6 Nike D MS X Waffle Midnight Navy Midnight Navy Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers CQ0205-401 in 2023

Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo on
6 Nike D MS X Waffle Midnight Navy Midnight Navy Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers CQ0205-401 in 2023
43einhalb & Packer Shoes. New Men S Wave Prophecy 6 Shoe

No pain, no gain. This mantra is common among men who are fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts. Given this, we could just imagine how intense their workouts are gonna be. If they are to succeed, they should be paired with workout shoes for men that are not only durable but also comfortable and stable.

We have examined and done our daily drills in over 100 workout shoes available for men, so we could deliver the most authentic review ever. All of them may be effective, but not all of them are noteworthy. We at CerbeShops took it upon ourselves to test these workout shoes and see if they really are worth the money. We have laid out for you our top picks for various categories.

Best men's workout shoes overall

Drakes 30 best sneaker moments?

If buying shoes were like investing, then you should really be putting your hard-earned cash into the TOP 10 de Sneakers Rebajadas 2022. The returns of investment on this trainer come in the form of high-level performance that does not compromise on style and looks. Its service to you does not end even when the workout is over. It can still be a reliable companion at work or even for casual strolls around town. Profit maximization is simply what you get!

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Pros

  • Impressively stable
  • Noteworthy ankle support
  • Awesomely close-fitting
  • Roomy toebox
  • Xero Shoes Kelso Προπονητές
  • Sandals In Black Leather With Stiletto Heel And Ring Details
  • Quite cushiony
  • Notably lightweight
  • Exceptionally flexible
  • Stylish design and overall look

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Cons

  • Not for long runs (2-3 miles max)
  • Upper lacks durability
Full review of TOP 10 de Sneakers Rebajadas 2022

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Men
Women
Any color
Volt/Grey (DV3949700)
Black White Anthracite (DV3949001)
Smoke Grey/Smoke Grey/Iron Grey/Black (DV3949003)
nike free metcon 5 training shoes su23 men grey grey 948b 60

Best men's workout shoes for weightlifting

Nike Metcon 8
86
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Drakes 30 best sneaker moments?

The Nike Metcon 8 continues the widely recognized success of the Metcon line. This shoe is dependable in different training contexts, though it stands out the most when used in CrossFit and lifting. The money spent on this model is surely not money that goes to waste.

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Pros

  • Most stable cross-trainer for weightlifting
  • MATRI Bella leather sandals Blue
  • Responsive for jumps
  • Great for rope climbing
  • adidas Terrex Free Hiker Goretex Hiking Shoes
  • Solid grip
  • Flexible forefoot
  • zapatillas de running Saucony amortiguación media gore-tex

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Cons

  • Pretty clunky heel
  • Not for running (1 mile max!)
  • Not for wide feet
Full review of Nike Metcon 8

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals | Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
nike metcon 8 men s training shoes team red cave purple blackened blue bright crimson f368 60
Flat Pewter Phantom Gum Med Brown (DO9328005)
Smoke Grey White Dk Smoke Grey (DO9328002)
Dk Smpke Grey/Black-smoke Grey (DQ4675001)
nike metcon 8 black white dark smoke grey b543 60
nike metcon 8 men s training shoes armory navy obsidian cerulean arctic orange adult armory navy obsidian cerulean arctic orange 9424 60
Mint Foam Cave Purple Volt Ghost Green (DO9328300)
nike metcon 8 men s training shoes cargo khaki sequoia alligator light bone adult cargo khaki sequoia alligator light bone dab4 60
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Men's workout shoes with the best comfort

Reebok Nano X3
87
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Drakes 30 best sneaker moments?

The Reebok Nano line still gets the approval of many fitness enthusiasts with the release of the Nano X3. This trainer is appreciated because of its versatility: it can seamlessly transition from lifting to cardiovascular exercises. It's also stylish and comfortable enough to be worn in non-training contexts. Getting this shoe means having multiple shoes for the price of just one.

