My favorite gym shoes
When you’re on your feet all day training clients, working out, or sneaking in a run, the right shoes make all the difference. I’ve tested (and worn out) my fair share of gym shoes, so here’s the rundown on my go-to pairs—what I love, what I don’t, and what you should definitely not run in!
Before I dive in, just a quick note—these are my personal opinions! Every foot is different, so what works for me may not work for you. Always try on shoes and find what feels best for you!
🚀 Clifton Hokas – My All-Time Favorite
I’ve gone through four pairs of these, which tells you just how much I love them. They’re super comfortable for standing all day and work well for both strength training and running. The only downside? They don’t last as long as I’d like—but to be fair, I put them through a lot!
🏃♀️ Brooks Glycerin Stealth Fit – Best for Running
I have three pairs of these, and while they’re not my favorite for standing all day, they are hands-down my go-to running shoes. They’re cushioned, supportive, and feel great when I hit the pavement.
🦶 Bondi Hokas – Long Days, Minimal Running
These are my long-day-on-my-feet shoes. If I have a packed schedule and need max comfort, I’ll reach for them. Running in them? Not so much. But for all-day wear, they get the job done!
🚫 Flux – Amazing for Standing, Awful for Running
Flux shoes are awesome for a long day on my feet… as long as I don’t try to run in them. The one time I did? Blisters. Everywhere. Consider yourself warned.
💁♀️ Brooks Levitate – Cute but… Run Small
One of the cutest pairs I own, but they run small and squish my toes a little too much. They’re fine for short wear, but if I have a long day ahead, I leave them on the shelf.
👟 Hoka Carbons – Cute but Clown-Like
These are adorable, but they run big, so I feel like I’m wearing clown shoes. They don’t get as much action as my other Hokas, but I keep them around because, well… they’re cute!
Final Thoughts
Shoes are super personal—what works for me might not work for you! But if you’re looking for all-day comfort, solid running options, or just a cute sneaker that (kind of) works, hopefully, this list helps. Have a favorite gym shoe I should try? Let me know!
Disclaimer:
These are just my personal opinions based on my experience wearing these shoes for different activities. Every foot is different, and what works for me might not work for you! If I didn’t like a pair enough for a specific use, I would have returned them—so while some may not be my all-time favorites, they still serve a purpose in my lineup. Always try on shoes and see what feels best for your feet before committing! 😊👟
