov-8 F-Lite 245 has a midsole unit that minimizes shock absorption protecting the wearer during high impact landings. The midsole is also close to the ground providing you needed balance and stability during heavy weight lifting.
The shoe also features a traditional lacing design that allows you to adjust the looseness or tightness of the shoe for extra comfort.
- Has a steady platform that allows weight training and lateral movements
- Lightweight construction
- Stretchy upper conforms to foot securely
- Roomy toe box
- Reliable traction
- None
5. Altra Women’s Solstice Sneaker
Altra Solstice is a highly versatile cross-trainer that accommodates weight training, cardio, and other gym workouts. It boasts of comfort, high performance, and stylish design.
The outsole of Altra Solstice features a durable rubber compound that offers protection against wear and tear. The rubber compound also provides underfoot protection. Beneath the outsole, there are shallow zigzag grooves that provide a multi-directional grip, allowing you to engage in different multidirectional movements with much ease.
The midsole of Altra Solstice features a zero-drop design. This design incorporates EVA form that provides reliable cushioning while ensuring sufficient energy return during intense workouts. The zero-drop construction helps to distribute impact evenly. The EVA foam provides needed flexibility during training sessions.
The natural foot design of the shoe encourages the toes to spread out naturally. Thus, extra comfort and stability that encourages better mobility.
Inner flex on the midsole encourages the foot to bend more naturally encouraging better performance during cardio workouts.
The shoe also features FootShape on the toe box region. This component encourages natural toe splay, ensuring that the big toe remains comfortable and in a straight posture. Hence, runners with bunions will greatly benefit from this feature.
The upper utilizes a breathable-engineered mesh that wraps the foot securely. The upper allows entry of air into the shoe ensuring the feet remain dry and comfortable throughout the training session.
- Zero-drop design helps to relieve back pain
- Lightweight
- Attractive shoe
- Highly versatile
- Roomy toe box
- Comfortable
- Breathable upper
- Some customers complained that the sock liner didn’t provide enough underfoot cushioning
6. Nike Men’s Fitness Shoes
Nike Metcon 2 is a versatile shoe that allows you to engage in multiple activities without the need of changing the shoe in between the training session. Hence, you can use the Metcon 2 for both cardio and weight training.
The forefoot and heel sections feature durable rubber pods that provide reliable traction during cardio and weight training. The forefoot pods have a tri-star design that grips the gym surface allowing the wearer to move in different directions with ease.
The flex grooves on the forefoot provide crucial multi-directional flexibility allowing ease of movement. The abrasion-resistant rubber material on the midfoot provides protection during rope climbs.
The upper of Nike Metcon 2 features a mesh material that’s highly breathable to allow entry of air into the shoe for a comfortable wear experience. The upper mesh features an abrasion-resistant rubber that provides support on both sides of the shoe.
The well-padded heel collar provides extra comfort and support to the foot during the workout session. The TPU component wraps the rearfoot and midfoot to provide a supportive cage for a secure foothold.
The midsection of Metcon 2 utilizes an excellent form compound that has enough cushioning, which helps in impact absorption during cardio, plyometrics, burpees, and box jumps. The form midsole has a firm carrier that accommodates enhanced stability for weight training.
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Provides a snug fit
- Lightweight
- Attractive design
- Some people are unhappy with the squeaky noise that the shoe produces
7. New Balance Women’s 577 V4 Cross Trainer
New Balance 577 V4 provides a perfect blend of comfort, support, and stability. It has features and technologies that support weight training and cardio.
For starters, the NB 577 V4 has a full memory sole insert and a cush+ midsole that provides unmatched cushioning and comfort. the shoe is designed for comfort, performance, and style. An excellent gym shoe that delivers brilliant results.
The outsole features a durable rubber compound that provides unmatched traction on various surfaces allowing you to engage in your training sessions confidently.
The top section of 577 V4 features a leather upper that ensures unsurpassed durability and comfort throughout the training session.
The interior of the shoe has a soft polyester lining that contributes to the breathability of the shoe. The round toe design provides enough room for your toes to splay naturally providing you the needed balance and stability during weight training.
The lace-up closure design allows you to tighten or loosen the fit for a comfortable wear experience. The memory foam footbed provides extra underfoot support and cushioning.
- Comfortable
- Cushioned
- Reliable traction
- Stylish
- Roomy toe box
- Some customers reported that the memory form was too thin, hence dint provide enough cushioning
Buyers’ Guide for Best Shoes for Weight Training and Cardio
Wearing the correct footwear for your workout sessions will go a long way in ensuring you have excellent results without any kind of injury. Hence, consider the following factors when buying the best Shoes for Weight Training and Cardio.
Low Heel Profile
Shoes for Weight Training and Cardio should have a low heel drop. Choose shoes with at least a heel drop. Such kind of a heel drop will give your foot close to ground contact. Hence, allow you to easily control your movements and remain stable during heavy weight lifting.
Stable and Firm Midsole
Choose Weight Training and Cardio shoes that have a stable yet firm midsole, which features an outsole with full ground contact. The shoe should have a midsole that’s super firm with a low outsole profile. This kind of outsole provides excellent stability and grip. From our review above, Reebok Nano X and Nike Metcon 2 are excellent cross-training shoes that are highly versatile.
Forefoot and Outsole Design
Ensure that you choose a cardio and weight training shoe that provides a reliable grip on various surfaces. This will allow you to perform various exercises confidently. The forefoot should also have grooves that enhance its flexibility allowing the foot to bend naturally during workouts.
What to Look For In Best Cardio Shoes
Cardio Shoes should be lightweight, comfortable, cushioned, and good shock absorbers. They should ensure that your feet don’t get tired during the training session.
Best cardio shoes should provide a superior grip and deliver ample ankle support to prevent common gym injuries. Don’t substitute your running shoes for cardio. Running shoes are for forwarding movement while cardio shoes accommodate lateral movements. So, to avoid injuries wear the correct footwear for cardio.
Cardio shoes should also have a wide and rounded platform for enhanced stability and balance. They should be lightweight to allow you to perform various cardio moves with ease. The external heel counter should be firm enough to hold the heel securely during intense movements and to avoid accidental shoe removal.
What to Look For In Weight Training Shoes
Heel Height
When choosing the best shoes for weight lifting the height of the heel is a crucial consideration. The height of your training shoe will make or break your weight training sessions. Heel height varies among weight lifters, but the most ideal is .75″.
The correct heel height provides you the balance and stability you need for weight training.
Feet Size
You’ll want to choose a weight lifting shoe that fits your feet perfectly to avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort. Choose one or half size higher your normal shoes to give your toes and foot enough room to move naturally.
Conclusion
When picking the best shoes for weight training ensure you consider comfort, performance, stability, and your budget.
Overall, Reebok Nano X cross trainer is the most versatile and offers an enticing package. They are lightweight, breathable, and flexible for cardio movements. They also have a stable platform that ensures proper balance and stability during weight lifting.
