Your feet may need some TLC after a day of simply carrying you from place to place. Throw in running a few miles or putting in work at the gym and a few aches could kick in (pun intended). Unless, of course, you have the right sneakers.
A good pair of shoes will cushion and protect your feet in all the right spots, which in turn, can prevent injuries elsewhere, like your ankles, knees or hips. Often times, you need different footwear to fit your workout, too. For instance, a sturdy sole will help with lateral movements during a HIIT class, while sneakers that provide some pep in your step will help propel you through a long run.
No matter what your movement of choice — from road warrior to gym rat to trail blazer — we found the right sneakers for you.
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14 of the Best Sneakers for Every Activity
1. Au Naturel
Best for: Newbie runners
Make picking up your pace a cinch with the Altra Torin 2.5. Designed to help improve running form, it has zero drop (meaning your heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground) to keep your stride natural. It also features plenty of cushioning, plus a wide toe box so you can spread your digits out and distribute your weight evenly. ($125, altrarunning.com)
2. On Cloud 9
Best for: Logging city miles
The woven upper on the Nike LunarEpic Low Flyknits hugs your foot, while a springy, pressure-mapped sole cushions your stride. In other words, you’ll feel like you’re running on clouds, even when you’re actually on concrete. Don’t believe us? Take advantage of Nike’s new trial run option. If you’re not feeling them after 30 days you can send ‘em back, “dirt and all.” ($160, nike.com)
3. Native Territory
Best for: Quick, casual cardio
Made of a smooth, stretchy mesh material, the Topo Athletic ST-2 feels great against your foot — and is super easy to pack flat for on-the-go workouts. The zero-drop bottom also allows your foot to move freely. Wear them for everything from elliptical workouts to plyometrics-packed classes. ($90, shop.topoathletic.com)
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4. Stun ‘Em
Best for: Hybrid training
The Adidas Pure Boost X running shoes come in seriously chic patterns and colors. But they don’t just look cool, they’re also stellar performance shoes. With a uniquely designed sock-like upper that’s lifted from the sole, you get extra arch support and superior bounce back. Get ready to crush your circuit workout and clock some miles — while fielding lots of compliments in the process. ($120, adidas.com)
5. Born to Run
Best for: Frequent, fast running
You: A neutral runner with a forefoot or midfoot strike who wants to run at least four days a week. Your sole mate: The Saucony Zealot Iso 2. With flexible padding that reduces pressure on your forefoot, this shoe protects your joints from impact while promoting push-off on your toes. ($130, saucony.com)
6. Pace Maker
Best for: Mid- to long-distance
Looking for a shoe with extra cushion, but no added weight? Enter the Asics Dynaflyte, featuring the brand’s new FlyteFoam material (three years in the making!). It still gives you bounce back and a soft landing — but doesn’t feel like you’re lugging hefty pounds. Take them to the treadmill or the street to rack up miles, sans soreness. ($140, asics.com)
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7. Go the Distance
Best for: Marathon training
The official sneaker of Olympic marathoner Meb Keflezighi, the Skechers GoMeb Strada 2 will keep your lower half comfy through those long training runs. It has a molded heel cup for a more secure fit, a mesh upper for ventilation and a sole that provides traction. Add those features together and you get a feel-great race finish. ($129, skechers.com)
8. Straight Ahead
Best for: Stability for heel strikers
If you’re prone to overpronation (when your foot rolls inward during a run), check out the 361 Strata. These kicks will help keep your gait in a neutral position, so you can sidestep aches and pains. Even better, the thickness of the heel will keep your feet from throbbing as you max out on mileage. ($150, 361usa.com)
9. Hot Stepper
Best for: Speed workouts
When your training schedule calls for sprint intervals or you want to HIIT it on the treadmill, slip into the Brooks Hyperion sneakers. The super lightweight shoes provide great energy return to help quicken your steps. Meanwhile, the seamless woven upper cradles your foot and maintains breathability. ($130, brooksrunning.com)
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10. Made for Miles
Best for: Back-to-back long runs
Constantly pounding the pavement, particularly during marathon or ultramarathon training, can require some pumped-up padding. That’s just what you’ll get from the Hoka One One Infinite. Though it looks like a platform sneaker, it only weights 9.7 ounces, which is on par (or lighter) than other running shoes. Lace ‘em up if you have a few long-distance races on the calendar. ($120, hokaoneone.com)
11. Float Like a Butterfly
Best for: Bodyweight workouts
Weighing just 3.5 ounces (less than half the weight of most other sneakers on this list), the Under Armour StudioLux Low Fresh is the perfect shoe to throw in your bag to tackle a workout post-work or at your hotel. Ideal for days when you’re into more pulsing than plyometrics, the soft and flexible sole and form-fitting top will get you through each exercise. They’re stylish enough to wear around town, too. ($80, underarmour.com)
12. Tough Enough
Best for: CrossFit (or any high-intensity training)
Of course the Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 has a structure to help you crush any WOD, courtesy of a durable midfoot, a sturdy grip and support for lateral movements — without the bulk. The cross-trainers will keep your feet content during double unders, deadlifts, thrusters and more, whether you’re inside the box or out. Feel free to use ‘em for any weight-heavy routine. ($130, reebok.com)
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13. Into the Woods
Best for: First-time trail runners
Go off-roading in the Merrell All Out Crush Shield. These kicks feel light on your feet, but the solid rubber sole keeps rocks and other rough terrain from bothering you. They also have a water-repellent coating to keep your feet dry when trekking through rain, puddles or mud. Not ready to gain speed on gravel? They’re great for hiking too. ($110, merrell.com)
14. Route Ready
Best for: Going from road to trail
Meet the multi-tasker of the bunch, the New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi. NB’s signature Fresh Foam midsole provides a plush rebound on your run, no matter the landscape. What makes this shoe stand out, though, is the outsole upgrade — the tread will keep you from slipping on rocks or mossy paths. ($95, newbalance.com)