The 10 Best adidas Gym Shoes for Every Type of Workout
Olivia Cigliano
Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Take a gander around your gym and chances are, you’re going to see a whole bunch of adidas sneakers. They’ve earned the ubiquity: The best adidas gym shoes will support you through a slew of different types of workouts. Though the summer sun will only grow hotter, nothing will stop you from reaching your PRs, so it’s important to refresh your rotation with breathable, upgraded models to power you to the finish line. Whether you’re hitting heavy weights, running sprints, or taking a HIIT class, there’s an adidas gym shoe designed just for you.
Getting the right sneakers for your specific workout is not just for athletic performance, although that’s certainly going to help. It’s safety that’s key here: Running sneakers, for example, can be fitted to your stride type, whether you over-pronate, under-pronate, or move neutrally. Extra cushioning for longer runs protects your joints, and a wider toe box lets your toes grip the ground in the most ergonomic way possible. Keeping your toes and the base of your foot in a comfortable, neutral position sets up your entire kinetic chain for success. Sustained correct form lowers your risk of foot, ankle, knee, and back injuries in the gym. Moral of the story? Good form starts at the feet.
Safety and performance aside, adidas also makes some of the best sneakers of all time — ones we actually want to wear from the gym to a lunch date (not unlike gym-lovers like Olivia Wilde and Jennifer Lopez). The brand has been turning its innovative shoe materials and tech into stylish sneaker silhouettes since 1949 — and, matched with an eye for detail, this has made adidas’ running shoes and adidas’ walking shoes some of the best in the game. Consider the Adizero Adios Pro 3 that reinvented the already-innovative super shoe category with skeleton rods rather than a full-carbon plate, or the new Dropset 3 Training Shoe that means serious business with sweat-wicking uppers and gippy close-to-the-ground Traxion outsoles.
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adidas has an extensive assortment of gym shoe options to choose from in varying styles and levels of support. We created this guide to the best adidas gym shoes to put all the research in one place, with expert tips and product picks — all to find the best pair for anyone’s workout needs.
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 adidas Gym Shoes of 2024
Footwear News Shop editors are constantly testing the latest gym shoe releases from adidas, and this guide reflects our top picks after several rounds of sneaker testing. We assessed the range of workout shoes for this guide, including super shoes, trail running shoes, weightlifting shoes, cross-training shoes, and more. We paid special attention to models that are universally comfortable and supportive for different foot types and activity levels to pinpoint the best of the best. Since adidas’ wide selection of gym shoes applies to a variety of workouts, we selected our top three that excel in their category and can also apply to different modes of training.
We evaluated our Editor’s Choice adidas gym shoes based on key criteria, such as full-foot comfort, essential support, underfoot stability, and long-term durability. Below, view our top recommendations:
- adidas Ultraboost Light Shoes: This best-selling running shoe doubles as an all-around gym shoe for any workout on your schedule. Its ultra lightweight design bodes well for hot weather activities, whether you’re walking, running, or enjoying a workout outdoors. A lighter version of adidas’ groundbreaking Boost midsoles power every stride, while stretchy mesh uppers feel as light and comfortable as socks on your feet. While they’re technically a running shoe, the firm cushioning provides a solid foundation for weightlifting or HIIT workout classes.
- adidas Adizero Boston 12 Shoes: Looking for cushioned running shoes that can go the distance? You’ll be hard-pressed to find long-distance running shoes that beat the Adizero Boston 12 sneakers. Super-stacked, thick midsoles offer impressive impact absorption for brisk launches and soft landings, while unique Energyrods aid in stability through transitions. Wear them for the race or a lap around the park — these comfy and durable trainers will take you far.
- adidas Dropset 3 Training Shoes: If weightlifting is your exercise of choice, the newly released Dropset 3 training shoes will keep you glued to the ground while you focus on building strength. With Traxion outsoles, a minimal midsole drop, and dual-density cushioning, this new model delivers stability in spades. The midsole cushioning also provides a springy feel for explosive movements that’s ideal for HIIT workouts.
Best for: Running, walking, and cross-training
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 5 to 18
Colorways: White, black, pink, and more
Materials: Primeknit, Boost, rubber
Additional features: 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester
Pros: Flexible footbed, lightweight breathable upper, heel and arch support
Cons: Toe box runs narrow for wide feet
Editor testing and review notes: “I tested the Ultraboost Light Running Shoes at various paces and felt it was most comfortable at my natural, easy-going everyday pace. The Primeknit material throughout the upper is top-notch and very comfortable, and fits so snugly against my foot that I didn’t need to tie the laces to get a good fit. I found the Ultraboost Light to be moderately cushioned running and walking shoes. With a 10 millimeter heel drop, most cushioning comes under the heel and then tapers off to a more sensitive feel under the forefoot. Between the large amount of cushioning under the heel and a steep heel drop, the Ultraboost Light caters to more of a mid-to-heel foot striker, and makes for a great everyday shoe for getting you from A to B with ease and support.”