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Pros

  • Awesome fit
  • Extremely comfortable upper
  • Cloud-like cushioning
  • Good stability for moderate lifting
  • Nice bounce for jumps
  • Great for rope climbing
  • Scene-stealing appearance

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Cons

  • Break-in needed
  • Heavier than average
  • Not for heavier weightlifting
Full review of Reebok Nano X3

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Unisex
Any color
Core Black/Energy Glow/Smash Orange (HP6046)
Ftwbla Sofecr Aurorg (LRH15)
Ftwbla Glegrn Vecblu (LTE31)
ftwr white/glen green/vector blue (HP6076)
Cdgry2 Cdgry4 Vecblu (HP6044)
Black/Pewter (HP6045)
Vecred Vecred Negbás (HP6043)
Negbás Orgfla Pugry3 (HP6075)
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Best men's minimalist workout shoes

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals | Drakes 30 best sneaker moments?

The Flex Control 4 is one of the cheapest workout shoes from Nike and yet, it doesn’t fall short of the essentials needed for a moderate gym session. Coming from the Nike Flex series, the trainer feels extremely flexible to promote agile, multi-directional movements. This is not to mention how light and comfy it feels on the foot overall.

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Pros

  • BOSS embossed logo Derby shoes
  • Camil leather boots Brown
  • Very flexible
  • Foot feels planted
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good grip
  • Simple aesthetics
  • True to size

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Cons

  • Durability issues
  • bugatti Boots stringati cognac navy
Full review of Girls Youth Air Jordan Gold Black 1 Retro High Premium Basketball Shoes

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/white-dark smoke grey (CD0197002)
White (CD0197100)
Gray (CD0199001)
Spruce Aura Black Volt White 006 (CD0197006)
nike flex control 4 midnight navy metallic silver black men s cross training shoes adult navy 5eda 60

Best outdoor workout shoes for men

Drakes 30 best sneaker moments?

Fitness enthusiasts who have worked out in the Reebok Nano X2 know that while it's great, it really is not for outdoor use. The Nano X2 TR Adventure fixes this by becoming the first-ever outdoor-ready Nano. This shoe sufficiently supports, anchors, and protects. Workout enthusiasts can now enjoy the nature all that they want, even at night!

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Pros

  • Womens Quilted Leather Flatform Sandals Black Mocha Brazil Own Ivory
  • Tall boots with side zip closure
  • Comfortable upper
  • Reliably protective
  • Functional versatility
  • Great support
  • True-to-size fit
  • zapatillas de running Under Armour mujer tope amortiguación maratón negras

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Cons

  • SELECTED HOMME Sneaker bassa David bianco
  • Clunky and heavy
Full review of Ankle boots BRONX 47231-C Sand

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Men
Women
Any color
Grey (LIP79)
Steblu Negbás Smaora (HP9226)
Black/Bold Purple/Acid Yellow (LRI52)
Jurassic World/Modern Olive/Wild Khaki (LRL39)
Hargrn Negbás Soacye (HP9227)
Pugry6 Negbás Sofecr (IG0070)
Core Black/Classic Teal/Pure Grey (GY8901)

Best value workout shoes for men

Drakes 30 best sneaker moments?

Belonging to Nike’s cheapest training shoes, the Legend Essential 2 manages to offer that essential comfort and support for moderate gym workouts as well as recreational use. If you take it easy at the gym, you'll make the best out of this superb deal.

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Pros

  • Insanely cheap
  • Gucci Mens Dublin Worldwide Flag Slip-On Sneakers in Black
  • Lightweight
  • Breathes well
  • Snug fit
  • Very flexible
  • Reliable grip
  • Looks great

Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Not the most durable
Full review of Jewel Badgley Mischka Odessa sandals

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Men
Women
Any color
nike legend essential 2 men s training shoe old royal racer blue dark smoke grey black 3d5e 60
White (CQ9356002)
Black (CQ9356001)
Black Racer Blue Obsidian Wolf Grey (CQ9356034)
nike legend essential 2 gra b7f4 60
nike legend essential 2 preto 7c96 60
nike legend essential 2 pure platinum white chile red metallic silver ea10 60
Cargo Khaki Light Bone Safety Orange (CQ9356300)
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Comparison of the 6 best workout shoes for men

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# of colorways

Choosing the right workout shoe for men

Selecting the right shoes when you go to the gym is a big deal. If you want to get the most out of your workout (and who doesn’t), you need footwear that will work with, and not against your body.

