If you like to float through various activities at the gym, you need a good pair of sports shoes. These shoes are made for a variety of workouts, from CrossFit to weight training to running.
We made sure to include designs that boast a low profile for a wide range of motion and are made from lightweight and durable materials that can keep up with your entire dance card.
It was also important to include designs that really contour to your foot shape and provide excellent lockdown for quick and agile movement. Versatility is key, which is why many of the designs we’ve chosen have flexible frames with flexible cushioning.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of our very favorite sports shoes that work for just about anything.
Top 5 Best Sports Shoes in 2022
We make a list of the best sports shoes where we picked the 5 best shoes. Select the best one for yourself.
01. Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0
If you need to move, the CrossFit Nano 8.0 from Reebok is a great choice. It boasts a lightweight and breathable upper to keep feet cool and dry and offers athletes flexibility and versatility for a variety of workouts and movements. Whether you want to hit the racquetball court, treadmill, weight room, or Zumba class, this design is able to keep up with you wherever you go!
High-intensity movements put less force on your foot box as you make quick turns at high speeds. The addition of a toe section design in the toe box increases stability at the tip of the foot and allows you to move with ease.
It boasts flex grooves on the durable rubber outsole for excellent traction that really lets you pick the pace as needed.
It boasts a low profile for excellent movement in the ankle. The upper is made of lightweight Flexweave material that molds to the shape of your foot and eliminates the possibility of hot spots. This material stretches to contour to the shape of your feet and works to keep your feet dry during intense training sessions.
02. Adidas Cloudfoam is pure
Quick and agile movements require a trainer that’s lightweight and flexible, and Adidas’ Cloudfoam Pure checks all those boxes. What we love most about this versatile design is that it’s made of super-lightweight materials that offer plenty of flex and are incredibly breathable. The best part? It comes at a super affordable price point that won’t break the bank.
It boasts a grippy rubber outsole that provides traction and stability for the weight room, Zumba class, or even a nice jog around the neighborhood. What users love most about this design is that it truly adapts to the shape of your feet so you can move quickly and nimbly.
The best part of the CloudFoam Pure (besides the super affordable price point) is that it provides users with a thin layer of memory foam that helps absorb impact and also helps shape your feet over time. It’s a great option for those who need something minimal for quick movement while still providing plenty of support.
03. Nike Metcon 5
The Nike Metcon model is a favorite among many athletes, and its 5th model comes with many more features that make it even better! If you want a versatile sports shoe that you can work out, run a little, and use comfortably for several activities, then you’ll love these!
In terms of durability, these shoes are designed for intense workouts. They have a rubber outsole and feature 3D Haptic technology to increase their overall durability and extend their lifespan.
If you want a pair of flexible shoes, these take a while to get there because they have some break in. However, once you get used to them you will find that they are really flexible, flexible and allow for a full range of motion.
This sports shoe has a secure and comfortable fit, all sizes run narrow—so make sure you get the right size. If you have wide feet, these shoes may be more difficult to fit. They do, however, provide good cushioning and great support and stability.
04. Reebok Eurflex 10
A customized fit with an integrated lacing system and a high heel drop for cushioning combined with a high-tech outsole means your every step will feel stronger and your performance will be at its best ever. The Yourflex Train 10.0 MT training shoe supports hardcore workouts in style and with all-around, stellar technology.
These running shoes are quite durable and long-lasting. We’ve had some durability issues reported from real users–but you need to make sure you don’t take these running shoes on technical terrain or places they weren’t designed to hold up to.
Feet feel one with this sports shoe thanks to the extraordinary memory tech sock liner. Meet muscles and tendons you never knew existed with shoes that both support your own natural abilities and introduce you to new body strengths and abilities. At just 7.2 ounces, this lightweight affair is packed with engineering to enhance your ride – or any other athletic pursuit.
05. New Balance MX40V1
This option, also known as the Minimums, is in the lightweight sports shoe category, which does a good job of balancing these factors with durability and stability. This allows users to transition between running, weightlifting, and other training activities without worrying about their footwear.
For the most part, it holds up well to repeated long-term use, but there have been a few mentions of the outsole rubber starting to wear down faster than it should. We often make trade-offs with lightweight shoes like these.
When it comes to comfort, these running shoes offer loads of it. They are really lightweight and provide excellent durability. They won’t weigh you down and help you get through your workout pain-free.
How to choose the best sports shoes?
Fit
When buying shoes just for running, especially if you regularly run distances of 10 miles or more, it may be a good idea to size up a bit larger than you normally would. This will allow you to maintain a good fit as your legs swell as there is blood pooling over many miles and some swelling.
For multi-sport shoes, however, you may want to consider getting something truer than your actual size because you’re doing activities that require a lot of lateral movement when wearing these shoes, and you don’t want your feet to slide around. At best it can be uncomfortable, at worst it can cause injury.
Durability
It goes through every runner’s mind, no one wants to go to the store and buy a shoe that has a short lifespan, what’s the point if you have to waste money for the same result?
We all want something that can last the test of time. We looked for an ingredient that would not disappoint and could serve well. You will consider the leather upper for support and durability in most cases.
Flexibility
You want something flexible that allows your feet to move in different directions around the gym or training field. If the shoes are not flexible, your feet will be uncomfortable and your freedom of movement will be limited.
But there’s a trade-off, and flexibility often comes at the cost of support and stability. Also, flexible shoes are often very light, which can be a good thing, but that doesn’t make them as durable because lighter-weight materials are usually less inherently durable.
Comfort
Cushioning is a big factor here, but too much cushioning isn’t necessarily a good thing because a highly cushioned shoe will be heavier and less responsive than ideal for this type of use. As always, it’s about finding the right balance between cushioning and performance, comfort, and stability.
All of the shoes on our list are rated as comfortable by real-life users, but some are more so than others. See individual comfort scores in each product review to help you find the best pair of sports shoes for you.