THE BEST GYM TRAINERS AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Published: 12/12/2025 | Written by: Kate Hutchinson

Kate Hutchinson has spent a lifetime immersed in sport – from representing England in swimming at the 2010 Commonwealth Games to taking on the HYROX World Championship earlier this year. With decades of training behind her, she’s learned first-hand just how much the right preparation (and the right kit) matters. In this piece, the Sports Direct training ambassador shares her tried-and-tested guide to the best gym trainers and what you should look for when choosing your next pair.

Finding the right gym trainer feels a bit like navigating a fairytale quest: you inevitably have to kiss a few frogs before you finally find your prince. I’ve been training since childhood, but it’s only in the past seven or eight years that I’ve actually thought about what I’m putting on my feet.

In my defence: (A) I’m a millennial who started the gym before influencer culture told us we needed a different shoe for every activity. (B) I was a swimmer and spent most of my time not on land. I popped into the gym to do a few squats and pull-ups, and God knows what I had on my feet. The memory suggests chaos.

I know I’m not alone. Many gym-goers pick shoes without considering their workout type, biomechanics, or support needs. But performance, safety, and comfort genuinely depend on choosing the right trainer. Since moving through the worlds of CrossFit, triathlon, running and, most dominantly for me now, HYROX, I’ve learned (sometimes painfully) that each discipline asks something different of your feet. I’ve tried a lot of shoes, made mistakes I will never repeat, and also found some absolute go-to models that I trust. Below are the best gym trainers I’ve used in 2025: tried, tested, battered, sweated in, and fully lived with.

THE BEST GYM TRAINERS IN 2025 (TRIED & TESTED)

Best for Race Day (Running AND HYROX): PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite

The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite is the official HYROX shoe, and once you try them, you understand why.

These have:

• A carbon plate that feels like it’s literally flicking you forward
• Nitro Elite foam, which is extremely light and springy
• A race-ready rocker that encourages smooth roll-through
• Exceptional grip, especially useful for fast corners and HYROX turns

I’ve run all my recent PBs in them. Some of that is probably psychological, but honestly? They really are that fast.

Best for CrossFit / HIIT Classes (Minimal Running): Nike Metcon 10

The Nike Metcon is the long-reigning queen of CrossFit boxes, and for good reason. It’s an exceptionally durable shoe with a very stable heel, which is exactly what you need for heavy lifts, high-rep strength work, and anything involving dynamic jumping or fast transitions.

Metcons have:

• A very firm heel for stability under squats, lunges, and Olympic lifts
• A wide, flat base that resists lateral collapse during fast changes of direction
• Rope-guard protection across the midfoot (absolutely essential; I once shredded a pair of running shoes doing rope climbs and nearly cried)
• A slightly flexible forefoot so burpees and box jumps don’t feel like you’re wearing bricks

Although I wouldn’t choose Metcons for HYROX (too stiff for running), they do double beautifully for standard HIIT classes, circuit training, and any gym session where stability is the priority.

Best for weightlifting & strength days: Nike Savaleos

I’ll be honest: I’m not built for weightlifting. Years of swimming left me with beautiful plantar flexion (great for kicking!) but not-so-great ankle mobility. The Nike Savaleos, however, make me look and feel far more capable than I probably am.

Here’s why:

• Heel height: roughly a 15mm+ lift, allowing deeper, more upright squats
• Extreme stiffness: the midsole hardly moves, giving a rock-solid platform
• Wide base: improves balance and keeps knees tracking properly
• Torsional rigidity: prevents any foot roll during heavy lifts

If you struggle with depth, ankle mobility, or knee tracking, an elevated-heel lifting shoe like this is a game-changer. Not for HIIT, not for running, not for lunges – but unbeatable for squats, cleans, jerks, and leg-dominant strength days.

Best for easy runs & long runs: Saucony Hurricane 25

These are my guilty-pleasure shoes. They are so comfortable, bordering on luxurious, and I genuinely look forward to putting them on for long, slow Sunday runs. The all-black colourway is iconic.

They’re a stability shoe, so perfect if you pronate or want something that stops your foot collapsing inwards as fatigue builds. What they offer:

• Massive cushioning – you genuinely cannot feel the ground
• Supportive guidance frame to subtly correct gait without being intrusive
• Soft, protective midsole foam designed for slow to moderate paces

The Saucony Hurricane 25  aren’t built for speed; they are too plush and too heavy for that, but for mileage, recovery runs, and low-impact pavement plodding, they’re brilliant.

Best for HYROX Training Sessions: Saucony Endorphin Speed

HYROX training is a weird hybrid. You need a shoe stable enough to drive heavy sleds, but light and fast enough to run 6-8km comfortably. The Endorphin Speed balances both.

They’re:

• Non-carbon, so you avoid overloading ankles on frequent use
• Very responsive (nylon plate) for quality running
• Surprisingly stable through the midfoot, reducing wobble on wall balls, burpee broad jumps, and lunges
• Lightweight, so transitions feel clean

They’re not as grippy as Metcons or dedicated HIIT shoes, but for training sessions where you’re combining running with station practice, they’re the best compromise I’ve found.