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There are three general categories of men’s workout shoes:

Cardio shoes

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Weightlifting shoes

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Running shoes

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Standout features
  • Versatile
  • Flexible
  • Wide platform
  • Firmer sole
  • Less flexible
  • Woolrich chelsea ankle boots
  • Lighter
  • Flexible
  • More cushioned

Let’s take a look at them one at a time.

Cardio shoes

Cardio shoes may have all sorts of names including cross-trainers, HIIT shoes, etc. As a general category, they can be defined as multi-modality or multi-functional. They are designed for workouts that involve a wide range of movements, such as running, jumping, lateral movements, and maybe even some lifting.

AMIRI star-patch low-top sneakers Weiß Nike Free Metcons and the Nike SuperReps.

Versatile

Because you’ll be doing so many different types of movement, this shoe needs to be an all-rounder. It needs to be good for lateral, or side-to-side, movement as well as vertical movements like running and jumping.

You will often find hybrid shoes in this category. A hybrid shoe is one that mixes two types of shoes together. An example is the Nike Free, which is designed as an extremely lightweight and flexible running shoe. The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Mens Running Shoe Black, on the other hand, is generally designed for lifting, so it’s very firmly planted on the ground. A hybrid shoe, like the Nike Free Metcon 4, mashes the two together, allowing you to perform multi-functional workouts.

Flexible

Your multi-functional workouts will involve a degree of vertical movement. As a result, you need a shoe with quite a bit of flexibility in the forefoot. You can test the flexibility of the shoe by grabbing the toe and pushing back. You should be able to easily bend the toe back toward the laces.

Wide platform

Look for a shoe that has a good amount of width through the midsole to allow for lateral movements without stressing the side wall of the shoe. If the shoe is too narrow, it is going to be pretty difficult to move freely from side to side when doing things like agility ladder sprints.

nike-air-zoom-superrep-3-sole-width.JPG

Weightlifting shoes

When you’re doing your compound lifts in the gym, you want your feet to be firmly planted on the ground. Your shoe needs to provide maximum stability and allow you to get all the power out of the movement without any energy leaks. Some of the top-rated trainers for lifting include the Nike Metcons and the Reebok Nanos.

And if you want to really level up your game, see Velvet Womens Shoes For Spring 2016 with elevated heels.

Firmer sole

Your weightlifting shoe should have a good amount of midsole stability.

This will also help prevent side-to-side movement. In addition, the sole of the shoe should be flat to further enhance stability but it should also have a slight kip in the front.

Nobull-Trainer-midsole-firmness

NOBULL Trainer (lifting shoe) is 37% firmer than Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3 (cardio shoe)

Less flexible

You don’t want the forefoot of your weightlifting shoe to be as flexible as a cardio shoe. A stiffer shoe will promote stability and lockdown far more than one with a lot of bend.

Woolrich chelsea ankle boots

The base of the shoe should be wider than a cardio shoe to broaden the contact area with the floor and keep you firmly planted. It also needs to have a superior amount of grip to prevent any lateral movement.

reebok-nano-x1-foothold.JPG

The last thing you want when you’re lifting a heavy weight overhead is to have your feet slip. Not only is that dangerous but it will also leak some of your energy force away from the upward lift.

Running shoes

Running puts a lot of stress on the joints. Your shoes should be designed to minimize that wear and tear.

Running shoes will provide you with a lot more cushioning than some cardio or weightlifting shoes. The heel will have the most cushioning because the heel strike is what takes the bulk of your foot impact. The more cushioning that is available to absorb the impact, the less of that stress impact will travel up to your ankles, knees, and hips.

asics-gel-nimbus-25-heel-stack.JPG

The average heel stack is 33.2 mm in Fiorelli finley leather lace up sneakers in cream and 24.1 mm in training shoes.

The extra cushioning in the heel will often produce a heel drop of between 4 and 10 mm. However, that won’t make it a suitable shoe for squatting because all of the height is made up of soft cushioning. That would be like squatting while standing on a pillow!

A running shoe should have a good amount of flexion to allow for the natural forward and backward bend when you’re running.

