Best Workout Shoes For Women 2025
Finding the perfect workout shoes for your fitness goals and personal needs is a dizzying task, due in part to the sheer breadth of the space and variety of options available. Luckily, my active colleagues and I have spent years testing dozens of shoes to bring you a high-quality, high-performance selection of the best workout shoes for women. Now, no single shoe is truly the best for everyone—every body is different—but if you’re unsure where to start, these options will set you on the right path. Based on our findings, the On Cloud X 4 stands out as the top pick for most activities, thanks to its versatility and comfort.
Work up a sweat in a pair of the best workout shoes for women.
To narrow down contenders and evaluate models for this list, we reviewed a variety of shoes across activity types to see if they meet the demands of specific workouts, offer a comfortable, breathable fit and provide the right level of stability and support for the task at hand. We also gathered first-person feedback from staffers who actually wear these shoes for their fitness activities, to shed light on how these shoes perform and hold up in real life. Below, the best workout shoes for women, and tips for selecting the best pair for your needs.
Sizes: 5-11 | Weight (per pair): 15.9 ounces | Width: Standard | Drop: 7mm
Swiss footwear and apparel brand On has been around for well over a decade, but it really hit its stride in recent years. While some of its shoes are built specifically for racing and others lean toward street style, the Cloud X 4 is a versatile training shoe designed to handle a variety of workouts. It’s not the fastest or lightest shoe on this list, but it’s flexible, well cushioned and has decent traction, rendering it a good option for static strength training, low-impact cardio and shorter runs.
“I’ve never experienced any discomfort or pain after wearing them for several miles or after a full day of being on my feet,” says Forbes Vetted’s senior mattress and sleep editor, Bridget Chapman, of the shoes. “They’re also nicely ventilated, so my feet don’t get hot wearing them like they do in some other workout shoes.”
That said, it’s worth considering your specific activity preferences before investing in the Cloud X 4, as it may not check every box. While On recommends this shoe for HIIT workouts and other explosive movements, Chapman found that the cushioning was not the most comfortable for sustained, repetitive jumping; its lateral stability also falls short compared to a dedicated cross trainer like the Nike Metcon 9. Still, it’s a shoe you can slip on without much thought for most workouts, and thanks to its lightweight design, you’ll barely notice it’s there.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team researches, tests and reviews dozens of shoes each year, covering everything from hiking boots to walking shoes to camping slippers. Our approach incorporates staffers with different backgrounds and abilities, which makes it possible to evaluate footwear from multiple perspectives before making our recommendations.
- Forbes Vetted gear editor and author of this guide, Cam Vigliotta, has spent over six years testing outdoor, health and wellness gear. With a background in kinesiology, he’s worked alongside athletes over the years who depend on reliable, high-performance footwear. He regularly puts his favorites through their paces while running, hiking, skiing, biking and traveling.
- This guide was reviewed by Forbes Vetted editorial director, Brinda Ayer, a dedicated runner and fitness devotee with more than a decade of experience in lifestyle journalism.
- We tapped our Forbes Vetted colleagues who test products for a living to get their take on the shoes in this guide. Senior mattress and sleep editor, Bridget Chapman, has trained in earlier versions of the On Cloud X; senior branded content editor, Victoria Hess, wears the Brooks Ghost 16 primarily for running; and updates writer, Alexandra Garrett, walks and does some running in the Hoka Clifton 9. We also relied on previous conversations with Dr. Chloe Costigan, PT, of Mobility-Doc, for additional insights on how to choose appropriate footwear for workouts of various kinds.
- We put this guide together by pairing expert advice with real-world perspectives, so there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a casual runner, a cross-training diehard or a big believer in recovery footwear. The goal of this story is to recommend shoes that aren’t just comfy, but also durable, reliable and ready for whatever you throw at them.
How We Chose The Best Workout Shoes For Women
We evaluated the best workout shoes for women by looking for the following features:
- Comfort: A good workout shoe should be ready for activity the moment you slip it on. We prioritized pairs with reactive cushioning, supportive midsoles and a snug-yet-comfortable fit that won’t lead to hotspots or irritation. Breathable fabrics were another key feature we kept an eye out for, to help keep feet cool and dry during tough workouts.
- Durability: Because workout shoes are put through the wringer during daily activities, we focused on designs made with strong yet flexible materials. Sturdy uppers, durable stitching and grippy outsoles stood out as key features that contribute to a long-lasting shoe.
- Traction: Stability is crucial, whether you’re sprinting, lifting or sweating through high-intensity interval sessions. We selected shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, solid lateral support and firm heel structures to minimize wobbling and keep you steady.
- Workout specificity: Not all workout shoes serve the same purpose, so we made sure to cover a range of activities and needs in our guide. Our picks include running shoes, cross trainers and even recovery footwear.
How To Pick A Workout Shoe
When searching for a pair of workout shoes, it’s worth thinking about how and when you intend to use your shoes, as well as how they fit and the type of support they offer. Here’s what to consider:
Activity Preferences
The best way to find the right workout shoe is to consider what kind of exercise you need it for and to choose a pair designed for that activity. Keep in mind that different activities may require different shoes—running shoes focus on cushioning and smooth forward movement, while cross trainers are built for lateral support and all-purpose movement. Each type of shoe uses different materials and fits just a bit different to match its intended use.
Fit And Construction
A good workout shoe should feel comfortable and deliver a balance of cushioning and support. Dr. Costigan recommends looking for a snug (but not overly tight) fit, plus a style of arch support that complements your foot shape and walking patterns.
Keep in mind that different workouts call for different construction features: Running shoes (whether for the road or trail) come with breathable uppers and supportive midsoles, while cross trainers provide stability and side-to-side support. And even recovery shoes use different types of forgiving foams to offer relief.
And finally, durability is another key factor to consider, because workout shoes endure a lot of wear and tear. High-quality materials, reinforced stitching, sturdy uppers and tough rubber outsoles all make for a longer-lasting shoe.
Stability And Support
A stable shoe is designed to help prevent injuries, no matter what type of workout you do. If you lift weights or partake in HIIT classes, look for shoes with a firm heel, lateral support and a grippy outsole to help with balance. Runners should opt for decent midsole cushioning to absorb shock, and trail runners need both cushioning and aggressive tread to handle uneven terrain.
Sometimes, it takes a few wears to know if a shoe is the right fit. Even if it’s comfortable out of the box, it might not be the perfect shoe once you get to know it. Discomfort can also affect your knees, hips and lower back, so if something feels off, it’s worth trying a different shoe. And once you do find the perfect fit, consider picking up a second pair to rotate them and extend the lifespan of both pairs.
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