What testers say: “These are soft and comfortable. They’re great for running, a long day at work, or hanging out with your family or friends. Good-looking shoes and love the color options.”
Comfort: 4.9/5 rating | Foot Support: 5/5 rating | Energy Return: 4.9/5 rating | Durability: 4.9/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $114
Best for: All-distance running
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 4 to 15
Colorways: White and silver, black and white, yellow, blue, and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike2.0 EVA cushioning, Energyrods, upper made with at least 50% recycled content
Pros: Rocker heel aids in effortless strides and prevents foot strain, roomy toe box for wide feet
Cons: May take time to slip on due to the stiff upper
Editor testing and review notes: “From the mesh upper through the elegant molded foam midsole and all the way down to the racing tire inspired outsole, these top adidas sneakers reflect a design that screams speed. Across all of my walks and runs, I appreciated the excellent security in the forefoot which really ramped up my energy transfer, and the surprisingly roomy toe box kept my foot feeling great.”
What testers say: “Expensive, but worth the money. It’s got to be said: quite an effort to put on. But once they’re on, they’re great.”
Comfort: 5/5 rating | Foot Support: 5/5 rating | Energy Return: 4.9/5 rating | Durability: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Best for: Weightlifting, strength training, HIIT
Size range: Women’s 5 to 19; men’s 4 to 18
Colorways: White, red, black, green, gray, yellow, and more
Materials: Textile, Traxion outsoles
Special features: Dual-density midsole, high-grip outsole
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Toe box may be too narrow for wide feet or long toes
Comfort: 4.9/5 rating | Foot Support: 5/5 rating | Stability: 5/5 rating | Durability: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Size range: Men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Black, Clear Pink, Lucid Lemon
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: Lightstrike Pro midsole; carbon-infused EnergyRods
Pros: True-to-size fit; highly cushioned
Cons: Upper may feel scratchy
What testers say: “I have never run faster, since I started running on these shoes. Consistently run 10K under 7 minute mile. Ran the 2024 OC Half Marathon in 1 hour 35 minutes- bronze medal in my age group. Recovered that evening with no soreness the next day. This is my 2nd pair of the Adizero Adios Pro 3. Comfortable and bouncy, yet responsive — my highest cadence measured in spm.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 6.5 to 18
Colorways: White, Scarlet, Black, Green Spark, Royal Blue, and more
Materials: Sandwich mesh, rubber
Special features:
Pros: Bouncy
Cons: Tongue moves around
What testers say: “I love the cushioning in these shoes. I have a problem with my hip and the cushioning absorbs the impact.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Size range: Women’s 5 to 15; men’s 6 to 16
Colorways: Core Black, Cloud White
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: Bounce midsole, two-layer mesh upper, sock-like fit
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Less durable than other options
What testers say: “Exceptionally comfortable shoes with sleek styling. Perfect for everyday wear or the gym.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $85
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 6.5 to 15
Colorways: Black, White, Gray
Materials: 3D-printed Midsole; PrimeKnit upper
Special features: Upper made with 50% recycled materials
Pros: Lattice midsole nearly impossible to break down over time
Cons: Flexible on top foot but stiff fit underfoot
What testers say: “Great all around shoe, very comfortable for walking, running, hiking, etc. This is by far the best shoe I’ve ever purchased and is so comfortable!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Size range: Women’s 4.5 to 17; men’s 3.5 to 16
Colorways: Black, Linen Green, Lucid Lemon, and more
Materials: Canvas upper; rubber outsole
Special features: Lace strap
Pros: Stable, dense midsole
Cons: Limited uses; runs narrow
What testers say: “I finally decided to invest in weightlifting shoes, and I couldn’t be happier. My squats are deeper because these shoes provide a nice sold base.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $184
Size range: Women’s 5 to 15; men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Black and white, charcoal and white
Materials: Vegan materials, stiff nylon insole
Special features: Two-bolt cleat compatible;
Pros: Water-resistant
Cons: Rigid construction
What testers say: “Perfect urban bike shoes, easy to walk around in them and still solid enough to power through on the pedals. If you’ve worn Sambas and the fit was good, these will feel the same.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
The Best adidas Shoes for Different Types of Workouts
First, consider what your movement looks like. Running? Walking? Lifting? Your foot needs vary depending on the activity, says podiatrist Dr. Mike Rushton, co-founder and medical director of custom orthotics lab Forward Motion. He recommends considering your own specific anatomical requirements to avoid the most common foot conditions and ailments.
