Best women's gym shoes

If you're planning on doing a considerable amount of miles on the treadmill, might be worth going to a running / sports shoes place and getting a gait analysis done? Most shops that sell running shoes in any serious capacity should offer free gait analysis. Then they'll be able to recommend which shoes will suit you best. (That said, "running shoes" as opposed to general sports shoes can get pretty expensive). If that's not an option, the best thing is to go somewhere and try a few different pairs on - walk around in them, do some gentle jogging (if that's possible in the store..), see which feel right.

go to a running store, and have them help you.

trust me when i say, NO ONE HERE OR ANYWHERE ONLINE OR SHOW REVIEW will be able to tell you what the right shoe for you is. this is one of those things where you suck it up and go in and get real life help.

I always train in Asics. As many others have said, everyone is different, but I've used Asics for all exercising purposes for years. I would stay away from Nikes at all costs. They're made to look good, and that's about it. If you order Asics online, especially on Amazon, previous models are often around $50!

i have several different shoes i wear, depending on what i'm doing. But mostly i wear chucks in the gym and good running shoes for running. I like Brooks, but you should get fitted for the ones that are right for you based on your pronation.

madeleinestella wrote: »

I'm wanting a pair of shoes for the gym - basic cross trainers I suppose. Good for walking outside but also general circuit training and the elliptical/treadmill etc.

The best shoe for walking and general strength training has a zero "heel-to-toe drop", meaning no raised heel. Most athletic shoes have a raised heel, which prevents a smooth walking gait, and makes certain exercises more difficult (lunges, agility drills, etc.). If you run though, a small heel can be more comfortable - so you may want two pairs of shoes. If you don't run more than a few blocks, try zero-heel cross trainers, or even skateboard shoes, which is what i wear. The latter has a firmer sole, which is better for strength training. Good luck finding those at running stores.

...good for walking outside, circuit training, elliptical & treadmill... Noticed you lead in with walking. My favourite .

As others have recommended, it is beneficial to have your feet measured (length and width) then try on several styles of shoes. Running shoes are built differently from walking shoes. You may not need the flared heel, stabilizing, etc. of a running shoe if you are primarily walking and "cross training". A good option for all purpose gym shoes is plain old fashioned Keds. They've stood the test of time.

Another basic gym shoe I happen to like is Vivobarefoot. The canvas uppers are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. The soles are a flexible rubberized material with good grip in wet or leafy conditions. When I say flexible soles, I mean flexible soles. The shoes can be rolled up and tucked into a carry all.

If you're only planning on wearing the shoes in the gym, there's also NuFoot. They're completely unstructured uppers with rubberized grippers on the soles. Good in yoga, Pilates, and Barr classes. They can be rolled into a ball and tucked into the pocket of a yoga mat bag.

If you're accustomed to being barefoot often pay close attention to the "feel" of any shoes. Shoes with thick, padded, cushioned, stabilizing features diminish the tactile sense and feedback from the feet, ankles, and legs. Last thing you want is putting on gym shoes that feel more like lead boots.