Best for Tempo & Hard Runs: adidas Adizero Adios/Evo (non-carbon)

After I confessed to my physio that I’d been doing threshold runs in carbon shoes (rookie mistake), he immediately steered me towards the non-carbon adidas Adizero range.

These are:

• Lightweight and snappy, but without the aggressive stiffness of carbon
• Responsive enough to feel fast, yet still protective
• Structured through the midfoot, giving some stability that pure racing flats don’t have

Perfect for tempo runs, interval sessions, and anywhere you want speed without the risk of loading your shins and ankles excessively.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN GYM TRAINERS: THE ESSENTIAL BUYING GUIDE

Choosing the right shoe is about understanding your training and your body. Here’s what really matters:

1. Match Your Trainer to Your Workout Type

Weightlifting

• Stiff heel and sole: improves power transfer and prevents wobbling
• Elevated heel (15-22mm): allows deeper, more upright squats
• Minimal cushioning: reduces instability under heavy loads

HIIT & Plyometrics

• Flexible forefoot: aids jumping and explosive movements
• Lightweight build: keeps transitions quick
• Breathable uppers: manages heat during high-intensity bursts

Cardio & Classes

• Shock-absorbing midsoles: protect joints during long, repetitive impact
• Grippy outsoles: prevent slipping on studio floors
• Moderate support: enough for lateral movement but without the stiffness of lifting shoes

All-Rounders

• Medium cushioning + medium stability: the best of both worlds
• Adaptable grip: for mixed surfaces (treadmills, gym floors, outdoor pavements)
• Neutral heel-to-toe drop: suits a wide range of activities

2. Understand Key Performance Features

Heel Height vs Heel Drop

• Heel drop (difference between heel and forefoot) affects running mechanics and squat depth.
• Higher drop = easier squatting / heel-striking
• Lower drop = more natural foot strike / midfoot landing

Cushioning & Shock Absorption

• High cushioning: great for long runs and cardio sessions
• Low cushioning: essential for lifting and stability work
• Dual-density foams: support over-pronators or fatigued feet

Stiffness vs Flexibility

• Stiff midsole: stability for lifting and sprinting
• Flexible forefoot: natural toe-off during runs or jumps
• The goal is segmental stiffness: firm at the heel, mobile at the toe.

Outsole Grip

• Gym floors are often dusty or smooth – grip reduces injury risk.
• Deep traction patterns = sled pushes, CrossFit, HYROX
• Flatter outsoles = lifting stability

Breathability

• Mesh or knit uppers prevent overheating
• Reinforced overlays (like rope guards) help durability without trapping heat

3. Fit and Foot Type Matter

Toe Box Width

• Wide toe boxes = natural toe splay, better for lifting
• Narrow = secure feel for speed or agility work

Heel Counter Stiffness

• Firm heel counters stop slipping during lunges and lateral moves
• Softer counters = more comfort for long-distance running

Sizing Tips

• Aim for a thumb’s width of space at the toe
• Feet swell during long, hot sessions – size accordingly
• If between sizes, runners often size up; lifters stay true to size

4. Durability & When to Replace Your Gym Shoes

Signs of Wear

• Midsole feels flat or unresponsive
• Outsole is worn smooth
• Heel slippage begins
• Uneven wear on one side (often a gait issue)

Typical Lifespan

• Running shoes: 300-500 miles (approx. 6–12 months)
• CrossFit shoes: 9-18 months depending on rope climbs and abrasion
• Lifters: several years (minimal impact = slower breakdown)

Brands Known for Longevity

• Nike Metcon (excellent rope and abrasion durability)
• Reebok Nano
• Asics and Saucony for running mileage stability

THE BOTTOM LINE

Choosing the right gym trainer isn’t about trends or aesthetics – it’s about giving your body the support, stability, and confidence it needs to perform at its best. Over the years, through CrossFit boxes, long-distance runs, HYROX race floors, and countless training blocks, I’ve learned (often the hard way) that the right shoe can elevate your session, protect you from injury, and make the entire process feel smoother and more enjoyable.

There’s no single “perfect” trainer for everyone –  only the perfect trainer for your workout the way you move, and your goals. Whether you’re chasing a PB, building strength, or simply trying to move more comfortably, matching your footwear to your training will make a big difference.

If you’re unsure where to start, let your sessions guide your choices. Prioritise stability for lifting, cushioning for longer runs, versatility for hybrid training, and grip for high-intensity work. And remember: even the best shoes don’t last forever. Replacing them at the right time is just as important as choosing them well.

Ultimately, your shoes should feel like partners in your training – reliable, supportive, and ready for whatever challenge you throw at them. And when you find the right pair, you’ll know. They’ll make every session feel just that little bit better.

All images featured are taken from @Katehutchinson.hy Instagram