The lighter your running shoe, the better. A heavy shoe is only going to slow you down. As a result, manufacturers are constantly competing to shave a couple of grams off their shoe’s weight in order to get a competitive advantage.

nike pegasus 39 weight 16853970 main 19174558 720

The average weight of Fiorelli finley leather lace up sneakers in cream is 273g, while the average of training shoes is 315g.

To find out more about running shoes and how to choose them, see our comprehensive guide on the best running shoes for men.

Anatomy of a men’s workout shoe

The once humble training shoe has undergone a tech transformation. They now feature a head-spinning amalgam of high-spec technologies and cutting-edge performance features. Here’s a breakdown to help you make sense of it all.

The upper

The upper of your workout shoe is the material that covers the top of the foot. It needs to keep the foot securely in place, preventing side-to-side or back-and-forth movement. 

nike flex control 4 price 18709460 main 19174559 720

Nike Air Force 1 07 LX Womens Shoe White:

Toebox

This is the front portion that covers the toes. For both runners and weightlifters, it needs to be wide enough to allow for a natural toe splay.

reebok-nano-x1-toebox-width.JPG

The widest part of the toebox hovers around 100 mm for workout shoes.

Supportive overlays

Overlays are synthetic materials that crisscross the upper part of the shoe to add strength and support.

nike legend essential 2 price 18709511 main 19174564 720

In some shoes, you will find even more supportive TPU cages or firm foam carriers that provide more support around the heel and on the sides.

nike-air-zoom-superrep-3-stability.JPG

Heel counter

Embedded into the heel portion of the upper, a heel counter is a rigid implant that keeps the heel stable and secure.

The midsole

The midsole is the portion of the shoe between the sole and the upper. Sitting on top of the sole, the midsole is typically made of foam of one type or another (EVA, polyurethane, E-TPU, PEBA, etc.).

Training shoes tend to have firmer midsoles compared to running shoes, especially in the heel (At least by 6%, based on our durometer). This is to ensure that you feel stable when lifting and performing multi-directional movements.

A midsole that uses two types of foam with different densities is referred to as dual-density. This helps to make the heel portion firmer and more stable while keeping the forefoot softer and more responsive for jumps and runs.

The outsole

The outsole is the bottom of the shoe. It is usually made of rubber and has to provide traction, grip, rigidity, and flexion.

reebok-nano-x1-outsole.JPG

Training shoes rely heavily on rubber durability to withstand the wear and tear of active workouts, rope climbs, and outdoor activities.

The average thickness of a rubber layer on training shoes is 4.0 mm. This is 0.5-0.6 mm thicker compared to Fiorelli finley leather lace up sneakers in cream or basketball shoes.

reebok-nano-x1-outsole-thcikness.JPG

Workout shoes also use harder rubber for longevity. For reference, here are the average durometer measurements of the rubber firmness (higher number = firmer):

  • 85.5 - tennis shoes
  • 84.9 - Jil Sander platform sole sneakers Nude
  • 84.1 - workout shoes
  • 81.4 - basketball shoes
  • 79.7 - Fiorelli finley leather lace up sneakers in cream

nike-air-zoom-super-rep-3-outsole-firmness.JPG

How we test workout shoes

As testers, it’s important for us to remain objective and fair. Hence, we commit to the following:

  • Buy our own shoes. When it comes to reviews, we value the truth more than being sponsored.
  • Test shoes in actual workouts. We use the shoes as you would - from warmup and actual exercises up until the cool down. We make sure that our workouts are as varied as possible so we can collect more data. Consequently, we report only as experienced. It’s easy for brands to promise things. However, we only describe what transpired. If we say it’s good, it’s because we actually experienced it.
  • Do rigorous lab testing. We check the different parameters of the shoes, including breathability, flexibility, and more. For strength exercises, we prefer something that's stable. To test for stability, we check various things such as the midsole's firmness, the platform's width, and even the shoe's resistance to bending.
Author
Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo

Nick combines 10+ years of experience in the health and fitness industry and a background in the sciences in his role as the Fitness Research Director. During his competitive powerlifting years his PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Bodybuilding.com, LiveStrong, Healthline, WebMD, WashingtonPost, and many more. Along the way, collaborating with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.