The 11 Best Workout Shoes to Hit the Gym Hard in 2023

When it comes to working out, there’s one word that I’m sure you hear a lot: foundation. Trying out a new spin bike? Make sure you have a solid foundation of resistance. Going for a P.R. on a snatch or clean? Keep your stance firm with a stable foundation. And when it comes down to what is best to wear to your workout? Well, it all starts with your foundation: Gym shoes.

A pair of good gym shoes is the literal base of your workout, and you need the right ones if you expect to hit your 2023 fitness goals. Before you pick your pair, it’s important to think about what kind of workout you intend to do in them. It may seem obvious, but there’s a big difference between a seven-mile run and a heavy lifting session, and thus, your shoes must reflect this difference. You may just want a more generalized pair, in which case a cross trainer is going to be your best bet. Once you decide on the type of sneaker you want, consider fit, material, and heft. You want a shoe that’s snug but not too snug. A shoe that’s breathable but well-made. A shoe that’s lightweight but supportive. And then, only once you’ve narrowed it down through all this criteria, can you choose your sneaker’s look.

We know it’s a lot to consider so don’t worry about trying to remember it all. We’ve made it easy by rounding up the 11 best workout shoes, from basketball high-tops to running sneakers, and have covered all of the bases. Get your head (and your feet) in the game.