For plantar fasciitis woes, seek out shoes with “decent arch support, good stability side to side and a solid heel counter,” Rushton says. You’ll want to look for the same features in a pair if you have heel spurs, though anyone with heel-specific pain might want extra, but not gratuitous, cushioning in the heel to avoid too much impact.
- Walking: For the best adidas walking shoes, look for styles with a strong heel counter, Rushton says. “You may want a shoe that’s firm, without too much stretch, that will hold your forefoot in place. With walking shoes, you’re not pounding the pavement as much as when you’re running, so you don’t need quite as much cushioning.”
- Running: If you’re looking for a running shoe that can work for you indoors on a treadmill (where there aren’t unexpected changes in elevation or uneven footing), go with a running sneaker that’s cushioned and you like the response feel of. Consider shoes with substantial traction that can hold up to repeat wear and tear on a treadmill.
- Cross-training: Cross-training might include running, walking, jumping, or lifting, and a cross-training shoe is a good middle-of-the-road option. “It has less cushion than a running shoe but is softer than a walking shoe,” Rushton says, and is a great all-purpose shoe that lets you switch between activities. “Don’t get a plain walking shoe to use as a cross-trainer,” he adds. “You may want cushioning for pickleball one day and stability for hiking the next.” A true cross-training shoe will offer a little bit of everything.
- Lifting: Underfoot stability is key for strength training and weightlifting. They can either be entirely flat or have an elevated heel, depending on personal preference, but they should always have a firm grip to the ground to prevent injury. Prioritize rubber outsoles or Traxion outsoles that lack thick cushioning and create a sturdy base to distribute weight. You’ll also want to make sure the shoe features a snug and secure fit.
The Best adidas Workout Shoes for Different Foot Types and Conditions
- Best adidas Gym Shoes for Flat Feet: The best adidas gym sneakers for flat feet should have a wider-lasted design with a regular heel area but with more space around the forefoot and ball of the foot than a typical shoe. A wider shoe option will help cradle the foot and avoid painful pinching, chafing, and rubbing for people with flat feet.
- Best adidas Gym Shoes for High Arches: Sneakers for high arches should have soft support. “High-arched feet are best treated with supportive, softer and more flexible, lightweight types of soles to accommodate the high arch,” says NYC-based podiatrist Dr. Jackie Sutera. “Avoid rigid, stiff, and thin flat shoes. The purpose of insoles and orthotics for those with high-arched feet is to accommodate, absorb shock, and cushion.”
- Best adidas Gym Shoes for Wide Feet: Wide feet need room to breathe so you can keep all ten toes on the ground rather than smushed up together. For the best gym shoes for wide feet, a roomy toe box is essential.
- Best adidas Gym Shoes for Overpronation: Stability running shoes can help limit some of the excess motion and stress that’s placed on overpronated feet, Dr. Splichal says. Special features found in running shoes for overpronation can help improve foot control and posture to prevent injuries and strain from impact forces.
- Best adidas Gym Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Comfort is key when shopping for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Dr. Brian Eckenrode, Associate Professor and Director of the Running Injury Clinic at Arcadia University, recommends that “motion-control or stability-type running shoes are often preferred for runners with severe to mild pronation, respectively,” and that “runners with plantar fasciitis should also consider the amount of heel drop in the construction of the shoe.” A higher heel drop might help make up for some mobility restriction.
How We Selected the Best adidas Gym Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
Just as adidas is always innovating and coming out with fresh materials, we’re always testing those new designs. For our best adidas gym shoes story, we tapped a few experts to tell us what they look for in great workout shoes, as well as what details could hinder certain types of workouts. We talked to those experts, researched the current state of the sneaker market, and tried our hand at a few sneakers ourselves to come up with this list of the eight adidas workout sneakers that truly do it best.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Mike Rushton is the co-founder and medical director of custom orthotics lab Forward Motion. He has 13 years in private practice specializing in conservative care and orthotic therapy. He is also the Co-Founder of JM Orthotics and developer of semi-rigid heat molding material utilized for direct molding in podiatry.
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera is a surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine, practicing at City Podiatry in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Dr. Sutera is also a member of the Vionic Innovation Lab, where she helps the brand develop supportive footwear technology designed to enhance foot health.
Dr. Brian Eckenrode is the Associate Professor and Director of the Running Injury Clinic at Arcadia University. He received his Master of Science degree in physical therapy from Arcadia University, transitional DPT from Temple University, and PhD in Health Sciences from Rutgers University. Dr. Eckenrode has over 20 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist and has been a board-certified orthopaedic clinical specialist since 2005. Dr. Eckenrode has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles, written book chapters, and presented at national and international physical therapy and orthopaedic professional meetings.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. Cigliano regularly reports on adidas gym shoes and has tested a number of sneakers on this list.
